In this blog, we examine the policies and position of Bill Hagerty, the Republican nominee for Tennessee's U.S. Senator. Also in this series we profile Marquita Bradshaw, the Democratic nominee for the seat.
Guest Blog | August 27, 2020 | Elections, Energy Policy, Tennessee
This blog post was written by Brady Watson, former Civic Engagement Coordinator for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
This post is part of a series of blogs examining where 2020 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues. Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.
READ THE ‘WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND’ BLOG SERIES
In this blog, we examine the policies and position of Bill Hagerty, the Republican nominee for Tennessee’s U.S. Senator. Also in this series we profile Marquita Bradshaw, the Democratic nominee for the seat.
Bill Hagerty was born in Gallatin, Tennessee where he was raised and worked on a farm. He later worked in road construction in his youth. After completing a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Vanderbilt University, Hagerty started his business career. From 2011 to 2014, Hagerty served as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2017 to 2019.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Hagerty opposes the Green New Deal and noted that he will do everything in his power to stop it. Hagerty also supports the exploration and development of fossil fuels, per his website. Hagerty also states on his website that he will work to repeal renewable fuels standards and scale back what he feels are excessive environmental regulations on the development of new resources.
In 2011, while he was Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Hagerty said this about solar energy and clean energy in general:
“We’ve seen billions of dollars in capital investment in the solar industry alone in Tennessee,” said Commissioner Hagerty. “Coupled with the investments we’re seeing in energy efficiency, sustainable transportation and other forms of clean energy, the clean energy sector has the potential to truly become a bright spot for Tennessee in terms of job growth.”
Climate Change
Hagerty will “work to eliminate senseless EPA interference and fight to cut unnecessary regulations” according to the section on his website entitled “Supporting Our Farmers.”
Electric Transportation
We were unable to confirm the candidate’s position on this energy-related issue in published media, public records, or the campaign website.
Energy Equity and Energy Burden
We were unable to confirm the candidate’s position on this energy-related issue in published media, public records, or the campaign website.
High-Risk Energy (Coal, Nuclear, Oil, Gas)
Hagerty pledges to fight against what he calls “socialist attempts to ban fracking” and support the exploration and development of fossil fuels, according to an op-ed in Breitbart.
If you are interested in learning more about where your state’s candidates for federal and state office stand on energy, click here to access the entire 2020 blog series. We encourage readers to register to vote well before registration deadlines, which are in early October but vary by state, and vote in the general election on or before November 3, 2020. For voting information in Tennessee, including updates about the impact of COVID-19 on voting, click here. Stay tuned for more posts in this series to come!
READ THE ‘WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND’ BLOG SERIES
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