Note: This article was originally shared in SACE’s free newsletter, “Wired In,” which includes relevant articles, media clips, and actions to take. Join us to receive Wired In once a month in your inbox.
As summer heat gives way to the chill of fall and the trees across our region transform from lush green to coppery reds, oranges, and golds, we reflect on the winding down of a year and the larger context of our present moment.
There has been no shortage of chaos, political sniping, and misinformation this year. We have witnessed the most aggressive attacks on clean energy, environmental protections, and factual information in my lifetime. The chaos and rapidity of change can feel overwhelming and disorienting, which is part of the current administration’s strategy, but this requires all of us to stay grounded, embodied, and clear-eyed.
Amidst this, SACE is celebrating 40 years of action on clean energy, consumer protection, and promoting safe and healthy energy policies across the Southeast. With this experience, we have gained perspective and resolve. So, when the new administration’s leaders claim climate disruption is no longer an issue, reduce staff focused on solutions, cut program and research funding, and remove climate-related websites in an effort to deprioritize and wish this existential issue away, we know in our bones and from deep experience that the underlying core science remains unaffected by words, policy shifts, and executive orders.
We’ve seen attempts to play this game before. But in the real game of life – on a planet made of oceans, hydrological and thermodynamic atmospheric systems, fragile forests, and waterways with flood zones – we understand there are stubborn fact cards that “trump” any poorly conceived and politically-motivated policy cards that attempt to whitewash fossil fuels.
We understand the damage that is being done by whipsaw policy and the lack of consistent engagement to reduce toxic pollution and risk, but grounding and being clear-eyed also requires context. That is why this piece by Michael Barnard on how the current administration’s action may slow but not stop the clean energy transition caught my eye. It emphasizes that two things can be true at the same time: this can be the most environmentally destructive administration in decades, and we are deploying more clean energy solutions than ever before.
This week, we released our “Solar in the Southeast” eighth edition report with clear examples of how some major utilities in our region are making big investments in solar power, not as a curious “alternative” technology, but as a proven low-cost, low-risk, fast-to-deploy workhorse technology to meet demand with no emissions once deployed. Are we moving fast enough? No. Can we do more to slow and reverse the damage? Absolutely. Find a link to the report here.
In Georgia, there are statewide elections happening now with election day on Tuesday, November 4th, for two seats on the state Public Service Commission (PSC), the body with the most direct impact on energy choices and electric bills in the state. This is a pivotal election, as are many local elections happening throughout the region. Do not allow the intentional chaos cause you to take your eyes off the prize. Vote and speak your passion – together, we are the Clean Energy Generation, please join us.
To view the entire October 2025 “Wired In” newsletter, click here.
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