Posted on August 1, 2024 by Ella Dunnigan
This month, ClearPath’s Conservative Climate Leadership Program (CCLP) hosted its inaugural professional development event for early career individuals interested in clean energy policy. CCLP is dedicated to identifying future leaders, helping them to develop professionally and find opportunities on Capitol Hill to work on clean energy issues. At ClearPath, we believe it is the people who drive policy action. To keep America in the lead as the world’s top clean energy innovator, we recognized the need to craft a stable, thoughtfully recruited roster ready to fill policy roles with a passion.
Designed for interns, fellows and emerging professionals, attendees learned from energy policymakers and key stakeholders about clear paths to accelerate their energy careers. At Powering Your Energy Career: Connections and Conversations for Young Energy Professionals in Washington, participants engaged in educational activities related to the energy sector, ranging from a fireside chat with Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) on the importance of having young professionals on the Hill, to a panel discussion with three young energy professionals who all work in different aspects of the industry.
L-R: Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK); Former Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA)
At this event, Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) shared her support of an all of the above energy approach and emphasized the messaging conservatives are using today. She and former Representative Ryan Costello (R-PA) also stressed three themes throughout their fireside chat for young people interested in energy to keep in mind – fearlessness, understanding, and practicing good habits.
Young professionals worked through the complicated process of navigating energy output in a grid activity led by Luke Bolar, Chief External Affairs Officer. They saw the process and existing barriers of implementing innovative clean energy technologies, and why an all of the above energy approach is essential to maintaining grid security. Doubling the output of energy grids by 2050 is a real dilemma for America, so it’s important for young professionals interested in the energy sector to understand the benefits, challenges and outputs of each technology.
Global leadership consultant Steven Van Cohen explained the importance of communication in the workplace and where gaps exist between each generation. He offered tips and tricks to ease some of these differences and construct productive communication methods through various exercises.
ClearPath’s Chief Operating Officer Andrea Steiner moderated a panel with Grant Cummings, Manager at bp, Ashley Higgins, Senate Energy Policy Advisor, and Karly Matthews, VP of Communications at the American Conservation Coalition. The dynamic panel showed attendees that whether it’s a career on the Hill, in the private sector, or in communications, there’s a career pathway to working towards an affordable, clean and reliable energy future.
L-R: Andrea Steiner, Chief Operating Officer, ClearPath; Ashley Higgins, Energy Policy Advisor, Sen. James Lankford (R-OK); Karly Matthews, VP of Communications, American Conservation Coalition; Grant Cummings, Manager, Policy and Federal Government Affairs, bp
All three of the panelists have traveled different paths to arrive at where they are in their careers today; however, they all share the same message for young professionals interested in energy – keep your mind open to the opportunities that are offered to you while finding your passions.
Cummings said, “Energy is evolving and growing” and he’s “never been more optimistic about energy.” The rapidly growing need for clean energy and the development of new, innovative technologies make this sector an exciting place for young, dynamic professionals.
“At ClearPath, we believe ‘people are policy,’” said Steiner. CCLP is able to capture the talent and passion of young professionals, providing them with information and opportunities in the energy sector so they can make the influential difference in the world they crave.
If you are on the Hill and your office would benefit from having an emerging energy expert in your office, reach out to Dana Faught dana@clearpath.org.
Ella Dunnigan was the ClearPath external affairs intern for summer 2024.
