Brett Patrick: Republicans, too, are backing clean energy

Long Island stands at a crossroads: It can continue along its traditional energy path, or embrace a transformative opportunity to lead in clean energy innovation. With an increasing number of projects focused on clean hydrogen production, battery manufacturing and renewable energy, the region has the potential to create new economic opportunities while addressing environmental challenges.

These investments aren’t just about going green; they reflect core conservative values — economic growth, energy independence and responsible environmental stewardship.

Conservatives have long understood that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand. Former Gov. George Pataki, a Republican, supported the Clean Air Environmental Bond Act, which funded environmental projects across New York, preserving natural resources while also creating jobs and fostering economic activity. It clearly demonstrated that environmental protection can boost the economy, a principle that resonates with conservatives nationwide.

Today, this bipartisan approach continues on Long Island, where members of Congress are advancing policies that embrace market-driven, clean-energy solutions. Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino has been an advocate of preserving local natural treasures like the Great South Bay, while Rep. Nick LaLota has championed sustainable transportation investments.

Long Island leaders are also making strides in promoting clean energy. The Suffolk County Legislature’s presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey, supports public-private partnerships in renewable-energy projects, which have brought significant investment to the county. Conservatives are increasingly advocating market-based solutions to the energy transition.

Garbarino and 21 fellow Republican lawmakers have led an effort to promote clean-energy technologies such as hydrogen production, nuclear energy and carbon capture, which are expected to generate jobs, reduce emissions and contribute to energy independence — all without the need for top-down mandates that could stifle innovation and economic growth. Garbarino and his colleagues are showing that pro-growth, pro-business policies can align with environmental goals.

The economic benefits of clean energy investments extend beyond the environmental sector. Projects like the South Fork Wind Farm, expected to generate thousands of jobs, will help boost Long Island’s economy. And the growing battery-manufacturing industry presents an opportunity to create skilled labor jobs while improving grid reliability.

These investments in clean-energy solutions will not only boost employment, but also help reduce energy costs, making energy more affordable while promoting regional energy independence.

Environmental improvements are another key benefit of investing in clean energy. Long Island has long struggled with the consequences of poor environmental practices, from air pollution to coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change. By embracing clean, American-made energy, we can improve air quality, protect public health and preserve our natural landscapes — while maintaining a robust economy.

Conservatives have long supported market-driven incentives over burdensome regulations. Rather than imposing top-down mandates, energy policies should encourage competition and innovation, empowering the private sector to lead. Federal and state policies should be designed to incentivize the development of new technologies without stifling businesses with unnecessary red tape. Long Island should focus on integrating clean energy with traditional energy sources to create a more resilient, diverse energy grid.

Investment in grid modernization and battery storage will be essential to ensuring that Long Islanders continue to enjoy stable, affordable power. Combining renewable energy with traditional energy sources will provide the flexibility needed to meet energy demand.

Republicans across the country have a valuable opportunity to embrace the clean-energy future that is emerging on Long Island. By supporting investments in clean energy, conservatives can show that their approach to energy policy works: It creates jobs, drives economic growth and enhances environmental protection. Now is the time for Republicans to champion a forward-thinking energy strategy that strengthens the economy, supports American innovation and secures a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Brett Patrick is a branch leader of the American Conservation Coalition and a political science student at Binghamton University, where he is a member of the onors program.