Harvesting American Power: How Clean Energy Strengthens Rural Communities

Key Takeaways:

• American clean energy production creates family-supporting jobs and substantial local tax revenue that powers schools, roads, and emergency services
• Transparent community partnerships and addressing local questions directly build successful domestic energy projects
• ACP’s Local Affairs Committee unites diverse expertise to ensure domestic energy development benefits rural communities while strengthening America’s energy leadership

When clean energy projects take root in rural communities across the country, they bring more than just new infrastructure—they deliver prosperity. These American energy projects generate substantial tax revenue that funds local schools, improves rural infrastructure, and buoys essential community services. Supporting these successful partnerships between communities and energy developers is ACP’s Local Affairs Committee, working to ensure clean energy’s growth strengthens local communities nationwide while increasing American-made energy production.

In ACP’s recent Member Group Spotlight: ACP’s Local Affairs Committee PowerCast, Hilary Clark (ACP’s Senior Director of Social Licensing) hosted an insightful discussion with committee leadership including Stephen Goodin (Chair, NextEra Energy Resources), Lara Hamsher (Vice Chair, AES), Matt Wagner (Past Chair, DTE Energy), and Bevan Augustine (Past Vice Chair, RWE) about the community work they do and the insights they learn from peers in the Local Affairs Committee. These energy veterans shared valuable perspectives on building successful community relationships.

ACP members can join the Local Affairs Committee here.

Building Trust: Community Engagement and Transparent Communication

“Effective local engagement isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about putting the time in with the community stakeholders,” noted Stephen Goodin from NextEra Energy Resources. “When we take time to understand local priorities and demonstrate how our projects support those goals, we’re more likely to achieve permitting success.” The committee emphasizes that early, transparent communication helps communities see how clean energy production can complement local values and priorities.

This foundation of trust creates an environment where communities can fully appreciate the economic advantages that clean energy development brings to rural America.

Delivering Tangible Community Benefits: Local Investment

Clean energy projects are revitalizing rural economies across America. “The tax revenue from these projects often represents the largest investment some communities have seen in decades,” explained Matt Wagner of DTE Energy. “We’ve seen firsthand how this revenue strengthens schools, improves roads, and enhances emergency services.”

According to Lara Hamsher from AES, “When we can demonstrate how harvesting domestic energy resources translates to direct community benefits, we transform the conversation from abstract policy discussions to real kitchen table issues that matter to families.”

Addressing Concerns Respectfully: Commitment to Solutions

The committee recognizes that communities rightfully ask how projects impact their daily lives—from visual considerations to questions about reliability. “Listening is our most powerful tool,” shared Bevan Augustine of RWE. “When concerns arise, we address them with facts, research, and a genuine commitment to finding solutions. This respectful approach builds the trust necessary for successful projects.”

Strengthening America’s Energy Backbone

As America’s demand for electricity grows, the Local Affairs Committee’s work becomes increasingly important to ensuring that the expansion of domestic clean energy options strengthens communities while bolstering American energy security. Clean energy projects represent a unique opportunity to meet our nation’s power needs while delivering tangible local benefits. Through thoughtful engagement, transparent communication, and genuine partnership, the clean energy industry can continue to foster rural economic development while advancing America’s renewable energy goals.

By supporting the responsible development of clean energy resources in communities nationwide, ACP’s Local Affairs Committee is helping to build a more sustainable and economically vibrant future for rural America.

Watch the full Member Group Spotlight: ACP’s Local Affairs Committee PowerCast.