CLEANPOWER PAC is an essential tool that enables ACP to participate in the political process. Given lawmakers’ busy schedules, one of the best ways to secure intimate, industry-focused facetime with key policymakers is through political fundraising events. At these events, ACP staff and members can advocate for and educate lawmakers about essential industry policies, helping to advance ACP’s policy agenda and build political power.

Under federal election campaign laws, trade associations cannot use general treasury funds to contribute to federal or state elections. CLEANPOWER PAC makes political contributions to candidates using personal, non-corporate funds contributed by individuals of member companies and ACP staff. CLEANPOWER PAC is a registered 501(c)6 PAC and operates in strict conformity with federal election campaign laws.

Before soliciting contributions, an authorized representative of a company must fill out a Prior Approval Form. The form allows CLEANPOWER PAC to solicit managers and executives of your company for personal contributions. Completing the authorization form does not obligate you in any way to support or contribute to CLEANPOWER PAC.

All contributions must be personal, not corporate. Contributing to CLEANPOWER PAC is a voluntary decision. In accordance with the law, ACP may accept contributions from U.S. citizens only. ACP will not give any advantage or disadvantage if any person decides to contribute or not.

An individual or company PAC can contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year.

The PAC is run jointly by the ACP Federal Affairs Team and the CLEANPOWER PAC Committee. The CLEANPOWER PAC Committee consists of representatives from member companies who are selected from the ACP Federal Affairs Committee.

ACP takes the following factors into account when determining whether contributions shall be made from CLEANPOWER PAC funds to a particular candidate:

• The candidate’s position on issues important to the renewable energy industry.
• The candidate’s experience and influence in the policy-making process, including whether the candidate holds a leadership position or is likely to hold such a position in the future.
• The candidate’s voting record and past leadership on issues of concern to the renewable energy industry.
• The renewable energy industry’s presence within the candidate’s district or state. 
• The nature and strength of the candidate’s opposition in primary and general elections. 
• The integrity and character of the candidate.