January, 2016
Young Conservatives for Energy Reform Monthly Newsletter
 We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that your New Year is off to a great start. Young Conservatives for Energy Reform is excited for what is ahead in 2016, while remembering what a successful year we had in 2015. Last year saw the cost of renewable energy continue to decrease the price of solar panels has fallen 80 percent since 2008, while wind power in the US has reached the record 80 gigawatt (GW) mark. In 2015, numerous corporations continued to get behind clean energy, as 53 global companies, including Google, Wal-Mart, Apple, Ikea, and Microsoft, announced plans to operate using 100 percent renewable energy.
 Young Conservatives for Energy Reform had a successful 2015 in the private sector, but there were also incredible strides in the public sector. There was promotion and increasing support for clean energy within the halls of both, federal and state governments. In April, legislation sponsored by Republican Senator Rob Portman (OH), known as the “Energy Efficiency Improvement Act”, to promote energy efficiency with a business-friendly manner in America’s commercial buildings, passed in the House and Senate and became law. In October, Republican Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Lamar Alexander (R-TN.), and Mark Kirk (R-Il) formed the “Energy and Environment Working Group”, in the US Senate.
This informal work group will focus on conservative policies to address the environment, and clean energy innovation that will help drive job creation and increase the level of support of other GOP Senators. In the 2015 budget, passed by the House and Senate in December, there was approval of multiyear extension of tax credits on new energy projects in both solar and wind, which have been crucial to the rapid expansion of renewable energy across the country.
 A special thank you to Senator Heller (R-NV) for his leadership in getting the tax credits extended. This same legislation also lifted a 40-year-old ban on the export and sale of U.S. crude oil to other countries, further strengthening our economy through American-made energy.
We look forward to a great 2016 with many events all around the country including an event at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland and our annual Clean Energy Summit in Washington in September.
--- Michele Combs, Founder & Chairman, Young Conservatives For Energy Reform
YC4ER Member Spotlight: Angel Garcia, National Outreach Chairman
 YC4ER is proud of our great members and leaders all across the country doing their part to promote meaningful energy reform. In an effort to highlight the hard work and dedication of our members, YC4ER will spotlight an outstanding member in each month’s newsletter. January’s YC4ER Spotlight Member is our National Outreach Director, Angel Garcia.
Angel grew up in Chicago, and still calls the “Windy City” home, now residing in McKinley Park. Angel first became involved with YC4ER in 2014 and quickly became the Illinois State Chairman, thanks to his charisma and passion for promoting clean energy issues.
Angel received his law degree from the John Marshall Law School, and his MBA from the Brennan School of Business. Angel began his career at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where he worked on the trading floor and later in the Market Regulation department.
Today, he runs his own law and consulting firm. As an attorney, he counsels his clients on criminal and civil matters. In addition to his legal work, Angel has been active in politics since an early age, working on various local, congressional, and gubernatorial campaigns for Republican candidates. In 2012, Angel was elected and served as a delegate for Governor Mitt Romney to the Republican National Convention. Angel has frequently been seen as political commentator on various local news networks, as well as, Telemundo and Univision. We are very honored to have such a great young leader on board and we look forward to working with Angel all around the country this year.
Republican Presidential Primary Debate in Charleston
The first GOP Primary Debate in 2016, was held on January 14th in the state that holds the “First in the South” primary in February, the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina. YC4ER was fortunate to send some of our leaders to the debate, as special guest of the National Republican Party.
Charleston was buzzing with activity for several days, as the Republican National Committee gathered in the city for its quarterly meeting. YC4ER had the opportunity to discuss energy reform with most of the campaigns, and personally visited with Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Ohio Governor John Kasich and Carly Fiorina. We were very happy to see the topic of clean energy mentioned several times throughout the debate, regarding, national security, energy independence, economy and job growth.
YC4ER has noticed that with each GOP Debate, energy reform and clean energy are being discussed more and more! As the popularity of energy reform is only trending upwards we are very excited to also be present for the upcoming Presidential Debate in Manchester, NH in February!
YC4ER in Action
 YC4ER’s mission is to bring together young professional, socially conservative, leaders from across the country in a grassroots effort to influence energy reform, as well as build and strengthen regional and state coalitions through targeted meetings, press releases, and local media outreach efforts.
We have hosted many events around the country over the past few years to bring conservatives together and unite around the common goal of energy reform. Thank you to everyone who has been able to attend our events. For those who have not had a chance to make it to an YC4ER event yet, stay tuned.
Announcements and Events
According to a USA Today poll released this month; 8 out of 10 millennial’s believe the United States should transition to clean or renewable energy by 2030— A goal that would certainly require the leadership of our next president.
Over the coming year, we are planning a host of fun and informational events to highlight the importance of Conservative energy reform, around the country. With 2016 being such an influential presidential election for the future of clean energy in the US, we will have a large presence at this year’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
We are currently working on events in several key states along the presidential campaign trail, as YC4ER continues to educate and advance conservative energy reform among Republicans. Be on the lookout for further details of upcoming YC4ER events, near you!
- February: New Hampshire, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Nevada
- March: Colorado and South Carolina
YCER in the News
Join Us!
Today, young conservatives are playing an active role in government again by uniting to have a voice in public policy. Hundreds of young conservative leaders have been elected to local, state and federal office. They are changing policy and influencing decisions from school boards all the way to the US Congress. Add your voice to the millions across America who have said it's time to educate our citizens in order to bring about pro-business, clean energy development and legislation. You can help by joining with us!
How to get involved:
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