On Tuesday, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) announced its Clean Energy Champions for 2021: U.S. Representatives Frank Lucas (R-OK) and John Curtis (R-UT) and U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH and Mike Braun (R-IN).

CRES annually honors Republican leaders government who have gone above and beyond in driving and supporting clean energy legislation. The four 2021 awardees will be formally recognized at the CRES Clean Energy Champions Reception tonight—the second day of National Clean Energy Week (NCEW). Previous awardees include Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Representative Elise Stefanik (R-LNY), Governor Charlie Baker (R-MA), and Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD).

“Congratulations to Senators Rob Portman and Mike Braun and Representatives Frank Lucas and John Curtis on being named 2021 Clean Energy Champions,” said CRES Executive Director Heather Reams.  “These four dedicated policymakers recognize how an all-of-the-above approach to clean energy promotes economic growth, job creation, and innovation across the country. CRES looks forward to our continued work with these lawmakers to pursue a free-market economy that recognizes the diversification of our nation’s energy system and preservation of our environment.”

“Congressman Frank Lucas has shown tremendous leadership as the Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and has been a longstanding advocate for energy innovation provisions no matter which party originated a bill,” Reams said. “The bipartisan passage of the Energy Act of 2020—the most comprehensive U.S. energy policy in over a decade and the groundwork for America’s clean energy future—would not have been possible without Congressman Lucas’ support and we are honored to recognize him today as a 2021 Clean Energy Champion.”

“I’m so honored to be named a Clean Energy Champion by the Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions,” Lucas said. “As a rancher, I’ve seen the effects of climate change firsthand, so one of my highest priorities on the Science Committee has been advancing research into clean, reliable, and affordable American energy. Addressing climate change doesn’t have to involve big government mandates that drive up prices. Innovative new technologies like carbon capture, advanced nuclear energy, and battery storage will help us reduce emissions so that we can protect our environment while growing our economy. The work CRES is doing to promote responsible and sustainable clean energy solutions is critical to the future of American energy, and I’m proud to work with them.”