Blog

Good evening, everyone. Welcome! It is truly wonderful to see so many familiar faces and new friends gathered here tonight for the Climate + Energy Project’s annual celebration and fundraiser. Your presence speaks volumes about our shared commitment to a thriving, sustainable Kansas.

I’m Dorothy Barnett, CEP’s Executive Director and I stand before you filled with immense gratitude and pride for what we, together, have accomplished this past year. Our work at CEP is deeply rooted in the very fabric of Kansas. We often talk about the strong winds that sweep across our prairies – and just as those winds shape our landscape and create over 50% of our electricity, so too do the enduring Kansas values shape our spirit.

We are a state born of progress, a place where people have always looked forward, striving to build something better for the next generation. That same drive for progress fuels CEP as we champion innovative energy solutions and advocate for policies that move Kansas towards a cleaner, more prosperous future.

Kansas is also a beacon of civil rights. From our earliest days, we have stood for justice and equality, understanding that true prosperity is only possible when it is shared by all. At CEP, this translates into our unwavering commitment to environmental justice, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy and a healthy environment are accessible to every community, especially those historically marginalized. Our ethic of care extends beyond just the environment; it encompasses the well-being and equity of all Kansans.

And, of course, there’s the fierce spirit of independence that defines us. Kansans are problem-solvers, self-reliant and determined to chart our own course. This independence is mirrored in CEP’s pursuit of energy independence for our state, diversifying our energy portfolio, and empowering communities to make sustainable choices that benefit them directly.

These foundational Kansas values are inextricably linked to CEP’s own core principles. We operate with unwavering integrity, basing our work on sound science and transparent communication. It takes courage to tackle the complex challenges of climate change, and we are not afraid to lead, to innovate, and to advocate for what is right, even when the path is difficult.

Our ethic of care guides every decision we make, from the well-being of our planet to the health and prosperity of our communities. And at the heart of it all is sustainability – not just in the environmental sense, but in building enduring relationships, resilient programs, and a lasting impact. Finally, our work is always undertaken with intentionality. Every project, every partnership, every advocacy effort is carefully considered to maximize our positive impact on Kansas.

Last year we were celebrating the positive impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in Kansas. We expected $10.6 billion of investment in large-scale clean power generation and storage by 2030. 

Furthermore, programs like the Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) are directly benefiting Kansas farms and rural businesses with clean energy investments, helping to lower their energy costs. We’re seeing more solar installations, and even initiatives like the Kansas City Regional Climate Action Plan, developed in partnership with the Mid-America Regional Council and Climate Action KC, are being supported by federal grants. A prime example of the IRA’s impact in our state is the $4 billion Panasonic EV-battery plant, expected to create 4,000 high-paying jobs right here in Kansas

Without the IRA, the consequences for Kansans would be severe. Studies by various policy groups project that repealing clean energy incentives could increase average household energy costs by $250 to $415 annually by 2035. 

Beyond higher energy bills, a repeal of the IRA would jeopardize economic growth and job creation.  Analysts estimate that Kansas could lose 17,500 future jobs if the IRA is repealed, putting projects like the Panasonic EV-battery plant at risk. It would create immense uncertainty for businesses that have already invested billions based on the IRA’s incentives. We would see slower growth in clean energy manufacturing, fewer construction jobs for new renewable energy projects, and a general stagnation in our transition to a cleaner economy. This would ultimately weaken our energy security and increase our reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.

Preliminary analyses suggest that if the “Big Beautiful Bill” passes the Senate in its current form, it would largely repeal or significantly scale back many of the clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits and incentives established by the Inflation Reduction Act. This means:

We could see a dramatic slowdown in the development of new wind and solar projects. The investment tax credits and production tax credits that have spurred billions in private investment and thousands of jobs would largely disappear. This would likely lead to higher reliance on fossil fuels, hindering our progress towards a diversified, homegrown energy supply. 

Energy Efficiency incentives for homeowners and businesses to invest in energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and home improvements would be eliminated or drastically reduced. This would mean fewer opportunities for Kansans to lower their utility bills through energy savings and less support for weatherization programs that benefit vulnerable populations. Kansas households could face higher energy costs and be less prepared to deal with extreme weather events without these efficiency upgrades.

The funding mechanisms that support climate adaptation and resilience projects, often tied to emission reduction efforts, would likely be severely cut. This means fewer resources for Kansas communities to prepare for and respond to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and severe storms. Our ability to protect critical infrastructure, support agricultural resilience, and safeguard public health would be diminished.

In essence, while the current federal policy environment, thanks to the IRA, presents us with unprecedented opportunities for clean energy growth and climate action in Kansas, the “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens to dismantle much of that progress. It represents a return to policies that would increase energy costs for Kansans, stifle job creation, and leave our communities more vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate.

This brings me to a crucial point that underpins all our work: the importance of fair and free elections. Our ability to achieve ambitious climate action and transition to clean energy is undeniably linked to the integrity of our democratic process. When elections are fair, transparent, and accessible, they ensure that the voices of all Kansans are heard. 

Elected officials are more accountable to their constituents on issues like environmental protection and economic opportunity through clean energy when they know their performance is directly tied to the public’s vote.

Fair elections ensure that the diverse interests and concerns of communities across Kansas, including those most impacted by pollution or climate change, are reflected in policy decisions. This is vital for promoting environmental justice and ensuring an equitable transition.

When citizens can freely choose their representatives, they can elect leaders who prioritize long-term solutions, like clean energy investments, over short-term political gains. Stable, forward-thinking climate policy depends on a consistent mandate from the electorate.

Trust in the electoral system fosters public confidence in the policies that emerge from it. When people believe their vote matters, they are more likely to engage with and support climate solutions. Conversely, distrust can lead to apathy and resistance to necessary changes.

Our work at CEP—educating, advocating, and inspiring—is deeply tied to the democratic process. We empower Kansans with the information they need to make informed decisions and to hold their elected officials responsible for the future of our climate and economy. Because ultimately, the future of clean energy and climate resilience in Kansas rests on the ability of Kansans to freely and fairly choose the path they want to take.

In these uncertain times, as we navigate complex policy landscapes and face the realities of a changing climate, it becomes even more critical that we support and take care of our fellow Kansans. This is a core part of our “ethic of care” at CEP. The impacts of climate change, energy costs, and policy shifts don’t affect everyone equally. Vulnerable communities, low-income households, and rural areas often bear a disproportionate burden. Our commitment to civil rights and progress means ensuring that no Kansan is left behind.

This means advocating for policies that protect those most at risk, providing resources and education to help all communities adapt, and building strong networks of support. It means looking out for our neighbors, understanding that our collective well-being is intertwined. When we talk about resilience, it’s not just about infrastructure; it’s about the resilience of our communities and the strength of our bonds. By supporting one another, we build a more robust and equitable Kansas capable of facing any challenge.

Tonight, we celebrate these values and the progress we’re making, keenly aware of both the opportunities before us and the vigilance required to protect them. We celebrate the tireless work of our dedicated staff, the passion of our volunteers and award winners, and the vital support of partners like you. Your contributions allow us to continue this critical work – to educate, to advocate, and to inspire, taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by this new landscape and fighting to safeguard the progress we’ve achieved against any efforts that would undermine it. And perhaps most importantly, we work to ensure that every Kansan has the opportunity to make their voice heard in shaping our shared future, and that we stand together, united, to build a better tomorrow for all.

The challenges we face are significant, but so too is our capacity for change. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable Kansas for all. Thank you for being a part of the Climate + Energy Project family. Let’s enjoy this evening, and let’s look forward to an even more impactful year ahead.