51¶ÌÊÓÆµ
About CleanPower PAC
CLEANPOWER PAC is the political action committee of the 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ Association (51¶ÌÊÓÆµ). Its purpose is to support federal and state political candidates who support 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ’s legislative goals for growing utility scale wind, storage, and solar power.
51¶ÌÊÓÆµ Members can email Diana Godlevskaya for more information about getting involved. Â
Your questions about CLEANPOWER PAC, answered.
About CleanPower PAC
Why does 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ need CLEANPOWER PAC?
CLEANPOWER PAC is an essential tool that enables 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ 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, 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ staff and members can advocate for and educate lawmakers about essential industry policies, helping to advance 51¶ÌÊÓÆµâ€™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 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ staff. CLEANPOWER PAC is a registered 501(c)6 PAC and operates in strict conformity with federal election campaign laws.
Contributions
Who can contribute to CLEANPOWER PAC?
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.
Can corporations contribute?
All contributions must be personal, not corporate. Contributing to CLEANPOWER PAC is a voluntary decision. In accordance with the law, 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ may accept contributions from U.S. citizens only. 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ will not give any advantage or disadvantage if any person decides to contribute or not.
What is the maximum an individual can contribute to a PAC?
An individual or company PAC can contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year.
Operations
How does the PAC operate?
The PAC is run jointly by the 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ Federal Affairs Team and the CLEANPOWER PAC Committee. The CLEANPOWER PAC Committee consists of representatives from member companies who are selected from the 51¶ÌÊÓÆµ Federal Affairs Committee.
Contributions to candidates
What are the criteria for CLEANPOWER PAC Contributions?
51¶ÌÊÓÆµ 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.Â
- The nature and strength of the candidate’s opposition in primary and general elections.Â
- The integrity and character of the candidate.