Nearing the End of My College Career: Reflections on ACE NY and NY State Energy Policy
By Cleo Carter, ACE NY Intern
With one semester left in my undergraduate career at UNC-Chapel Hill, I can reflect on my Fall 2024 internship with Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY). During my 14-week policy internship with ACE NY, I gained valuable insights into the clean energy industry, particularly through the lens of New York’s climate policy initiatives. Before joining ACE NY’s internship program this semester, I gained experience at the federal level during the summer of 2024 as an intern with the American Clean Power Association (ACP) in Washington, D.C., where I witnessed the dynamics of clean energy politics during an election year. It has been a rewarding experience to work with trade associations and contribute to policy advocacy that benefits clean energy and environmental stakeholders.
ACE NY stands out from traditional trade associations by also representing environmental groups and maintaining a strong focus on climate-driven initiatives. This distinction was evident throughout my time with ACE NY, both in the meetings I attended and the work I contributed to. I found this especially meaningful, as it offers a unique opportunity to balance the interests of environmental groups and clean energy developers. Much of my work involved drafting support memos for legislative bills aligned with the interests of ACE NY’s members. My public policy background from UNC-Chapel Hill has proven valuable in navigating the clean energy policy landscape and supporting members' policy priorities. New York’s climate leadership is clear, with ACE NY committed to its members and Gov. Hochul positioning the state at the forefront of climate mitigation efforts.
As a North Carolinian living in the Southeast, I find New York's climate legislation both important and fascinating to follow. Gov. Hochul and the energy industry are poised to unlock New York's clean energy potential, and the deployment of clean energy is inevitable. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute in any way I could over the past 14 weeks.
