As we approach 2025, the importance of ACT's mission has never been more evident. Recent political developments underscore a fundamental truth: the transition to a clean energy economy cannot and will not be driven by government action alone. It requires the concentrated effort of business leaders, innovators, and forward-thinking organizations working together to create lasting change. 

"ACT really is the gold standard of renewable energy advocacy organizations," notes Ed Brolin, VP of Policy Development & Distributed Government Relations at RWE Clean Energy. "When I'm working in other parts of the country, I always tell people I wish that we had an ACT here."

This reputation as the trusted voice of the clean energy and climate economy has been earned through concrete achievements. In 2024 alone, our collective efforts have delivered significant progress:

• Securing a landmark Massachusetts DPU order requiring proactive utility system planning for solar and storage grid connections
• Advancing FERC tariffs that provide predictability for large battery developers
• Supporting Vermont's enhanced Renewable Energy Standard
• Launching our Powering Tomorrow campaign and ACTivate Grassroots Rapid Response Network

As Richard C. Labrecque, VP of Interconnection & Utility Affairs at Agilitas Energy observes, "ACT provides extensive insights into policy activity across New England and your leaders have strong relationships with and direct access to key policymakers. Belonging to ACT is a very valuable and cost-effective option for our policy efforts."

But our work is far from complete. The coming year presents both challenges and opportunities that demand our collective attention:

• Crafting solutions that align utility interests with public policy goals
• Addressing state and regional interconnection challenges
• Supporting workforce development in a rapidly evolving sector
• Fighting off deliberate disinformation meant to stall the transition away from dirty fossil fuels

Our recent evolution to The Alliance for Climate Transition reflects our deepened commitment to advancing a wide variety of strategies to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient climate economy. Yes, we are still a mission-driven trade group, but we are so much more—offering programs for climatetech innovators, serving as the connective thread across companies, governments, utilities, advocates, and institutions.

We're particularly proud of our role as an "honest broker" in the complex landscape of the climate transition. By connecting decision-makers, removing barriers, and channeling resources to proven solutions, we're turning climate anxiety into tangible progress through our unique ability to align diverse interests and accelerate change at scale.

Your continued partnership makes this work possible. In the coming weeks, you'll receive information about renewing your ACT membership for 2025. We encourage you to think of this not just as a membership renewal but as an investment in the future of our region's climate economy.

Together, we can ensure that the Northeast remains a leader in clean energy innovation and climate action, regardless of national political headwinds. The momentum we've built is stronger than any political cycle, and with your continued support, we'll keep driving progress toward a more sustainable, equitable future.

‍*Watch for your membership renewal information coming soon, and contact us at kweil@joinact.org with any questions about how to maximize your ACT membership in 2025.*