Mission Statement

 

 

 

AEA takes the U.S. forward by creating a powerful voice respected by policy makers and elected officials.

 

 

AEA defines success as bringing about shifts in legislative votes, statements, and other indications of support for renewable energy by targeting lawmakers and government officials. These shifts demonstrate that AEA has achieved public policy influence commensurate with renewable energy’s size, economic investment, and geographic footprint. AEA also defines success according to the size and effectiveness of its network of advocates. As a result of AEA’s work, key segments of the public are being educated about policymakers’ positions and are engaged in making renewable energy a significant part of the policy debate at both the state and federal levels.

 

 

 

In addition to its primary focus on advocating for sound policies that will promote renewable energy, AEA engages in electoral activity, including federal congressional races, as well as state-legislative races in multiple states where wind, solar, and renewable energy is important. AEA deploys leading-edge issue based, grassroots, and political advocacy campaigns, growing in influence and reach over time, as well as multiple state legislative races where renewable energy is vital to communities’ futures.

 

Board of Directors

Phil Musser

Mr. Musser is vice president of government affairs of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a leading clean energy company. He and his team represent NextEra Energy and its subsidiaries, including Florida Power & Light Company, Gulf Power Company and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, in Washington, D.C. Mr. Musser reports directly to NextEra Energy Chairman and CEO Jim Robo, and leads NextEra Energy’s advocacy and outreach to Congress and the Executive Branch.

Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Mr. Musser served as senior vice president and chief communications officer for The Boeing Company, where he was responsible for the company’s global communications activities. Previously, he served as chairman and CEO of IMGE, a leading digital media and advocacy agency in Washington D.C. that he co-founded in 2013.

Mr. Musser has also served as senior advisor to several presidential campaigns, many leading governors, senators and members of Congress, and has more than 20 years of top-level experience in public relations, political strategy and government relations. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of State. His work has spanned multiple industries and disciplines, with a particular emphasis on clean energy, technology, real estate and aerospace.
Mr. Musser holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Kenyon College. He has served on the board of several companies and local nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area.

JC Sandberg

Mr. Sandberg is the Chief Advocacy Officer at the American Clean Power Association (ACP). He leads ACP’s state and federal advocacy and regulatory policy work as well as ACP’s legal and research teams.  Prior to joining ACP, Mr. Sandberg led global government affairs and policy at GE Renewable Energy. In this role, he was instrumental in the global growth of the company’s onshore and offshore wind, grid, hydro, and storage businesses. Mr. Sandberg played an active role in the establishment of policy and regulatory frameworks enabling the accelerated deployment of renewable energy in domestic and foreign markets.

Mr. Sandberg began his policy career in 2001 as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works where his portfolio included surface transportation, federal government response to the 9/11 attacks and a range of environmental issues. During his Senate tenure, Mr. Sandberg was a lead Senate negotiator on the $300 billion reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Following his work on the Hill, he served as Counsel to the law firm of Baker Donelson where he advised clients on energy and infrastructure issues.

Mr. Sandberg earned his B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University and his J.D. from the University of Arizona.

Tom Starrs

Mr. Starrs is vice president, government affairs for EDP Renewables, North America, where he is responsible for managing EDPR’s government and regulatory affairs throughout North America, including policy analysis, policy advocacy, PAC management, political engagement, and trade association and NGO representation. Mr. Starrs has more than 25 years of experience in clean energy, including senior management positions with SunPower Corporation, Iberdrola Renewables (now Avangrid), the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and RWE Schott Solar. He serves on the board of directors of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, the Center for Resources Solutions, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, and the Solar Energy Industries Association. He also serves on the advisory board of the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Electricity Innovation Laboratory (RMI’s eLab). Mr. Starrs earned a Ph.D. from the Energy and Resources Program at the University of California, Berkeley; and a J.D. from the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Sarah Webster

Ms. Webster is Vice President of Investor Relations, Government Relations and Corporate Communications for Pattern Energy. In her role, Ms. Webster oversees Pattern Energy’s global investor relations program, as well as all government relations at the state, provincial, and federal levels. She is also responsible for corporate communications, including media, branding, and corporate social responsibility. Ms. Webster has been with Pattern Energy since 2013, and she enjoys the opportunities her position affords her to build relationships with company stakeholders and serve as the diplomatic core for Pattern Energy.

Ms. Webster has worked in the energy sector for nearly 20 years, including positions with Winner and Associates, InterGen, Shell, Great Point Energy, and Wind Capital Group. She has also worked as a music critic for the Houston Press.

 

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