Special to Iredell Free News

RALEIGH – State Sen. Vicki Sawyer was recently recognized for her leadership in advancing clean energy opportunities in North Carolina during the 6th annual “North Carolina Clean Energy Champions” event.

The event, which was co-hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy-NC and Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy, was streamed online to over 200 participants. 

Sawyer (R-Iredell & Yadkin) was re-elected in November. She was a sponsor of Senate Bill 510, which sought to promote the installation and utilization of energy storage equipment. She also took on a leadership role this past summer in trying to persuade Senate Leadership to take up and pass HB330, which would save North Carolina taxpayer dollars by reducing energy and water consumption in government-owned buildings. 

In addition to the eight “Clean Energy Champion” awards, participants also heard from top political consultants, Paul Shumaker and Dee Stewart, founders of Strategic Partners Solutions, who discussed the 2020 elections and recent energy polling of N.C. voters.

Others receiving awards included Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston) and Rep. Bobby Hanig (R- Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico), Live Oak Bank, Novo Nordisk, Mother Earth Brewing, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce.

“It was great to hear each of our award winners’ success stories and their efforts leading the way toward a more prosperous and accessible, clean energy future,” said Laurie Barnhart, state director of North Carolina Conservatives for Clean Energy. “Business leaders, legislators, economic developers, and North Carolinians of all political parties – especially conservatives – are making tremendous progress in advancing clean energy technologies and greater market competition for our great State.”