Regions Compete Through Creativity and Resilience in Energy

RMI convened a panel at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) conference in Detroit to discuss how US regions can capture advanced and clean energy opportunities as federal support wanes.

• Panel and key commitments: Panelists included Scott Beckerman (Comerica), Martha Campbell (Michigan Saves), John Moon (LISC), and Amanda Taylor (Greater MSP). LISC used a GGRF interest form and identified nearly $1 billion in potential projects with ~$150 million ready to move this year, and plans to deploy $100 million in sustainable finance over the next three years. Michigan Saves has enabled > $600 million in residential energy-efficiency loans over 15 years and is seeking private capital after a paused GGRF subaward.
• Context, risks, and regional strategies: The discussion highlighted expiring solar and wind tax credits, incoming FEOC regulations, and developers racing to safe harbor projects. Panelists warned rising energy demand (including from AI-driven data centers) and long interconnection queues will shape competitiveness. The Minneapolis–Saint Paul region’s push on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) value chains and Campbell’s recommended dual-track strategy (attract FDI and plan long-term resilience) were presented as actionable regional approaches.