The Winning Formula: Voters Choose Candidates Who Show Energy Can Be Both Affordable and Renewable – Center for American Progress Action

Report on the 2025 Gubernatorial Elections in Virginia and New Jersey

Election Outcomes as a Mandate for Sustainable Development

The 2025 gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey signaled a decisive public mandate for leadership that integrates energy policy with economic affordability, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Governors-elect Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill secured victories by centering their campaigns on the rising cost of living, a strategy that resonated with voters facing significant increases in energy expenses. This outcome underscores the political viability of policies that advance SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) while addressing immediate economic pressures on households, a key component of SDG 1 (No Poverty).

• Voter concerns were dominated by the cost of living, with residential electricity prices having increased by nearly 13% in Virginia and 21% in New Jersey over the previous year.
• These price hikes were attributed to volatile fuel costs and the urgent need for grid upgrades to support resilience against extreme weather and meet new demand, highlighting challenges related to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• The election results indicate that voters favor a balanced approach that provides short-term financial relief while investing in a long-term, stable, and clean energy future.

Policy Platforms Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Virginia: Governor-Elect Spanberger’s “Affordable Virginia Plan”

In Virginia, Governor-elect Spanberger’s platform framed energy policy as a cornerstone of economic fairness and stability for families. Her plan presented a clear pathway to achieving sustainable development by linking clean energy initiatives directly to consumer benefits.

1. Expand Energy-Efficiency Programs: This initiative directly supports SDG 7 by reducing overall energy consumption and lowering household bills, while also promoting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
2. Modernize the Electrical Grid: Investing in grid infrastructure is critical for building resilience (SDG 9) to climate impacts (SDG 13) and ensuring the reliable distribution of renewable energy.
3. Ensure Equitable Cost Distribution: The proposal for data centers to fund their share of necessary grid upgrades addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by preventing the general public from subsidizing high-demand industrial consumers.
4. Promote Local Clean Energy and Job Growth: By advocating for projects like the Norfolk wind initiative, the campaign linked investment in renewable energy (SDG 7) to the creation of local, sustainable jobs, advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

New Jersey: Governor-Elect Sherrill’s Focus on Consumer Relief and Clean Energy Transition

In New Jersey, Governor-elect Sherrill’s campaign prioritized immediate relief for households struggling with high utility costs, coupled with a long-term vision for a sustainable energy system. Her proposals demonstrated a commitment to a just transition that protects consumers.

1. Declare a State of Emergency on Utility Costs: This proposed rate freeze offers immediate action to alleviate the energy burden on families, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 1 and SDG 7.
2. Accelerate the Shift to Clean Power: The plan to accelerate the transition to renewable energy aims to achieve long-term price stability and meet climate targets, fulfilling key aspects of SDG 7 and SDG 13.
3. Improve Utility Transparency and Accountability: Holding utility companies accountable ensures fair practices and consumer protection, which aligns with the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
4. Link Clean Energy to Economic Opportunity: The campaign consistently argued that modernizing the energy system would attract business investment and create well-paying jobs, a direct contribution to SDG 8.

National Implications and Federal Policy Recommendations for SDG Achievement

The National Energy Affordability Challenge

The issues central to the Virginia and New Jersey elections reflect a nationwide challenge. Residents in 49 states face rising utility bills, with electricity prices increasing at nearly double the rate of inflation. This trend poses a significant obstacle to achieving SDG 7 on a national scale and threatens to deepen poverty and inequality (SDG 1, SDG 10).

Recommended Federal Actions to Advance SDGs

To address these challenges, federal policymakers should adopt strategies modeled on the successful campaign platforms, focusing on actions that lower energy costs while advancing the clean energy transition.

• Implement Equitable Rate Structures: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should mandate that large energy consumers, such as data centers, pay their fair share for grid infrastructure, promoting the goals of SDG 7 and SDG 10.
• Provide Direct Consumer Relief: The federal government can support households by funding local utility cost reduction programs or distributing relief payments, offering a direct pathway to achieving targets within SDG 1.
• Invest in Community-Scale Clean Energy: Federal support for community choice aggregation and local solar projects can empower communities, lock in affordable clean energy prices, and advance SDG 7 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Prioritize Grid Modernization and Resilience: A national commitment to upgrading the aging electrical grid is essential for reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuels and building a resilient system capable of managing climate impacts, a foundational requirement for SDG 9 and SDG 13.

Conclusion: A Political Framework for Sustainable Energy Transition

The 2025 gubernatorial races have demonstrated that policies aligning clean energy with affordability are not only effective but also politically successful. This approach provides a clear framework for policymakers at all levels to tackle the energy crisis while making tangible progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. By focusing on short-term economic relief and long-term investment in a clean, resilient, and equitable energy system, leaders can build public support for a sustainable future that benefits all citizens.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s central theme is the challenge of energy affordability, as highlighted by the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. It discusses the rising cost of electricity, with increases of “nearly 13 percent in Virginia and by nearly 21 percent in New Jersey.” The campaigns focused on plans to “lower bills in the short term while securing long-term stability and clean, affordable energy,” directly aligning with the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The connection between clean energy policy and economic outcomes is a recurring topic. The article mentions that canceled or delayed clean energy investments threatened “local jobs and stall economic growth.” Specifically, it states that in New Jersey, “$2.6 billion in clean energy investment and nearly 8,000 jobs were put at risk.” Conversely, it notes that “Virginia’s clean energy sector could support thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment statewide,” linking the transition to clean energy with sustainable economic growth and job creation.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article emphasizes the critical need for infrastructure upgrades. It points to the necessity for “grid upgrades to keep up with both an increasing number of extreme weather events and new artificial intelligence data centers.” The call to build a “resilient and modern electric grid” and invest in modernizing an “aging” system directly relates to the goal of building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  Climate action is an underlying driver of the policies discussed. The article mentions the need for grid upgrades to handle “an increasing number of extreme weather events” and frames the political debate as a choice between “climate-oriented policies and affordability.” Policies like the “Virginia Clean Economy Act” and participation in the “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)” are cited as concrete measures to combat climate change and its impacts, which is the core of SDG 13.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

• Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services

  This target is directly addressed by the article’s focus on “energy affordability” and rising utility costs. Campaign promises, such as Sherrill’s proposal to declare a “state of emergency on utility costs and freezing rates for one year,” and Spanberger’s “Affordable Virginia Plan,” are aimed at making energy more affordable for households.

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

  The article discusses the promotion and opposition to renewable energy sources. It mentions the “Norfolk, Virginia’s wind project,” “solar farm visits,” and proposals to reverse “offshore wind goals.” The debate over federal investments in clean energy and the deployment of “reliable renewable energy” clearly connects to this target.

• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all

  The article links clean energy investments directly to employment. The statement that clean energy cuts in New Jersey put “nearly 8,000 jobs… at risk” and that Virginia’s clean energy sector could “support thousands of jobs” illustrates the connection between energy policy and the goal of creating decent work opportunities.

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

  This target is reflected in the repeated calls for grid modernization. The article states that “improvements to the electric grid are needed” because it is “aging and susceptible to vulnerabilities such as extreme weather and inefficiencies.” This highlights the need for developing reliable and resilient energy infrastructure.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

  The article provides examples of this target in action at the state level. The discussion of the “Virginia Clean Economy Act” and the debate over participation in the “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)” are examples of integrating climate change measures into state-level policies and strategies.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

• Indicator for Target 7.1 (Affordability)

  The article provides direct quantitative indicators for measuring energy affordability. These include the percentage increase in the average price of electricity (“nearly 13 percent in Virginia” and “nearly 21 percent in New Jersey”) and the potential monthly increase in utility bills (“as high as $60 per month”). The fact that “electricity bills are a major source of stress for 36 percent of Americans” serves as a qualitative social indicator of the energy burden.

• Indicator for Target 7.2 (Renewable Energy Share)

  While not providing a percentage of energy mix, the article implies financial investment as an indicator. It mentions specific monetary values tied to clean energy projects, such as “more than 100 million in canceled or delayed clean energy investments… lost in Virginia” and “$2.6 billion in clean energy investment… at risk in New Jersey.” These figures can be used to track the financial commitment to increasing the share of renewable energy.

• Indicator for Target 8.5 (Employment)

  The number of jobs created or put at risk by energy policies serves as a clear indicator. The article explicitly states that “nearly 8,000 jobs were put at risk in New Jersey” due to the potential rollback of clean energy investments. The projection that “Virginia’s clean energy sector could support thousands of jobs” is another metric for measuring progress towards employment goals in the green economy.

• Indicator for Target 9.1 (Infrastructure)

  The article implies that the reliability and resilience of the grid are key indicators. While not providing a specific metric, it describes the current infrastructure as “aging” and “susceptible to vulnerabilities such as extreme weather and inefficiencies.” Progress could be measured by tracking investments in grid modernization and reductions in power outages caused by such vulnerabilities.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: americanprogressaction.org