Led by Morgan Hook & Aoife McCarthy, the Practice Will Address Complex Challenges in a Difficult Regulatory Environment & Drive Strategic Engagement in the Evolving Energy Landscape
SKDK Research/HarrisX Poll Shows More than 4 in 5 Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, Believe Clean Energy Sources Should Play a Role in America’s Energy Supply
Washington, DC – SKDK, a nationally recognized public affairs and political consulting firm, today announced the expansion of its Energy & Clean Technology practice, led by Morgan Hook and Aoife McCarthy, two veteran energy, policy, and political strategists who have worked in the highest levels of government and for some of the largest energy companies in the world. SKDK’s Energy & Clean Technology practice leverages the firm’s extensive expertise in navigating complex policy issues, politics, and stakeholder initiatives to support clients in the evolving energy and climate sectors, and comes when the energy industry is facing significant uncertainty from federal and state regulators.
“The incoming administration has a very different approach to energy policy, and action from the White House will impact how different states respond. We’ve worked in challenging regulatory environments, and we know a winning message is key to success – whether in campaigns or policy debates,” said Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK. “Our experience electing leaders at every level, coupled with years working on energy issues, ensures we are well equipped to tackle the many challenges across the clean energy sector, from regulatory hurdles to public perception.”
The energy landscape is undergoing unprecedented growth and transformation, crucial to the nation’s economic development and energy security. A recent poll by SKDK Research with HarrisX shows there are opportunities within a Republican-controlled Congress and White House to continue driving progress to advance clean technology:
- More than 4 in 5 Americans, both Democrats and Republicans, believe that clean energy sources should play a role in America’s energy supply.
- In addition, a majority of GOPers (51%) believe clean energy sources should be the dominant or the main source of America’s energy supply.
- Most (57%) of Trump voters support the U.S. investing more money in renewable energy sources.
SKDK’s Energy & Clean Technology practice is designed to help clients navigate challenges ranging from regulatory hurdles to public pushback, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strategic messaging. SKDK has successfully supported non-profits, advocacy organizations, and clean energy companies in navigating this dynamic ecosystem.
“We are committed to shaping the energy policy landscape to meet the moment,” said Jill Zuckman, Partner at SKDK. “By leveraging our strategic communications expertise, we aim to help our clients tackle the most pressing energy challenges to foster a sustainable future.”
“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, these organizations must communicate their missions effectively and galvanize support among diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and local communities,” said Hook. “This evolution presents opportunities and challenges for companies, communities, and policymakers,” added McCarthy. “Our practice combines deep policy and messaging expertise to help clients navigate these complexities, ensuring their initiatives resonate as needed to drive meaningful engagement across diverse stakeholder groups.”
When looking at Republican motivation behind supporting US investment in renewables, the SKDK Research/HarrisX survey found U.S. energy independence (26%), creating jobs (22%), and decreasing the cost of power (21%) are paramount—more so than the environment (17%). The survey also found that Republicans are more likely to say that the highest priority of expanding America’s energy supply should be expanding renewable energy and fossil fuel sources (39%) rather than just expanding fossil fuel sources (31%). And nearly a quarter of Republicans (23%) also say the highest priority should be expanding renewable energy sources.
SKDK believes that a campaign mentality—focused on storytelling, relationship-building, mobilization, and compelling content—can significantly enhance the impact of innovative policies, leading to more investments in clean technologies and, ultimately, lasting change.
Morgan Hook brings an expert understanding of the press, politics, and policy to manage comprehensive campaigns that blend public affairs, paid media, digital, and research. In 2011, he launched SKDK’s Albany office, providing strategic media advice to diverse energy, environment, and conservation clients. Before joining SKDK, Morgan served as communications director for New York Governor David Paterson, where he managed communications strategy for New York’s energy and environmental portfolio, including ten executive agencies and public authorities. With a background in television, he combines storytelling with strategic insight, making him a valuable asset for navigating the complexities of the energy landscape.
Aoife McCarthy is a seasoned strategist with extensive experience with energy policy, climate policy, and crisis communications. During the Obama Administration, she served as Director of Public Affairs at the Department of Energy, where she was the lead advisor to Secretary Moniz on all strategic communications issues. Additionally, Aoife worked as the Communications Director at the US Mission to the United Nations, overseeing the Mission’s press and public diplomacy section. Before public service, she was a reporter for POLITICO and wrote for the National Journal’s Hotline. She holds a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and an MBA from Presidio Graduate School, focusing on sustainable solutions. Aoife’s unique blend of expertise and insights will be instrumental in driving the success of SKDK’s new Energy & Clean Technology practice.
The SKDK Research/HarrisX survey was conducted online within the United States from November 11-12 among 1,004 registered voters. The results reflect a nationally representative sample of registered voters. Results were weighted according to age, gender, region, race/ethnicity, income, political party, education, ideology, and area type, where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 3.1 percentage points.
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