This article is part of a series analyzing the positions of the 2026 Southeastern candidates on energy and climate issues, such as data centers and energy costs. It emphasizes that the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy maintains neutrality regarding candidates and parties, providing links for informational purposes.
Profile of Chaz Molder:
- Chaz Molder is the Democratic candidate for Tennessee’s Congressional District 5 and is currently serving as the Mayor of Columbia, Tennessee.
- He holds a Political Science degree from the University of Tennessee and a J.D. from the University of Memphis.
Key Issues:
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency:
- Molder advocates for stable federal support for renewable energy and encourages innovation in the private sector to enhance renewable energy opportunities.
Climate Change:
- His position on climate change remains unclear at this time.
Electric Transportation:
- Molder highlights the importance of electric vehicle charging stations in Columbia, viewing them as essential for a sustainable future.
Energy Justice:
- Molder’s stance on energy justice is currently unconfirmed.
Energy Affordability:
- He emphasizes commitment to affordability in energy for families and seniors in Tennessee.
High-Risk Energy: Nuclear, Coal, Methane Gas:
- Molder sees nuclear energy as a viable low-carbon resource to meet electricity demands.
Data Centers:
- He supports a temporary moratorium on data centers to understand their impact on local communities and infrastructure, and backs the Tennessee Valley Authority’s decision to charge these companies for energy infrastructure costs.
Voting Information:
- Key dates for the upcoming elections include:
- Oct. 5, 2026: Voter registration deadline
- Nov. 3, 2026: General Election Day
For further details on voting in Tennessee, visit proudvoter.org.
For more information on the candidates’ positions on energy issues, you can check out other profiles in this series.
