Where the Candidates Stand: Chaz Molder on Climate & Energy

Chaz Molder, the Democratic candidate for Tennessee's Congressional District 5 and current Mayor of Columbia, has laid out some positions on energy that could matter to Tennessee households, though his campaign hasn't addressed every topic. He supports steady federal backing for renewable energy, arguing that consistent policy helps the private sector innovate and can lower costs while making the power grid more reliable. He also counts nuclear power among the low-carbon resources he thinks Tennessee needs as electricity demand grows.

On electric vehicles, Molder has championed new fast-charging stations in Columbia, saying they support EV growth and a cleaner future for the region. Affordability is a stated priority of his campaign, with a general pledge to lower everyday costs for Tennessee families, farmers, and seniors, though no specific energy-bill proposals are detailed.

Molder has also weighed in on data centers, a growing issue for utility customers. He backs a temporary pause on new data center approvals in Memphis and Columbia until communities get clearer answers about effects on electric bills, air quality, and neighborhoods. He's also voiced support for the Tennessee Valley Authority's move to charge data centers higher rates specifically so the infrastructure needed to power them isn't paid for by regular TVA customers. That stance could be relevant if you're a TVA customer, since it affects who covers the cost of new power infrastructure. His views on climate change and energy justice haven't been confirmed in public statements or on his campaign website.