Creation Covenant Alliance

Implementing Solar Energy Solutions in the Southern United States

Meet Laura Zapata, CEO of Clearloop, revolutionizing clean energy by building impactful solar farms in the Southeast.
Laura Zapata stands against a glass wall inside a skyscraper with a city in the background

Meet Laura Zapata, Clean Energy Advocate

Laura Zapata stands against a glass wall inside a skyscraper with a city in the background

Before becoming a CEO and cofounder, Laura Zapata’s closest experience to running a business was selling chocolates in fifth grade. As the daughter of Colombian immigrants in Memphis, Tennessee, she quickly adapted, becoming the first in her family to learn English and connect them to the community.

“There was no written blueprint,” Zapata said about arriving in the U.S. in 1999. “[The] North Star was always: How do you succeed and make the most of this opportunity?”

Zapata’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through her roles as a legislative correspondent and public affairs specialist. Encouraged by former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen, she became the CEO of Clearloop, a clean energy firm.

After leaving office in 2011, Bredesen aimed to bring renewable energy to Tennessee through the private sector. He co-founded Silicon Ranch, a solar and battery storage company, but realized its services were costly for small businesses. This led to the idea of Clearloop, a platform allowing organizations to invest in solar farms without long-term contracts, thus reducing their carbon footprint.

In 2018, Zapata joined Bredesen’s Senate campaign as communications director. After his defeat, Bredesen revived the Clearloop proposal and invited Zapata to help establish it as a company.

Zapata embraced the opportunity to work in climate and invest back in the Southeast. “How could I give back to the community that helped raise me?” she reflected.

Many carbon-offset projects aim to prevent emissions but sometimes fail in creating new clean energy. Clearloop addresses this by building solar farms in impactful locations, focusing on areas like the American South. They use data from WattTime to track carbon reduction spending, emphasizing “emissionality.”

“Building another solar farm in California might just replace another solar farm,” said Henry Richardson from WattTime. “In Tennessee, it’s likely you’ll be pushing off coal.”

In 2021, Silicon Ranch acquired Clearloop, and Zapata’s team began developing their first solar farm in Tennessee. By 2022, they added two more projects. According to WattTime, these farms will prevent 282 million pounds of greenhouse gases.

One solar farm near Paris, Tennessee, is partly funded by Rivian, an electric automaker seeking to offset emissions. “Every project should aim to reduce fossil fuel reliance,” said Andrew Peterman, Rivian’s director of advanced energy solutions.

With a strong presence in Tennessee, Zapata plans expansion. In 2024, Clearloop completed projects in Mississippi, supported by Microsoft and Vanderbilt University, powering nearly 4,000 homes. Next year, they will begin a project in Louisiana, with future plans for Arkansas, Alabama, and New Mexico.

“We’re expanding geographically and our customer base,” Zapata said. “We aim to build projects in carbon-intensive areas for maximum impact.”

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024