Charging Ahead with Electric Innovation, Ep #119

Sep 2, 2025

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I’ll admit it’s not often these days that I’m talking to climate leaders, particularly those working on policy, who say it’s an exciting time. This conversation was like a breath of fresh air. It’s not getting the headlines it deserves, but innovation is literally electrifying our country. Sector by sector, state by state, our economy is being transformed by electric technology replacing outdated fossil fuel applications.

To elevate and accelerate this wave of innovation, Hawaii State Senator Chris Lee and California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild have teamed up to launch the Electric Innovation Initiative. The Initiative is starting with an awards event during NY Climate Week, recognizing breakthrough electrification projects with $10,000 cash awards. But beyond this event, the Initiative is a 10-year campaign to showcase innovation, advance learning and shape policy.

In this conversation, we go deep into the context of why the Electric Innovation Initiative is needed, what sort of progress is happening at the state level, how states are learning from one another, the many benefits of electrification and much more. I learned a lot in this episode and was thrilled to hear there’s much to celebrate in a still growing electrification movement.

On today’s episode, we cover:

[03:27] David Hochschild & His Role at the California Energy Commission
04:09] Chris Lee & His Energy work as a Hawaii State Senator
[05:05] Details of the Electric Innovation Initiative
[07:07] State Legislators Collaboration: Sharing best practices and policy replication
[09:09] Why electrification progress needs more attention
[10:52] State and local responses to federal rollbacks
[13:18] Policy Options for States: Connecting policymakers with electrification leaders
[15:44] Fast-Tracking Projects: Permitting and financing challenges
[17:01] California’s Permitting Reforms: Fast-track permitting for clean energy
[18:49] California’s approach to stable, long-term programs
[21:01[ Hawai'i’s 100% Renewable Mandate
[23:05] Lessons from Hawaii and California: State leadership and policy replication
[25:24] Legislator Network: Supporting new lawmakers and advancing innovation
[28:54] State and local opportunities despite federal gridlock
[32:57] Equity in Electrification: Directing investments to underserved communities
[35:27] Vision for 2035: What a fully electrified future could look like
[37:27] How listeners can support electrification
[39:45] Optimism for the future and bipartisan collaboration

Charging Ahead with Electric Innovation, Ep #119

On today’s episode, we cover:

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