There’s a lot of discussion these days about “building back better” and passing “green economic stimulus.” But what exactly does this entail?

On this bonus episode, we share insights and resources from a group of energy leaders in California. They discuss new ways to think about environmental investments in COVID-19 recovery packages, how the public sector can advance sustainability goals at the local, state, and federal level, and lessons from the 2008 recession that could be adapted to today. 

This discussion was co-hosted by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation.

Speakers include:

• Fran Pavley, former California State Senator and USC Schwarzenegger Institute Environmental Policy Director
• J. R. DeShazo, Director of the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation
• Bob Keefe, Executive Director of Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
• Matt Petersen, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)

Recommended reading:

• E2: Build Back Better, Faster: How a federal stimulus focusing on clean energy can create millions of jobs and restart America’s economy
• SF Chronicle: Newsom’s environmental budget cuts escalate tensions with state activists
• UCLA: Employment Benefits from California Climate Investments and Co-investments
• Carbon Brief: Leading economists: Green coronavirus recovery also better for economy
• LACI: Keeping America Working, Protecting Public Health, and Strengthening our Communities

Political Climate is produced in partnership with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you get podcasts!

This episode is brought to you with support from Lyft. Lyft is leading the transition to zero emissions vehicles with a commitment to achieve 100% electric vehicles on the Lyft platform by 2030. Learn more at lyftimpact.com/electric.