Costa Samaras

Costa Samaras, Director of the Carnegie Mellon Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and former White House energy advisor, dives into America's struggle with building and clean energy amidst political turmoil. He critiques a recent House bill dismantling the Inflation Reduction Act, arguing it jeopardizes affordable energy and local manufacturing. Samaras discusses the potential of the 'abundance agenda' to foster infrastructure development and counteract escalating electricity demands, urging a shift towards proactive policy and investment in clean energy.

Costa Samaras reflects on his role in shaping ambitious climate policy during his time in the Biden administration, emphasizing the importance of positive motivations for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The podcast also explores decarbonization efforts in various sectors, the impact of AI on climate and infrastructure funding, challenges of transformer shortages in the grid, fusion energy potential, and the promotion of clean energy initiatives in federal and state bureaucracies.