Volts

Reps. Sean Casten and Mike Levin discuss their consensus bill on transmission permitting and community engagement. Obstacles and opportunities in passing a climate bill are explored. The urgent need to double transmission and invest in renewable energy is highlighted. The importance of promoting renewable energy on public lands and including environmental justice communities is discussed. Challenges, vision, and bipartisan support for transmission policy are emphasized. Frustration with partisanship and focus on getting things done are expressed.

Journalist Hamilton Nolan discusses his book 'The Hammer' which explores the challenges facing unions and their potential for the future. The chapter provides an overview of the historical rise and decline of unions in America. It explores the legal protections and challenges of union organizing. The current state of unions in America is discussed, criticizing their defensive mentality and exploring the need for new strategies. The chapter also explores the difficulties faced in organizing unions and the importance of prioritizing organizing efforts. The issue of public sector unions and their problematic nature is explored. The hosts remain optimistic about shaping the future of unions.

Interview with Asegun Henry and Arvin Ganesan, founders of Fourth Power, a thermal storage startup. Topics include using liquid metal for heat transfer, maximizing durability of battery storage systems, funding and future pilots, scalability of the battery storage system, business case for renewable energy, controlling supply chains, and the impact of cheap clean electricity on humanity.

Upgrading power lines, or reconductoring, is a straightforward way to boost the capacity of the electrical grid. The podcast discusses advancements in power line technology, the differences between ACSR and ACSS conductors, the use of optical fiber for monitoring line temperature, and the benefits and challenges of using carbon fiber lines in distribution circuits. It also explores the concept of re-conductoring in grid planning, its use in Europe for renewable integration, and the potential of superconductors for addressing grid capacity.

Steve Cotton, CEO of Aqua Metals, talks about regenerative electro-hydrometallurgy, a clean and cost-effective battery recycling method. Topics include the need for cleaner recycling methods, challenges in handling chemicals, renewable electricity, market value of metals, expansion plans, managing debt, benefits and risks of recycling, and the convenience of charging stations.

This podcast discusses the ambitious clean energy policies in Michigan, including clean energy standards, reform of permitting, and the role of the Inflation Reduction Act. It explores the challenges of spreading misinformation, the transition to clean energy, and the prospects for rural areas. The podcast also analyzes the political landscape and upcoming elections in Michigan.

Victoria, Australia aims to transition off of fossil gas with their Gas Substitution Roadmap. The importance of rooftop solar and its success in the Solar Homes program are discussed. Challenges of transitioning rental housing from gas to electricity are explored. The struggles of convincing owners to switch from gas to electric appliances are debunked. Building transmission infrastructure and meeting electricity demand is a challenge. The limitations of biomethane are highlighted. The journey of decarbonization in a specific state is shared.

This podcast discusses the Chevron Doctrine, potential Supreme Court demise, and its impact on climate policy and government functioning. It explores the advantages of deferring to agencies, the evolution of conservative views on administrative agencies, and various Supreme Court cases related to greenhouse gases. The chapter also delves into the potential consequences of conservative capture of the Supreme Court and Congress's actions on clean power generation and carbon emissions.

Chairman Marisa Gillett aims to reform Connecticut's cozy utility regulation environment, improve service, and deny excessive rate increases. She discusses the Innovative Energy Solutions program and the challenges of implementing innovation in the regulatory space. The podcast explores the phases of a program, potential impact on other states, performance-based regulation, business perspective, and importance of fresh faces in utility regulation.

Lindsey Rowell discusses decarbonizing the California State University system, challenges faced, and strategies employed. They explore the complex process of achieving carbon neutrality across 23 campuses, the importance of renewable energy generation, and measuring scope three emissions. They also discuss the need for government partnerships, frustration with lack of support, and the significance of communication in the field of decarbonization.