Volts

Raymond Harris leads the Heavy Duty Vehicles Program at the International Council on Clean Transportation, focusing on clean transport solutions. Jacqueline Torres from Forum Mobility champions electric heavy-duty vehicles. They discuss the electrification of big trucks, addressing the unique challenges of charging infrastructure and financing models. The need for robust policies and partnerships is highlighted, as well as the potential pollution reductions. Intriguing insights into innovative approaches for small owner-operators and federal support reveal the future of sustainable trucking.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dan Savage, a prominent activist and sex advice columnist, dives into the legacy of 'The Urban Archipelago.' He analyzes the political divide between urban and rural America, advocating for the recognition of cities as the Democratic party's backbone. Savage critiques NIMBYism and the failed governance in cities like Seattle, urging for inclusive urban development. Through personal anecdotes and a celebration of urban culture, he highlights the vital role cities play in shaping a progressive future, especially for LGBTQ+ communities.

Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, is a champion of a customer-led energy transition, driving the evolution of residential solar into a clean energy lifestyle. She discusses how Sunrun is integrating electric vehicle chargers and energy storage into its offerings. The conversation touches on California's regulatory challenges and the economic incentives driving battery storage adoption. Powell also emphasizes the need for competitive markets that simplify consumer choices while addressing the energy demands posed by data centers and encouraging innovation.

Bill Moyer, founder of the Reconnect America campaign, advocates for harnessing U.S. railroads to support the clean energy transition. He highlights how shifting freight from roads to rails can significantly cut emissions. Moyer discusses the drawbacks of a profit-driven railroad model, which often overlooks public benefits. He emphasizes the potential of electrifying rail systems for environmental justice and the importance of community engagement in revitalizing rail transit to foster economic growth.

Ari Matusiak, co-founder and head of Rewiring America, discusses the push for home electrification and its vital role in combating climate change. He shares insights on tackling practical challenges like contractor involvement and simplifying rebate access. The conversation dives into the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides financial incentives for households transitioning to energy-efficient technologies. Matusiak also highlights community training programs aimed at making electrification more accessible and cost-effective for everyone.

Cara Goldenberg is a performance-based utility regulation expert at the Rocky Mountain Institute, and Laura Gonzalez specializes in PBR strategies with Clean Virginia. They delve into how traditional utility regulation fails to align with modern energy goals. The conversation highlights the shift to performance-based regulation (PBR), emphasizing its potential to enhance efficiency, equity, and decarbonization efforts. They explore successful PBR implementations, like Hawaii’s, and emphasize the need for continued stakeholder engagement and evolving metrics to ensure accountability in utility performance.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Vanessa Chan, the DOE’s Chief Commercialization Officer, delves into the intricate world of clean energy technology. She shares insights on the newly launched frameworks like adoption readiness levels that enhance collaboration between public and private sectors. Dr. Chan emphasizes the importance of community engagement in commercialization efforts and explores the urgent need for innovative solutions in the energy landscape. Her personal journey from academia to leading commercialization initiatives offers a unique perspective on bridging research with real-world impact.

Elenia Aguilar, a candidate for the Arizona Corporation Commission, discusses the pivotal role of the ACC in regulating utilities. She highlights the troubling history of rate hikes and renewable energy rollbacks tied to fossil fuel politics. Aguilar emphasizes the need for public awareness and engagement in energy policy. The conversation also covers the urgent challenges posed by extreme heat on public health and the necessity for ethical reforms to ensure transparency in elections and utility governance. Her insights urge listeners to consider the critical decisions ahead for Arizona's energy future.

Allison Clements, a former FERC commissioner with a strong focus on environmental law, shares her insights on grid modernization challenges. She discusses the critical need for regulatory updates and innovative technologies to integrate clean energy. Clements critiques outdated planning methods and emphasizes the importance of a collaborative national approach for infrastructure investment. The conversation also explores the role of distributed energy resources in enhancing grid reliability and efficiency, drawing lessons from successful implementations like Australia’s rooftop solar.

Virginia Palacios, Director of Commission Shift, dives deep into the Texas Railroad Commission—an entity with a misleading name and a cozy relationship with the oil and gas industry. She unveils its troubling history, especially regarding regulatory failures during Winter Storm Uri, resulting in power outages and severe consequences. The conversation highlights urgent issues like orphaned wells, methane emissions, and public health risks tied to lax regulations. Palacios advocates for much-needed reforms to ensure accountability and protect Texans' safety and environment.