Karl Vaughan’s Post

🏗️ The scale of the undertaking and the speed at which it needs to occur are incredibly daunting…We’re talking about a massive build-out of new, large-scale infrastructure across the country, and we need to do it, like, yesterday," said our deputy director Romany Webb re: the urgency of building out #renewableenergy infrastructure:

What a great piece by The New Yorker! Delving into the intricate web of America's energy landscape, "The Holdouts in the Quest for a Better Power Grid," exposes the complexities and challenges hindering the nation's transition to a more resilient and sustainable power grid. The article shines a light on the contrasting viewpoints and entrenched interests that continue to impede progress toward a modernized energy infrastructure. With a blend of investigative journalism and insightful analysis, the piece navigates through the social barriers that confront policymakers and stakeholders alike in their pursuit of a greener, more efficient energy future, especially within power transmission.

Great conversation today on the Future of Energy panel at the LULAC 75th California Convention on Empowering & Building Strong Latino(a) Communities. Thanks to our moderator Argelia Leon of WSPA and my fellow panelists San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Janea Benton with Aera. We had a robust discussion on trends and challenges in the energy space as we work to decarbonize California. I was able to highlight the work SCE is doing around #CountdownTo2045 and the need for permitting reform and proactive grid buildout in order to stay on track with deploying clean energy, as well as powering California's economic growth. #PublicSpeaking #PublicAffairs #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #Utilities #GreenJobs #Transmission #Electricity

Power grid upgrades are conservation. 15 years ago this lowly frog biologist wouldn't have thought much about reconductering transmission lines or improving substations. But grid plans like these are vital to deploying clean energy while minimizing habitat destruction and costs. If you care about wildlife, ecosystems, and clean air, water, and land you most certainly want to pay attention to our power grid! A big hurdle in meeting growing energy demand and the clean energy transition is energy transmission and distribution: but we know that we can tackle much of that challenge with grid upgrades rather than only building new lines. Infrastructure is conservation. 🐸 ⚡ 💡 #conservation #biodiversity #cleanenergy https://lnkd.in/gsyPFGfP

#permitting strikes again! Good read on #reconductoring the grid with better wires - though this isn't going to work where the grid isn't already in place. "The main problem is permitting. Establishing rights-of-way for new power lines requires extensive environmental review and invites vicious local opposition. People don’t want to look at more wires strung across the landscape. They worry the eyesore will decrease their property value, or that the construction will hurt local ecosystems. New power lines often take upwards of 10 years to plan, permit, and build." https://lnkd.in/e8x6NY2N

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced an $11 million investment to design carbon dioxide transport systems as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s agenda to connect sources of carbon dioxide to secure geologic storage locations. This initiative aims to enhance the infrastructure needed for effective carbon management and supports the transition to a lower-carbon economy. This kind of development presents a valuable PR opportunity for energy companies to communicate their involvement and commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. For more details, you can read the full article on the DOE website: https://lnkd.in/euPdywgA #DowntownCC #EnergySector #PublicRelations #IndustryNews

Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation, study argues #IL: Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address historical wrongdoings associated with environmental injustice. However, a recent study, published in Political Geography by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, suggests the state, in attempting to redress historical wrongs, used an overly . . . #windpower #windenergy

Join the Sustainable Future Movement with #PetitionForChange. On 8th January this year, Suffolk Energy Action Seas launched a National Petition on Change.org, seeking everyone's support to make a meaningful impact! With a goal of 100,000 signatures, this petition could spark a crucial debate in Parliament, giving us a powerful voice for a greener tomorrow. To amplify their message, the incredible Ralph Fiennes and Director Charles Sturridge have crafted the impactful film 'COAST,' exclusively for SEAS Campaign. Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS) advocates for offshore wind energy, challenging National Grid's current plans. For five years, SEAS has championed offshore solutions, aligning with successful European models of modular offshore grids. However, National Grid's current plans risk needless destruction of Suffolk Heritage Coast. Say NO to concrete coasts! Stop the unnecessary destruction of our coast and countryside by National Grid. Demand a sustainable future for Suffolk and beyond. Sign the petition now and share it with your network! Together, we can make a difference. 🌐 Sign the petition here: https://lnkd.in/eQXD-i69 Watch Ralph Fiennes describe the threat in the following video: https://lnkd.in/eyuyc__N #SustainableFuture #SaveOurCoasts #Petition #EnvironmentalJustice #SEASCampaign #RalphFiennes #COASTFilm #SustainableFuture #COASTFilm #TakeActionNow #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #ChangeOrgPetition #GreenTomorrow

The California Energy Commission has approved a $1.9 billion investment plan to enhance the state's electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This initiative, part of the California Climate Commitment, aims to expedite the transition to zero-emission vehicles across all vehicle classes. The plan emphasizes social equity, allocating at least 50% of funds to benefit priority populations. With federal support, California plans to install 40,000 new chargers, bringing the total to 250,000, significantly expanding access to clean transportation and reducing pollution, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Read the full article here for more information on this investment: https://hubs.ly/Q02y_j9C0 . . . . #Qmerit #QmeritCertified #Electrification #HydrogenFuelCars #EVCharging

We don’t need fossil fuel peaker plants when much simpler solutions to energy reliability exist. The time is now—for energy efficiency, community conservation, and clean energy in New England and beyond. I know we can build an energy system that works for the everyday people who this grid is meant to serve. https://lnkd.in/e9ZkTTVJ