Many facets of electricity generations, distribution, and consumption are overseen by state, county, and local officials. Most notably in the U.S., state public utility commissions play a critical role in shaping our electric grid and renewable energy policies. In addition, local authorities can promote energy efficiency by developing and implementing strategies that improve the efficiency of municipal facilities and operations or encouraging energy efficiency improvements in residential, commercial or industrial sectors with government-backed incentives. Because of the many ways that access to and use of electricity shape sustainable growth, industrial activity, development, and economic activity, state and local energy policy has far-reaching implications.
Passed on 26 June, the 2024 Energy Storage Systems Act (SB 2499 and HB 7811) represents a significant step toward achieving Rhode Island’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2030. This legislation emphasizes the importance of energy storage in enhancing the reliability and resilience of the state's energy grid, especially as it increasingly relies on […]
Introduction Seattle's port is making a strong push for environmental sustainability by requiring all homeported cruise ships to use shore power by 2027, moving up their original goal from 2030. This change aims to cut emissions and promote cleaner energy use in the maritime sector. Background The Port of Seattle, established in 1911, is a […]
Learn more about the recent history of nuclear energy usage in the United States and how both national and state-level policies are shaping its future.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is an independent, non-profit organization focused on advancing safe, reliable, affordable, and clean energy for society through global collaboration, science and technology innovation, and applied research. EPRI also conducts nuclear-focused research in the areas of materials management, fuels and chemistry, plant performance, and strategic initiatives. ESAL spoke with Maria […]
Ravi Mikkelsen is the co-founder of ATMOS Financial, an organization which builds banking solutions that allow customers to have a direct impact on the transition to a clean economy. He spoke with ESAL about how using his technical engineering degree to tackle climate change in the financial sector.
ESAL spoke with Kendra Zamzow, an environmental chemist in Chickaloon, Alaska who provides scientific input to mining approval decisions on behalf of community groups and tribes throughout the country. The conversation covered the scientific and engineering issues associated with mining and how regulators learn about and use that information.
While electric vehicles are a critical part of local climate change and air pollution mitigation, structural barriers create gaps in charging infrastructure for marginalized communities. ESAL volunteer Chris Jackson recently published a policy brief outlining how policymakers can ensure that those benefits are equitably distributed.
Aimee Bailey's interest in climate change took her from a Ph.D. in condensed matter physics to the local energy utility sector. She now leads a portfolio of electrification initiatives as the director of decarbonization and grid innovation at Silicon Valley Clean Energy.
Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers for Healthy Energy (PSE) generates original research on energy production and clean energy transitions with a focus on environmental justice. ESAL spoke with PSE's Elena Krieger to see how they empower community stakeholders to use science and data to create evidence-based policy.
