On May 23, Advanced Energy Economy Institute convened a full house of advanced energy technologies (with representatives of 10 AEE member companies) to meet with Joey Freeman, policy director for Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s gubernatorial campaign. Joey was joined by Jared Blumenfeld, who is advising the campaign on energy and environment issues. Joey and Jared reinforced the candidate’s support for advanced energy growth, and emphasized a commitment to working with our industry to push the envelope on the state’s economic growth and aggressive decarbonization goals.  

Among Newsom’s energy priorities, the campaign singled out the state’s transportation sector as a major focus, with plans to-- fast-track progress on goods movement, fleet electrification, and a zero-diesel goal. The campaign also echoed the candidate’s support for paving the way to a 100% clean grid, and affirmed a willingness, broadly speaking, to ensure the various state agencies are aligned on implementing the state’s long-standing climate and energy goals. Overall, these top Newsom advisors emphasized that the campaign is thinking holistically and ready to roll up its sleeves to implement a bold agenda. They will be looking to the private sector to help fit the pieces together and set the next Administration up for success to continue the strong legacy of climate and energy leadership left by Gov. Brown.

This sit-down with the Newsom campaign concludes our pre-primary roundtable series with the leading gubernatorial campaigns, including John Chiang, Delaine Eastin, John Cox, and Antonio Villaraigosa. Through these roundtables, we have learned more about each candidate's vision for the state, and given each of them a better understanding of the advanced energy industry that’s driving economic growth in California.