Advanced Energy Perspectives

Image by Disney/ABC Television Group, used under Creative Commons license

What does 2018 hold for advanced energy? Plenty, when it comes to federal and state policy issues that could make or break business prospects for advanced energy companies. I hope all you advanced energy advocates are well rested, as the new year is going to be a busy one! Here is what we at AEE see on the policy horizon, with some opportunities – and battles – coming sooner than you’d think.

On December 7, Advanced Energy Economy Institute hosted California gubernatorial hopeful John Cox for a 90-minute roundtable session with AEE member companies in San Francisco. Cox, a Republican from San Diego, spoke about his plans to limit the impact of special interests in Sacramento and attract more businesses and investment to the state.

The roundtable was the third in a series of meetings with the leading candidates for governor. Through these roundtables, we hope to learn more about each candidate's vision for the state, and we hope they will learn more about the advanced energy industry that’s growing in California.

On Nov. 9, Advanced Energy Economy Institute hosted California gubernatorial hopeful Antonio Villaraigosa for an engaging roundtable with AEE member companies in San Francisco. Coming fresh off a speaking appearance at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator the day before, Villaraigosa was energized, and spoke about the opportunity and need to expand advanced energy business growth in all parts of the state. 

The roundtable was the second in a series of meetings with all the leading candidates for governor over the next few months. Through these roundtables, we hope to learn more about each candidate's vision for the state, and we hope they will learn more about the advanced energy industry growing in California.

On Sept. 22, AEE hosted a California Gubernatorial Roundtable featuring Treasurer John Chiang. Treasurer Chiang joined AEE staff and our member companies for a lively session focused on the state’s leadership in advanced energy and how the industry is expanding economic development opportunity throughout the state. The roundtable was the first in a series of meetings with all the leading candidates for governor over the next few months. Through these roundtables, we hope to learn more about the candidates’ visions for the state, and we hope they will learn more about the advanced energy industry growing in California.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 16, the California legislature’s 2017 session came to a close. It was a jam-packed year, full of debate, negotiations, and deal making. The legislature took on a number of big ticket issues this year, including cap and trade, transportation, and housing. While the cap and trade extension was secured in early summer, a host of other measures important to AEE on energy storage, advanced transportation, and PACE financing cleared the legislature at the tail end of session. They were sent to Gov. Brown’s desk, with the expectation that all would gain his signature. That leaves us with much to wrap up about what got done this year – and what remains to be done next year.