House Republicans' resistance to green spending is waning as they face the economic impact of green investments in their districts. Speaker Mike Johnson received a letter from 18 GOP members urging him to preserve clean technology subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act, despite many having opposed it. Their concern is that dismantling these subsidies could lead to lost jobs and unfinished projects in their areas. With a significant share of the IRA’s $200 billion investment and job growth slated for Republican districts, these members are balancing ideological stances with economic realities, especially in competitive or moderate districts.
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Stephan Tucker, General Manager of the Water Replenishment District (WRD), details the district's core mission of safeguarding groundwater quantity and quality across southern LA County. Established in 1959 to combat depleted groundwater basins and seawater intrusion, WRD collaborates closely with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and local agencies to replenish the Central and West Coast Groundwater basins using a mix of stormwater and recycled water, thereby reducing dependence on imported water sources. In this exclusive interview, Tucker provides in-depth insights into key projects, notably the ongoing expansion of desalination facilities aimed at purifying groundwater, supported by federal grants and strategic partnerships. He also discusses the district's strategic vision for achieving long-term water supply sustainability, navigating construction challenges, and managing economic implications within the region's water infrastructure landscape. Throughout the conversation, Tucker emphasizes the critical importance of public awareness regarding groundwater's pivotal role in ensuring reliable water supply and maintaining cost-effectiveness across Southern California, painting an optimistic outlook for the region's water future.
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In this comprehensive interview with Mark Pestrella, Director of the Los Angeles County Public Works, Pestrella delves into the multifaceted responsibilities of overseeing the largest public works agency in the United States. Outlining the agency’s extensive scope, which includes managing water systems, roads, airports, and emergency responses for over 10 million residents across 4,000 square miles, he emphasizes the challenges of maintaining such vast infrastructure while simultaneously addressing climate change, which he describes as an ever-present threat that the agency has been planning for over the years.
Pestrella also discusses the agency’s strategic approach to leveraging historic federal funding from recent bills, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), securing $1.5 billion to fund projects that prioritize climate resilience and equity. He underscores the ongoing challenge of workforce development in the face of a competitive labor market and highlights innovative approaches like AI and digital twins to enhance infrastructure maintenance and planning. As the 2028 Olympics approach, Pestrella shares his vision for showcasing LA County’s infrastructure, particularly along the LA River, as a reflection of the region's evolution and resilience.
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California Policymakers Can Incorporate Mediation Into Legislative Proposals To Streamline Renewable Energy Permitting
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CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda discusses California's clean energy goals, emphasizing the need for 150,000 new megawatts to meet targets. He highlights the CEC's role in leveraging federal funds, including those from the Inflation Reduction Act, to support energy projects and coordinates with state agencies for efficient resource application. Gunda addresses challenges in grid reliability, affordability, and extensive planning. He highlights the importance of storage solutions, CCS, and hydrogen in achieving a balanced energy grid and underscores global collaborations, particularly with India, to enhance climate solutions and renewable energy efforts.
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In a world where sustainable practices must transcend theory and take concrete form, Sara Neff has taken the helm as a champion for sustainable real estate development and related ESG initiatives as Head of Sustainability for Lendlease Americas. VX spoke with Neff, delving into the specific projects Lendlease is developing in the Americas both privately and with the Department of Defense, and how those projects are setting new standards for sustainable practices.
![Chelsea Sexton](https://www.verdexchange.org/sites/default/files/styles/testimonial_scale_crop_81_114/public/field/image/sexton%2C%20chelsea.jpg?itok=Tz3I4dcr)
As the Bipartisan Infrastructure Reduction Act continues to spur and invest in America’s infrastructure – most especially, its many renewable and cleantech projects – the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVM), best known in its early days for its massive 456 million dollar loan to Tesla, has been revived and has been loaning billions of dollars into projects related to domestic vehicle manufacturing, including medium and heavy duty efforts. VX News shares an excerpt from a recent LACI & Milken sponsored event, featuring Senior Advisor for DOE Arnab Pal speaking with ATVM Loan Program Manager, Chelsea Sexton. The conversation covered the logistics of building and supporting the future of advanced vehicle production, as well as both the pursuit of domestic security in manufacturing, and the many supply chain challenges in need of addressing.
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Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), highlights In this VXNews interview the significant strides made in transitioning towards zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in various weight classes, from light-duty to heavy-duty trucks, as well as encouraging developments in hydrogen and electric ferries. Despite challenges in reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), Randolph emphasizes CARB's strategy to support transit and innovative mobility solutions, such as community-based e-bike programs. Also touched upon is the importance of charging infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty trucks, the role of utilities in meeting energy demands, and the ongoing collaboration with environmental justice groups and international partners like Quebec. Overall, Randolph underscores the necessity of collective collaboration and strategic planning to achieve California's ambitious climate goals and for advancing sustainable transportation initiatives
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This fireside chat between Josh Haskell and Zev Yaroslavsky took place at the sixth annual UCLA Luskin Summit. Yaroslavsky presented the results from this year’s Quality of Life Index, which annually polls a cross-section of Los Angeles County residents to apprehend the public’s perception of the quality of their own lives. As the cost of living continues to rise and affordable housing remains deprioritized, Zev shared this year’s Survey Findings.
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As urban downtowns and their transit serving systems begin recovering from the pandemi’s impact on urban street life, cities have begun blessing innovative ways to utilize their streets and manage their curbs. VXNews shares here excerpts from a recent Curbivore L.A. panel masterfully moderated by Laura Bliss of Bloomberg News that included: Jordan Justus (Co-Founder & CEO, Automotus), Marcel Porras (Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, LA Metro), Debs Schrimmer (Senior Advisor, Joint Office of Energy & Transportation) and Gene Oh (CEO, Tranzito). The panel’s focus; actual examples of the ways varying metropolises are transforming their streets, curbs & public transit systems to better serve the evolving needs of their citizens.
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Amidst a flurry of bills, executive orders, and local measures reshaping the housing narrative in California and Los Angeles, assessing the true impact of these legislative endeavors remains a challenge. At a recent Curbivore event, Randall Winston, Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure for Los Angeles, spoke to the attendees hoping to shed light on the ongoing discourse surrounding LA’s housing landscape and the incoming Capital Infrastructure Plan. VX News shares here the full address given by Winston, in which he discusses the implications of Executive Directive 1, the supply-demand paradox facing California, and UCLA's recent acquisition of the Westside Pavilion shopping mall.
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As cities grapple with the challenges of urbanization, transportation remains a central concern in fostering sustainable, vibrant communities. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the recent passage of Healthy Streets LA (HLA) with two key figures at the forefront of this transformative initiative: Michael Schneider and Yuval Bar-Zemer. In this exclusive interview with VX News, Schneider, a driving force behind the HLA campaign, offers insights into the significance of this ordinance and its far-reaching implications for urban mobility, while Yuval Bar-Zemer, renowned for his extensive involvement in the Arts District and community initiatives, shares his perspective on the campaign and its potential impact on Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods.
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In a recent exclusive webinar led by Tyson Eckerle, Senior Advisor for Clean Infrastructure and Mobility at the California Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development, participants gained valuable insights into the future of California's hydrogen landscape. Hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Eckerle delved into the innovative California Hydrogen Hub initiative, which aims to utilize clean, renewable hydrogen to transform transportation, energy, and industrial sectors. Discover the strategic partnerships propelling this initiative forward and explore the roadmap for establishing a sustainable, statewide hydrogen market ecosystem. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the potential of hydrogen in decarbonizing our economy and shaping a greener future for generations to come.
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“ The partnership between (Metro), LA28, LA County, and our federal leaders shows us what can be done when we form a united front. Metro is committed to providing world-class mobility across LA County and to …reshaping transforming and reimagining mobility in our region.”
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In the bustling landscape of real estate and economic advisory, HR&A stands out as a beacon for equitable and sustainable community development. In an exclusive interview with VX News, Judith Taylor, a Partner based in HR&A’s Los Angeles office, sheds light on the firm's multifaceted focuses. Drawing from her roots in the Inland Empire, Taylor shares insights into her passion for placemaking and density, advocating for sustainable growth and vibrant communities. As California grapples with a housing crisis, Taylor underscores HR&A’s commitment to not just building housing, but to crafting resilient communities that foster economic opportunities.
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In an exclusive interview with VX News, Leslie Moulton-Post sheds light on the origins and primary focus of Environmental Science Associates (ESA)'s Applied Environmental Science consulting services. Leslie, serving as a prominent figure within ESA's leadership, elaborates on the firm's core mission of applied environmental sciences, spanning compliance assistance for developers, utilities, cities, and counties, as well as innovative nature-based engineering solutions for shoreline resilience and climate adaptation.
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VXNews shares an excerpt from "Ten Across Conversations," a podcast series hosted by Duke Reiter which engages environmental reporter Rosanna Xia, delving into the urgent challenges facing California's coastline. The episode addresses the unique threats of massive waves battering the West Coast, emphasizing the pressing need for the state to prepare for significant sea level rise within the next 30 years. Xia, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, draws from her on-the-ground experiences and her book, "California Against the Sea: Visions for Our Vanishing Coastline." The conversation navigates the complexities of terms like "managed retreat" and explores the philosophical debate between prioritizing property value and life safety in the context of climate change.
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At the forefront of shaping the water landscape in Southern California, TPR interviewed Adel Hagekhalil, the General Manager and CEO of the Metropolitan Water District. With a keen focus on resilience and collaboration, Adel introduced the concept of "One Water" to the agency upon assuming his leadership position, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive water management strategies in the face of climate change. Under his guidance, Metropolitan has embarked on ambitious projects to secure water supplies for millions of residents, while also ensuring equitable access and environmental sustainability.
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A Japan-California Hydrogen online Webinar in early February was hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California. The event’s goal: to connect California organizations with the Japanese government and Japanese companies working in the hydrogen space. Presentations focus on the California Hydrogen Hub project and include remarks by key stakeholders in California and presentations by the Japanese government and Japanese companies in the field. VX News here shares a transcript of the remarks of Michael DiBernardo, POLA’s deputy Executive of Marketing and Customer Relations.
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Recently it was announced that the city of Inglewood would be the recipient of a $1 billion-dollar federal investment for the Inglewood Transit Connector project. In this exclusive VX News interview, Inglewood’s Mayor, James Butts, provides an update on Inglewood's 1.6-mile people mover project. Emphasizing the project's broader impact on the local and regional economy, given multiple international events already booked through 2029, Mayor Butts challenges the miss-perception of who will use mass transit, envisioning Inglewood as a globally attractive sports and entertainment capital. Reflecting on Inglewood's transformative & successful economic recovery, Mayor Butts also shares a vision for the city's 2030 legacy, highlighting generational wealth creation and renewed infrastructure investments.