VX News is the editorial voice of the annual VerdeXchange Conference, featuring in-depth interviews with industry leaders and policymakers driving innovation in clean energy, water, transportation, and climate policy.
Coalition for Clean Air's Dr. Joe Lyou on Post-Fire Recovery Precautions & Federal Funding Uncertainty
Given the impacts of the Eaton and Palisades fires on the region's air quality, the recent withdrawal of California's Advanced Clean Fleet EPA waiver request, and the billions in Inflation Reduction Act EPA grant funding committed but still pending to the region for goods movement decarbonization, VX News checked in with Dr. Joe Lyou, President & CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air.
Darrell Steinberg: Can California Fix the Disconnect Between Public Education & the Modern Workforce?
In this op-ed originally published by the LA Times and shared here with permission, Former Mayor of Sacramento Darrell Steinberg discusses how public education reform could play a key role in connecting with young voters and expanding access to economic opportunities. In his reimaging of public education, Steinberg stresses the need for core curriculum to be relevant and connected to high-growth job sectors as well as supplemented by paid work experiences that will better prepare and support students as they transition out of high school. Steinberg believes that through this strategy, California Democrats can redefine themselves to disillusioned voters and set an important example for what the future of American education—inclusive of more than those in pursuit of a college degree—could look like.
Concordia’s Steve Bingler: Disaster Recovery Planning Lessons from Hurricane Katrina
VX News shares this op-ed by Steven Bingler on key lessons learned from the evolution of New Orleans's Hurricane Katrina recovery planning process.
Winning the Climate War: BNEF Summit Executive Dialogue with Tom Steyer
VX News shares this Executive Dialogue with Tom Steyer, Co-Executive Chair of Galvanize Climate Solutions, and Bloomberg NEF Editor Vandana Gombar from the BNEF Summit in San Francisco earlier this month.
SCAG’s Kome Ajise on Local Government’s Role in Regional Resilience
VX News interviewed Kome Ajise, Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), to elaborate on the challenges and priorities shaping regional planning in the aftermath of the Eaton & Palisades fires.
Renata Simril on Rebuilding Joy: The Vital Role of Parks and Playgrounds in Healing Los Angeles
President of the LA City Park & Recreation Commission Renata Simril addresses the emotional and mental health impacts of the Eaton & Palisades fires and the sanctuary offered by parks and playgrounds as Angelenos undertake the hard work of not just rebuilding physical infrastructure but healing from widespread trauma.
Plant Prefab’s Steve Glenn: Benefits of Prefab & Modular Design in Expediting Reconstruction After Disaster
With Plant Prefab’s new automated facility operating in Tejon Ranch with capacity to build up to 2,000 homes in a year, TPR checked in with Steve Glenn, founder of Plant Prefab, to elaborate on the benefits of custom designed prefabricated and modular homes could offer for expediting rebuilding efforts.
POLB’s Harbor Commission President Lowenthal on Aligning Economic Growth with Environmental Responsibility
In this VX interview, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners Bonnie Lowenthal shares insights on the opportunities underway at the Port of Long Beach to drive innovation as the city of Long Beach moves to realign its economy away from fossil fuels.