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.
Inside CAISO’s Expansion: President Mainzer on Markets, Governance, and the Western Grid
In this conversation with VX News, Elliot Mainzer, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), discusses efforts to build a more integrated Western power system through the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) and the forthcoming Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM). By leveraging regional connectivity and resource diversity, the model is improving reliability and lowering costs while preserving state-level control.
The Extended Day-Ahead Market Goes Live: EDF’s Michael Colvin
Building on past VX coverage of Western grid integration and governance reform, including the Pathways Initiative and California’s legislative efforts to enable a regional market, we reconnected with Michael Colvin, Director of the California Energy Program at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), to assess where things stand today and what comes next. In conversation, Colvin outlines the launch of the Extended Day-Ahead Market for Western Energy, the role of independent governance in enabling multi-state participation, and the broader infrastructure challenges shaping the energy transition.
California’s Energy Future: A Conversation with Chair David Hochschild
As California confronts rising demand, wildfire-driven costs, and federal policy uncertainty, VX News spoke with California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild on the state’s entry into a new phase of energy deployment—defined by speed, scale, and resilience.
Noel Hacegaba’s Bullish Vision: New CEO Outlines the Port of Long Beach’s Future
In this VX News interview, Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba discusses how the Port is adapting to shifting global trade patterns and supply chain disruptions. With manufacturing flows increasingly moving from China toward Southeast Asia, Hacegaba outlines the port’s $3.2 billion infrastructure investment over the next 10 years, including the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility designed to triple rail capacity and accelerate cargo movement across the nation.
Building Climate Resilience: Wade Crowfoot on California’s Land, Water, and Energy Systems
In conversation with VX News, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot discusses advancing climate resilience across land, water, and energy systems as extreme weather intensifies. From wildfire resilience and biodiversity restoration to the state’s long-term Water Supply Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, Crowfoot outlines how California is preparing for a projected 10 percent decline in water supply while supporting a population of nearly 40 million people.
A Diversification Play for Lithium Valley: Rod Colwell on Geothermal Baseload, Critical Minerals & Data Power
In conversation with VX News, Chief Executive Officer Rod Colwell of Controlled Thermal Resources, traces the company’s evolution from a geothermal power developer into a vertically integrated energy and critical-minerals platform centered in California’s Imperial County.
Coby Skye’s Next Chapter: Leading SLO County’s Integrated Waste Management Authority
In conversation with VX News, Coby Skye reflects on his transition from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to leading the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA), where regional collaboration is advancing organic waste diversion and SB 1383 compliance.
Inside ReMo Homes: Founder Vamsi Kumar Kotla’s Supply-Side Housing Play for California
As California confronts overlapping wildfire rebuilding pressures, housing shortages, and climate adaptation challenges, standardized off-site construction is gaining renewed policy and market attention. In conversation, ReMo Homes Founder & CEO Vamsi Kumar Kotla discusses the statewide approval of SupReMo™, a pre-engineered housing model designed to streamline permitting, reduce soft costs, and accelerate scalable housing delivery.
CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez on the Future of California’s EV Incentives and Infrastructure
CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez details California’s proposed $200 million rebate strategy to backfill lost federal EV incentives and maintain market momentum. She addresses rising U.S. manufacturing competition, pressures in the ZEV credit market, and the legal stakes around California’s Clean Air Act waiver, while pointing to cap-and-invest funding, heavy-duty fleet electrification, and wildfire mitigation as key pillars of the state’s path forward.
Plant Prefab’s Moment: Steve Glenn on Post-Fire Rebuilds, New Commercial Ventures, and Market Signals
As wildfire rebuilding, affordability pressures, and labor constraints converge, off-site construction is moving from niche solution to market necessity. In this interview, Founder and CEO of Plant Prefab, Steve Glenn, reflects on two decades in industrialized housing, tracing how prefab has evolved from design experimentation to a delivery-driven business shaped by automation, permitting frameworks, and capital discipline.