S2: E7 - Shaping Policy for Sustainable Decarbonization

Perspectives on Sustainable Development

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I almost decided to name this episode, "so this is why we can't have nice things." On our last episode, Doug Houseman and Mark Jacobson showed us what's possible albeit challenging from a technical perspective. This episode Eric Beightel (Federal Strategy Director, Environmental Science Associates) and Josh Kaplowitz (Senior Counsel, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP) walk us through grid decarbonization and renewables development from a legal and policy perspective. Simply put, our current regulatory models aren't made for this. But if you decide to rip it all down and start over (NEPA reference there), how do you make sure the new model is more up to the challenge?

We cover a lot in this episode, from the critical role of SCOTUS over the next four years, whether or not we are in an energy emergency (as defined historically), environmental assessments and stakeholdering as part of the permitting process, federalism, and "what you wish we could have done differently over the last four years".

Josh and Eric have been right in the middle of this at the highest levels during the previous administration and are what I'd like to call objective optimists on the topic. I suggest watching the previous episode before you watch this one. Good policy should focus on technical challenges and look to improve timelines.

Enjoy!