California Energy Commission Holds Milestone Events Celebrating its 45th Anniversary and Honoring Clean Energy Champions
During the December 7 event, energy leaders shared milestones and looked ahead to the many efforts shaping California’s progress. On December 10, the inaugural California Clean Energy Hall of Fame awards honored six energy champions who are helping to advance the state's clean energy goals. Governor Gavin Newsom provided recorded opening remarks for the ceremony.
The December 7 event celebrated the CEC’s 45th anniversary, highlighted its accomplishments, and looked at the future of clean energy and the organization’s continued role in helping California achieve its landmark climate, energy, and equity goals.
The event included two fireside chats. A panel of former CEC commissioners discussed the CEC’s 45-year history of delivering results on key energy policies. Moderated by Commissioner Karen Douglas, featured speakers included former CEC Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller, Carla Peterman, Jananne Sharpless, and Karen Edson.
The second panel looked ahead as California continued to lead the transition to a clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, affordable, and equitable.
Vice Chair Janea A. Scott and Commissioner Andrew McAllister served as moderators. Panelists included Sunrun CEO Lynn Jurich; Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León; BloombergNEF Clean Power Research Head Logan Goldie-Scot; and Self-Help Enterprises Sustainable Energy Solutions Manager Abigail Solis.
The California Clean Energy Hall of Fame Awards recognized individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their local communities by helping California advance its clean energy goals. The awards aim to motivate and inspire all stakeholders to continue to lead California to a 100 percent clean energy future for all by 2045.
Dr. James O’Bannon, an energy efficiency contributor and founder of the construction management program at California State University, Chico received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kaushik Tota, founder of the Climate Youth Ambassador Program and a senior at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, won the Youth Game-Changer award.
The Clean Energy Champions were Rey Leon, mayor of the City of Huron and executive director of the Latino Equity Advocacy & Policy Institute; Eddie Price, community and workforce development coordinator at GRID Alternatives in San Diego; Pamela Quan, certified electrician and lead installer at Luminalt Energy Corporation in San Francisco; and Arla Ramsey, vice chair of Blue Lake Rancheria in Humboldt County.
More details about the six awardees can be found here.
Videos for the two virtual events are posted at the 45th anniversary webpage.
