Spreading the good news about electrification

In a recent episode of the podcast "Volts," host David Roberts discussed the significant advancements and potential of clean electrification with Hawaii State Senator Chris Lee, a prominent advocate for environmental policies and electrification initiatives. In the past decade, the concept of electrifying various sectors has evolved from a focus solely on decarbonization to a broader recognition of its benefits, including cost savings, air quality improvements, job creation, and technological innovation.

Lee highlighted his journey towards emphasizing electrification, which began in 2008 during his initial campaign for office. He noted a pivotal moment of realization when he first engaged with advanced technologies, prompting him to explore the possibilities of applying such innovations to various areas, including energy and infrastructure. Lee co-founded the Electric Innovation Initiative (EII) in collaboration with California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild. The initiative seeks to catalyze the expansion of electrification policies across the nation by connecting politicians, businesses, and advocates, while also promoting recognition through an awards program for outstanding contributions to electrification.

One key challenge that Lee identified is the lack of awareness among state legislators about electrification and related technologies. He stressed the need for education and information sharing, especially given the influx of new lawmakers lacking experience in energy policy. Lee’s initiative aims to serve as a resource for legislators to understand potential solutions, assess innovations, and engage in meaningful discussions about electrification.

During the episode, Lee shared insights from tours where state lawmakers explored cutting-edge electrification projects, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing craft and innovative heat pump technologies. He emphasized the importance of highlighting practical, affordable solutions to address pressing concerns about energy costs and environmental sustainability.

Lee expressed optimism about the potential for states to lead the charge in electrification, regardless of the political climate at the federal level. He believes that collaboration among legislators—across party lines—focused on shared economic goals can drive progress in electrification and environmental policy.

The conversation also touched on challenges faced by Hawaii's utility landscape, particularly following the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, which underscored the need for resilient infrastructure and improved emergency preparedness. Lee argued for the significance of integrating advanced technologies to enhance grid reliability and resilience.

Overall, the Electric Innovation Initiative aims to not only promote electrification but also foster a broader understanding and adoption of sustainable energy practices in the United States. Lee’s vision for the next decade includes increased collaboration, education, and innovative solutions that prioritize both affordability and environmental responsibility.

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Most of the energy decisions that touch daily life in America get made in state legislatures, and the people making them are increasingly new to the job. In smaller states, a freshly elected lawmaker gets a pad of paper, no staff, and about 150 lobbyists at the door, then votes on billion-dollar energy budgets in a landscape where the technology changes faster than anyone can track. On this episode of Volts, David Roberts talks with Hawaii state Senator Chris Lee, co-founder of the Electric Innovation Initiative, a bipartisan network betting that education moves electrification faster than mandates: put lawmakers in front of working technology, connect them across state lines, and let affordability carry the argument where climate framing will not. As Lee puts it, "nine times out of ten, people just don't know what they don't know." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:39 How electrification clicked: the 2008 iPhone moment 06:10 The education gap: why the initiative exists 11:35 Proxy staff and cross-state validation 15:44 What lands on the tours: eVTOL to the data-center win-win 20:51 Plain 'electrification': the bipartisan framing bet 26:28 Climate hushing and Hawaii's two-track proof 30:17 Policy that spreads: e-buses, heat pumps, RFPs 37:37 Utility business-model reform: Hawaii's PBR law 42:03 Affordability after the federal subsidies 45:22 Hawaii under pressure: LNG and the Lahaina grid 51:53 State power against federal hostility 55:19 The ten-year vision and the closing advice