When the eyes of the world turn to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games, will they see a smog-choked city full of traffic jams, gas furnaces and fossil-fueled power plants? Or a beacon of light in a polluted world, bursting with solar panels, electric cars and induction stoves?
The short answer: probably both.
But LACI’s ambitious Clean Energy Roadmap plan unveiled could lead to more of the good stuff and less of the bad stuff.
Los Angeles, December 14, 2023 – Following the unanimous approval of a declaration by COP28 diplomats that included calls for the phase out of fossil fuels and the tripling of renewable energy capacity, Matt Petersen, LACI’s President and CEO, issued the following statement:
“While not adequate in meeting the magnitude of the climate crisis, it is historic that the ‘phasing out’ of fossil fuels—along with the funding of loss and damages, albeit modest, and commitments for the tripling of renewable energy capacity—was included in the final COP28 declaration unanimously approved in Dubai yesterday. In attending COP28 to share LACI’s unique green economic development model to deploy equitable climate solutions at speed and scale, I was also pleased to be amongst hundreds of startup founders and fellow California leaders showing how the world’s 4th largest economy is helping lead the way.
“Along with 2000 others, I signed the letter challenging COP28 President Sultan Al-Jaber and all delegates to ensure the final declaration committed to ‘phasing out’ fossil fuels along with commitments for climate finance and biodiversity. The unanimous agreement codifies for the first time in the history of the world’s largest climate conference what we have known all along: that we must end our reliance on fossil fuels to ensure, as I often say, humanity doesn’t just survive but also thrives on this planet.”
Roadmap Sets Targets for Creating a Virtual Power Plant, Installing Heat Pumps, Vehicle to Grid Charging, Green Jobs, Equitable Access to Solar, and Other Targets to Advance Building Electrification, Clean Distributed Generation, Energy-Transportation Nexus, and Grid Efficiency and Resiliency
Partnership Leadership Group Includes the California Energy Commission, Office of Mayor Karen Bass, Southern California Edison, LA Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles County, Clean Power Alliance, and California Independent System Operator (ISO)
Los Angeles, CA, October 25, 2023 – Today, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator’s Clean Energy Partnership (Partnership) released the Clean Energy 2028 Roadmap (Roadmap) to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Greater Los Angeles region by an additional 15% across the electricity, building, and transportation sectors by the time Los Angeles welcomes the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
During a launch event at the La Kretz Innovation Campus, LACI CEO Matt Petersen, LA City Council President Paul Krekorian, and fellow Partnership leaders cited the importance of the Roadmap’s ambitious targets for Greater LA in further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, achieving 100% clean energy, and ensuring equitable access to clean energy solutions across the region. The Roadmap targets include creating a Virtual Power Plant and accelerating deployment of distributed energy resources, such as heat pumps, solar and storage systems, battery integrated electric vehicle charging stations, community solar, and other solutions, all of which are eligible for Inflation Reduction Act incentives.
To better spur innovation, advance equity, and accelerate implementation, the Roadmap lays out three solutions-oriented pathways along with recommended policies, pilots, and other initiatives to achieve the targets: 1) electrification of buildings; 2) meeting new building and transportation electric load with clean distributed generation and energy-transportation nexus technologies; and 3) bolstering grid resiliency while improving affordability, equity, jobs, and health risks.
“LACI’s Clean Energy Partnership establishes potential pathways to reduce our carbon emissions and improve the lives of Angelenos,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “I applaud this partnership’s goals to ensure reliable, clean, and affordable energy powers our city. I encourage others in the region to engage in this vital Clean Energy Partnership to work together with government leaders, utilities, state regulators, energy solutions providers and other stakeholders to create a lasting impact.”
“As the City moves toward 100% clean energy, we need solutions to help advance the transition while boosting affordability and reliability,” said Paul Krekorian, LA City Council President (CD2). “Through this roadmap, the Clean Energy Partnership has set forth actionable targets and goals to accelerate progress toward a clean energy future for the people of Los Angeles. I am proud to support LACI and this effort.”
“To accelerate the electrification of Greater LA’s buildings and transportation while ensuring grid resilience and equity, we need unparalleled regional collaboration and innovation,” said Matt Petersen, LACI CEO and co-chair of the Clean Energy Partnership. “Thanks to the political will demonstrated by the Partnership and the bold Roadmap targets we set together, we can advance initiatives like creating a Virtual Power Plant to better improve our air quality and health while creating good paying green jobs that will uplift individuals and economy by the time the world arrives in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“California is a leader in climate action that inspires the rest of the nation and the world to follow suit,” said David Hochschild, chair of the California Energy Commission and co-chair of the Clean Energy Partnership. “To continue to lead on climate action and improve public health, we need to tackle the emissions from our buildings and while continuing to decarbonize the grid. These shared commitments to action and the goals to decarbonize our buildings and grid are why I am proud to co-chair the Clean Energy Partnership.”
“As California moves at an impressive pace toward its clean energy goals, CAISO is pleased to support the Clean Energy Partnership as it will drive the innovation that is needed to build a more resilient grid,” said Mary Leslie, chair of Board of Governors, California Independent System Operator (CAISO). “For the state to continue to transform its grid to zero-carbon, a diverse set of clean energy solutions are needed, including smaller energy resources that make regions like Los Angeles more resilient in the face of escalating climate and extreme weather risks.”
“Southern California Edison has been a longstanding partner and supporter of LACI and its mission to create an inclusive green economy. We share the vision of a clean energy future that benefits all Californians, especially those who are most impacted by climate change and pollution,” said Steven Powell, president and CEO of SCE. “We look forward to collaborating with LACI and the other members of the Clean Energy Partnership to make this vision a reality while ensuring the grid is reliable, resilient and ready to provide the energy for what’s ahead.”
The Partnership has identified three calls to action for the region for the initial implementation of the Roadmap. These include:
Through these efforts, the Partnership also aims to minimize power outages—particularly for those most at risk—increase energy affordability, and increase equitable access to clean technologies and jobs.
The full Roadmap, complete with the Clean Energy Partnership’s recommended goals, targets, and key takeaways can be found here.
ABOUT LACI:
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation through scaling cleantech startups, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in transportation, energy, and sustainable cities, like the Transportation Electrification Partnership, and enhancing communities through green jobs workforce training, pilots and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP) in 2011, LACI is recognized as one of the top 10 innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. LACI has helped 375 portfolio companies raise over $1 billion in funding, generated $335 million in revenue, and created 2,626 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a long term economic impact of more than $587 million.
ABOUT THE LACI CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIP:
LACI launched the Clean Energy Partnership to accelerate the move to 100% clean energy while meeting the needs of transportation electrification, building decarbonization, and grid resiliency in the Greater Los Angeles Region by the time of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Partnership is Co-chaired by LACI CEO Matt Petersen and California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild. Members include Los Angeles City Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP), LA County’s Sustainability Office, Southern California Edison (SCE), Clean Power Alliance, California Independent System Operator (CAISO), Sunrun, Swell Energy, and Wells Fargo.
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Historic amounts of both private and public money are pouring into climate solutions, but when it comes to climate tech and venture capital funding, the distribution of those funds is largely unequal.
The Coalition’s Justice40 Principles Commits Incubators to Prioritizing
Opportunities for Underrepresented Cleantech Entrepreneurs, Investing in
Disadvantaged Communities & Ensuring the Clean Energy Economy
Benefits All Americans
Los Angeles, CA, September 20, 2023 – Leaders of the nation’s most innovative clean
technology incubators–via the National Coalition of Clean Energy Incubators (NCCEI) led by
the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)–adopted a new joint Statement of Principles to
advance President Biden’s environmental justice goals, promising to prioritize investments
and initiatives that “increase support and enhance opportunities for diverse
underrepresented cleantech entrepreneurs, provide job training for at-risk communities and
scale deployment of clean energy solutions in disadvantaged communities that will provide
increased benefits from the clean energy economy for all Americans.”
“Thanks to President Biden and the U.S. Congress, federal agencies are making historic levels
of investment to advance environmental justice as we respond to the climate crisis,” said
Matt Petersen, CEO of LACI. “That is why clean technology incubators like those represented in
the NCCEI understand that we need to help advance the President’s equity priorities–as
represented by Justice40–as we play our individual and collective roles in building an
inclusive green economy, creating good-paying, green jobs while deploying equitable
climate solutions in disadvantaged communities, and supporting underrepresented founders
to scale their game changing solutions.”
The NCCEI promotes robust growth of regional energy innovation ecosystems across the
nation by providing support for startups and entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on clean
energy-related technologies. In addition to Petersen, those signing the Statement of
Principles include Danny Kennedy, Chief Energy Officer of New Energy Nexus, Kate Frucher of
The Clean Fight, Rick Stockburger of BRITE Energy Innovators, Nina Axelson of Grid Catalyst,
Cortney Piper of Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC), Isaac Vanderburg of
Launch Alaska, Dawn Lippert of Elemental Excelerator, Pamela Fann of Impact Energy, Erik
Birkerts of Evergreen Climate Innovations and Felicia Davis, HBCU Green Fund Inc, Laura
Teicher of FORGE, Aina Abiodun of VertueLab, Doug Davenport of Prospect Silicon Valley, Kevin
Knobloch of Greentown Labs, Rebecca Taylor of the Austin Technology Incubator, and
Kenneth B. Hayes of Cleantech Open.
“The policy vision behind Justice40 is that when all communities can access the benefits of
our new energy future, our entire economy and society will thrive,” said Cortney Piper,
Executive Director of The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council and a member of
NCCEI. “I am proud to be part of a community of clean energy incubators around the nation
that are making the connection between innovation and inclusion in order to create a
national advanced energy economy.”
The NCCEI’s Statement of Principles on the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiative were
transmitted today to President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Congressional leaders. The
Principles include commitments to support underrepresented founders, deliver innovative
cleantech solutions in disadvantaged communities–including green workforce training–and
expand access to dedicated funding resources for women, Black, Latinx and Indigenous
founders who are chronically underrepresented as recipients of traditional venture capital
funding.
About the National Coalition of Clean Energy Incubators (NCCEI)
The NCCEI represents some of the most innovative clean technology incubators in the U.S., promoting
robust growth of regional energy innovation ecosystems across the nation by providing support for
startups and entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on clean energy-related technologies. LACI began
convening the NCCEI early in 2020 to advocate for increased federal funding for cleantech incubators
across the country. The NCCEI also championed the Transportation Electrification Partnership’s $150
billion federal stimulus proposal. The NCCEI worked with Rep. Tim Ryan to secure funding for the U.S. DOE
Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) and also championed the creation of the National Clean Energy
Incubator Program, which was authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act which was signed into law by
President Biden in August of 2022. NCCEI has hosted nearly two dozen roundtables and two national
advocacy events with federal policymakers in Washington, D.C.
About The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy for Greater Los
Angeles and beyond through: unlocking innovation by incubating cleantech startups to scale their
climate solutions, and helping support underrepresented founders in particular; transforming markets
through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and private sector leaders in
transportation, energy, and sustainable cities; and enhancing communities through workforce
development, pilots, and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of
Los Angeles and Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI has been recognized as one
of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI Global. LACI has helped 375 portfolio
companies raise over $1 billion in funding, generated $335 million in revenue, and created 2,626 jobs
throughout the Los Angeles region, with a long term economic impact of more than $587 million. Learn
more at www.laci.org.
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Rep. Nanette Barragan came to the Port of Los Angeles to present a federal funding check to LACI for $1.5 million as an investment for the first public electric truck charging hub at the Port of LA in Wilmington.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) in the Arts District to highlight the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on clean energy production and transportation electrification to fight the climate crisis.
The Inflation Reduction Act represents the single largest investment in climate action in American history. Analysis from organizations such as Energy Innovation and the Rhodium Group find that the climate provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, including the used clean vehicle and home energy savings tax credits championed by Rep. Gomez, would put the United States on a path to meeting its climate commitments by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
“It’s impossible to overstate how transformative the Inflation Reduction Act is, particularly on climate action,” said Congressman Gomez (CA-34). “I am especially proud to see one of my bills that became law, the Affordable EVs for Working Families Act, encourage local organizations such as LACI to work with clean energy partners to bring our nation closer toward a greener and more prosperous future. This law would single-handedly create 9 million good-paying jobs over the next decade and put our country on track to meet our nation’s climate goals. I want to thank Speaker Pelosi for her leadership in getting this life-changing legislation across the finish line for America’s families and for the next generation.”
“It was a privilege to join Congressman Jimmy Gomez at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, seeing firsthand how clean industries are powering prosperity in our communities,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “Thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress, the Inflation Reduction Act is turbocharging clean energy innovation here in California and across the country – putting America on a path to saving the planet while creating millions of good-paying jobs. House Democrats are grateful for the persistent leadership of Congressman Gomez, who helped lead the charge to secure historic investments in energy efficient homes and vehicles. Working together, we will not relent until we achieve a safer, greener, healthier future for generations to come.”
“We are grateful to Speaker Pelosi and for Congressman Gomez’ leadership in ensuring the IRA not only is the largest climate bill in history, but is a targeted investment in ensuring every American can access clean energy, retrofit their homes, and drive an EV,” said Matt Petersen, CEO of LACI. “In April 2020, LACI’s Transportation Electrification Partnership proposed a federal $150 billion stimulus to boost electric vehicle manufacturing, expand zero emission infrastructure, provide low income families access to mobility, and promote EV-related workforce development. Thanks to the President, the Speaker and bills like Rep. Gomez’ Affordable EVs for Working Families Act, it is gratifying to see so many of the proposals become law including the used EV tax credit and investing in producing critical minerals from places like Lithium Valley.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Nanette Díaz Barragán (CA-44) introduced the EVs For All Act to establish an innovative grant program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support electric vehicle car sharing for public housing residents. The program would help public housing authorities and local governments invest in electric vehicles (EV), EV charging stations, community education and outreach, and other services and incentives to provide access to EVs for public housing residents.
“The success of our clean energy future requires that every resident, regardless of income, is included in the electric vehicle transformation,” Congresswoman Barragán said. “The EVs for All Act would provide resources for low-income residents in my district and around the country that are often left out of climate solutions. Congress must lead the way in ensuring that everyone has access to electric vehicles and clean air, including people who can’t afford to own a car.”
The bill would authorize up to $50 million in annual appropriations from 2022-2031 to launch a grant program with DoE which would implement the program in coordination with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The program would provide up to $1 million in funding to eligible entities to support EV car sharing services dedicated for residents who live in public housing projects. Research has shown that public housing residents face significant barriers in accessing reliable and affordable transportation of any kind – and especially zero-emission transportation. Additionally, too many communities of color face disproportionate air pollution yet completely lack access to EV charging infrastructure or zero emission vehicles even though operating EVs is much less expensive than operating gasoline powered cars.
Barragán’s office worked closely with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) to develop the legislation. LACI is accelerating transportation electrification in the Los Angeles region through pilots and policy, as well as incubating startups and training individuals to join the green workforce. Among other community shared EV mobility pilots, LACI launched EV car sharing programs in public housing developments in Los Angeles, including one dedicated only to housing authority residents at Rancho San Pedro, in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA).
“LACI’s mobility pilots have demonstrated that EV car sharing programs can improve the economic mobility and quality of life of residents whose communities face disproportionate air pollution and climate impacts,” said Matt Petersen, LACI’s president and CEO. “We applaud Congresswoman Barragán leadership in helping to scale this pilot to increase equitable access to transportation to shared EVs and charging in cities across the nation.”
“Going green shouldn’t be reserved for only a specific socioeconomic status,” said HACLA President and CEO Doug Guthrie. “This electric vehicle share initiative provides a benefit to the community and environment as a whole. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles is proud to partner with LACI on this forward-thinking and innovative pilot program that brings both opportunity and access to our residents in a community that is often overlooked and underserved,” Guthrie added.
The bill is aligned with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, a commitment to invest 40% of the federal government’s investments in climate and clean energy in disadvantaged communities.
Barragn was joined by 23 original cosponsors of the EVs for All Act, including
Congressmembers: Adam Smith (Wash.), Yvette Clarke (N.Y.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), Doris Matsui (Calif.), Andr Carson (Ind.), Dina Titus (Nev.), Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Ra l Grijalva (Ariz.), Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas), Donald M. Payne Jr. (N.J.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Derek Kilmer (Wash.), Ted Lieu (Calif.), Marilyn Strickland (Wash.), Jimmy Gomez (Calif.), Mike Levin (Calif.), Chellie Pingree (Maine), Jim Costa (Calif.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.), Tim Ryan (Ohio), Jared Huffman (Calif.), Rick Larsen (Wash.), and Alan Lowenthal (Calif.).
A PDF of the bill is attached.
The EVs for All Act has significant support from environmental justice, clean tech, clean air, and environmental organizations.
Groups in support:
EVs for All Supporters as of February 4, 2022
Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet
AMPLY Power
Breathe California of the Bay Area, Golden Gate, and Central Coast
Breathe California Sacramento Region
Breathe Southern California
Center for Environmental Health
Center for Sustainable Energy
Citizens Climate Lobby – Long Beach/South Bay
Clean Fuels Michigan
Cleantech San Diego
The Climate Center
Climate + Energy Project (Kansas)
The Climate Reality Project: Chicago Metro Chapter
The Climate Reality Project: Los Angeles Chapter
The Climate Reality Project: San Fernando Valley Chapter
Climate Resolve
Coalition for a Safe Environment
Communities for a Better Environment
Corporate Ethics International
Councilmember Paul Koretz
Defend Our Future
East Bay Community Energy (EBCE)
Ecology Center (Michigan)
Edison International
Electrification Coalition
Elemental Excelerator
The Emphysema Foundation of America
Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2)
Environment America
EV Connect
EVHybridNoire
Envoy Technologies
Evergreen Climate Innovations
Forth
Fresh Energy
Generation 180
Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
GreenLatinos
The Greenlining Institute
Greenlots
Grid Alternatives Greater Los Angeles
LABC
Launch Alaska
Local Government Commission
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition
NYU Urban Future Lab
Pacoima Beautiful
Paired Power, Inc.
Plug In America
Prairie Rivers Network
Project Green Home
Prospect Silicon Valley
ReJoule, Inc.
Respiratory Health Association
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality District
San Fernando Valley Climate Reality
Shared-Use Mobility Center
Sierra Club
South Coast Air Quality Management District
South Los Angeles Transit Empowerment Zone (SLATE-Z)
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Transportation Electrification Partnership
U.S. Green Building Council – Los Angeles (USGBC-LA)
Valley CAN (Clean Air Now)
Valley Vision
Verdical Group
Vertue Lab
Vote Solar
Watts Clean Air & Energy Committee
Partner with LACI to provide disadvantaged communities in LA County access to innovative transportation electrification and clean energy solutions.
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