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According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2023 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, nearly 300,000 new energy jobs were created in 2022, partly due to the Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda. Steady job growth is expected to continue as the nation builds more resilient and efficient energy systems, which could result in projects that lower consumer utility bills. Read the full article from Forbes to learn more. 

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A report from the California Council on Science & Technology states investing in energy-efficient technologies “will pay dividends in the form of energy cost savings over the long run.” To accomplish energy initiatives effectively, state, local, and regional agencies must work together and prioritize environmental justice and equity. Keep reading to learn what other insights are included the report. 

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Since 2022, the Department of Energy (DOE) has provided more than $250 million to California state and local governments as part of the Biden administration’s Investing in America Agenda. Some of these funds have gone towards advancing equity through the Justice40 Initiative, including projects that improve energy efficiency and resiliency. Visit DOE’s website to learn about recent developments in the state. 

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The California Energy Commission’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) initial $1.1 billion investment has resulted in a tenfold return on investment. EPIC funding awardees have earned more than $10.5 billion in additional funding from investors to advance technologies that address environmental sustainability, reliability and affordability of the electric system. Visit the Energy Commission’s website to learn about EPIC’s success.

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Legislation passed in 2022 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop income-graduated fixed charges (IGFCs) for residential electricity bills by 2025. Rebalancing rates through IGFCs will alleviate some of the burden customers in households navigating low incomes bear related to funding utility operations. Coupled with reduced volumetric rates, these changes will more fairly fund the state’s energy and climate policies. Keep reading to better understand CPUC’s proposed rate reform.

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To help mitigate the negative impact federal agencies have on the environment, President Biden signed an executive order to set up a new Office of Environmental Justice. The office will hold federal agencies responsible for harmful environmental health impacts on communities and work with them to prevent future harm. Discover what other environmental justice initiatives were announced.

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The Justice40 and Equity in Energy initiatives guide the development of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) policies addressing the historical negligence of disadvantaged, disinvested and environmental justice communities. Learn how DOE’s energy justice division is paying special attention to how the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act can benefit underserved communities equitably. 

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A California Energy Commission resolution commits the agency to supporting tribal governments throughout the state in modernizing critical infrastructure and achieving energy sovereignty. The agency, along with the California Public Utilities Commission, will work with tribes to secure Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) funding from the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. Read the details of California Energy Commission’s commitment to action. 

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