Episode 128: Adam Browning, Vote Solar
Today's guest is Adam Browning, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Vote Solar.
A 5013(c) public advocacy organization operating in 27 states in the U.S., Vote Solar advocates for state policies and programs needed to repower our electric grid with clean energy.
Before co-founding Vote Solar, Adam spent 8 years at the Environmental Protection Agency where he ran an award-winning pollution prevention program. Adam’s passion for affordable solar started when he worked on a ballot initiative in San Francisco to fund solar on city buildings. After the initiative passed with 74% of the vote, Adam was propelled into public advocacy.
We cover a lot in this episode from Adam’s beginnings to the future of solar in the U.S. We also dive into how solar works and the potential drawbacks of it. Finally, Adam talks in depth about policy advocacy on the local level and how Prop B came to fruition.
Enjoy the show!
You can find me on Twitter @jjacobs22 (me), @mcjpod (podcast) or @mcjcollective (company). You can reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.
In today's episode, we cover:
What is Vote Solar and its mission?
How Adam found himself at Vote Solar and in climate.
The origins of Vote Solar.
How the passage of Prop B was a watershed moment in the solar movement in California.
Factors driving down the cost of solar energy.
The organization’s early mission of making solar cheap.
The task of disintermediating the decision-makers to saying ‘yes’ to solar.
The history and progress of clean energy compliance and regulations.
Vote Solar’s definition of success.
Adam’s thoughts on the intermittency problem associated with solar energy.
Adam’s views on sustainability challenges with solar panels.
How most energy regulation is set at the state-level.
Wins Vote Solar has had.
Adam’s belief in the need for a Federal clean energy standard.
Links to topics discussed in this episode:
