EcoRight Speaks

Latest Episodes:

S13 E6: We can build a power system that is resilient and decarbonized Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

The power grid is old and it is being asked to do things it wasn’t built to do. Luckily, there are a lot of smart people on the task of updating the grid. Pat Wood is one of those people. Co-chair of The Pew Charitable Trusts Distributed Energy Resources Initiative Advisory Council, Wood has spent three decades building more competitive, resilient energy systems — first as a regulator in the state of Texas and now as an entrepreneur. He is also Executive Chairman of Hunt Energy Network, deploying distributed resources across the Texas power grid, and chairs Luma Energy's board, overseeing the rebuild of Puerto Rico's power system after decades of underinvestment.

Previously, as Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under President George W. Bush, Wood helped shape the nation's wholesale energy markets and strengthen grid reliability. As Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, he helped engineer the restructuring that made Texas one of the most competitive electricity markets in the world.

Wood also led the recent Pew report, "Distributed Energy Can Unleash the Resilient, Affordable Grid of the Future," a comprehensive policy playbook with recommendations and examples from throughout the country and around the globe for deploying distributed energy resources and virtual power plants. Catch the interview with Pat Wood!

S13 E5: Keeping the lights on by building a better, stronger electricity grid Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

How do we keep the lights on during extreme weather such as Winter Storm Yuri, the Texas ice storm of five years ago? This week's two guests lived through the debilitating storm and hope to never repeat that experience, NextGen Energy founder Kimberly Johnston and Vice President of Public Partnerships Shannon Fitzgerald O’Shea.

A community energy infrastructure company focused on catalyzing public and private-sector collaborations and mobilizing capital investment towards transformative U.S. clean energy economic development projects, NextGen Energy was founded to build a safer, more resilient America by ensuring that families, communities, and critical services never lose power. Check out what Kimberly Johnston has to share about clean energy on this episode!

S13 E4: Can AI be the catalyst for a decarbonized world? Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

AI is changing the shape and scope of the world as we know it. While many talk about the negatives of AI, including the energy demands, the Climate Leadership Council’s Greg Bertelsen sees an opportunity to take advantage of the largest investments being made probably in our lifetimes.

Clean energy and renewables can attract significant investment to fuel AI needs, potentially making AI a force for a new energy paradigm. In Bertelsen's essay "An Optimist’s Case on AI and Climate," he delves into the transformative prospects AI has to drive us toward a decarbonized world. Don't miss this interesting conversation with the CLC's Greg Bertelsen!

S13 Ep3: We can build a strong, sustainable lucrative agricultural sector for the 21st century and beyond Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

Host Chelsea Henderson was recently asked to join the steering committee of the Thriving Economy Project, a coalition of members of Congress, former senior congressional aides, officials from multiple presidential administrations and leading energy and environmental policy experts. The group is collaborating on a new policy blueprint aimed at strengthening economic competitiveness, creating jobs, and delivering affordable and reliable energy for American families and businesses. An upcoming report in September 2026 will outline a blueprint to build a thriving economy for all Americans.

Joining us this week is the Congressional lead for the section of the report advising on 21st-century agricultural opportunities. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat from Illinois, is leading the recommendations that will help farmers have stable, diversified income streams; drive innovation and adaptation; and make farming more sustainable, more lucrative, and healthier for all. She brings a wealth of experience both in her district, which features a strong agricultural constituency, and her work protecting workers and strengthening the middle class.

Clip: AAF's Shuting Pomerleau explains the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

American Action Forum's Shuting Pomerleau explains what the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is and how it works.

S13 Ep2: Virginia rejoins RGGI—but at a cost Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

After joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in 2021 before leaving in 2023, the state of Virginia recently re-entered the environmental pact. In this episode, Shuting Pomerleau of the American Action Forum shares research that shows the pressure Virginia is putting on itself and the utility sector, pressure borne by ratepayers, by rejoining the carbon pricing pact, while also adhering to the strict greenhouse gas emissions cuts currently on the state’s books and trying to meet the demands of the AI energy boom.

Clip: Economist Nat Keohane on keys to finding a durable policy solution to climate change Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Economist Nat Keohane from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions on some of the keys to finding a durable policy solution to climate change.

S13 Ep1: Durable climate and clean energy policy consensus is achievable Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

In this kickoff episode of season 13, longtime policy expert and economist Nat Keohane (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions) talks about achieving bipartisan consensus on clean energy policies from the ground up, building support with corporate America that has reverberating impacts in local communities and their economies. In particular, the American Southeast is thriving and has the potential to own the Advanced Energy Economy.

Dr. Keohane also gives an update on where Capitol Hill stands on permitting reform and Congress’s best chance at bipartisan cooperation this year. Don't miss this first episode of our new season!

Clip: Host Chelsea Henderson dishes on two of her most memorable interviews, topics from season 12 Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Host Chelsea Henderson dishes on two of her most memorable interviews and topics from season 12 of the "EcoRight Speaks."

S12 Ep 18: "Best of Season 12" Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Like we do at the conclusion of every season of the "EcoRight Speaks," we look back on guests from the season and highlight some of the interviews, moments and topics along the way. Host Chelsea Henderson walks us through season 12 and some of the fun we experienced.

In this episode, you'll hear clips from authors Bob Eccles and Norm Leo, Alliance for Market Solutions' Alex Flint, the Niskanen Center’s Rachel Levine and topics such as balcony solar and geothermal. And Chelsea wraps things up with colleague Angela Larck and producer Price Atkinson. We hope you'll enjoy this recap from another fun season.

Complete episodes and guest interviews are available on all of our podcast platforms as well as online at https://republicen.org/podcast. Thanks for tuning in and listening to the EcoRight Speaks!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected