January 16, 2024 | SWEEP Staff
With last year fading into the history books and a new year freshly upon us, it’s the perfect time to check in with some of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s (SWEEP) staff experts to find out about some of their specific New Year’s resolutions for energy efficiency, clean transportation, and decarbonization in 2024.
Christy Bolognani, Buildings Program Associate
We are seeing an unprecedented level of federal funding available for energy efficiency projects such as building energy code updates and workforce development. My resolution for 2024 is to support our states, local governments, and Tribal communities in navigating these myriad opportunities, and ensure that they are in the best possible position to utilize the funds and transform their communities.
Christine Brinker, Senior Buildings Policy Manager
One of my resolutions is to work on policy changes in Colorado to enable more heat pump installations – so I’m excited about state legislation that will include substantial financial incentives for HVAC companies and builders to install their first 10 cold-climate heat pumps.
Kevin Emerson, Utah Representative (and Utah Clean Energy’s Building Efficiency & Decarbonization Director)
Here in Utah, I’m excited about a new technical support project that Utah Clean Energy is leading to help new home builders and fleet managers overcome technical and informational barriers that prevent them from constructing low/zero emission homes as a standard practice and electrifying their fleets, respectively. Then we hope to use the lessons learned to help shape new programs, policies, and incentives for Utah, the region, and beyond.
Nissa Erickson, Buildings Associate
As a Regional Navigator for the Department of Energy’s Buildings Upgrade Prize, my resolution is to support our Southwest regional teams in transforming existing buildings into more energy-efficient and clean energy-ready homes, commercial spaces, and communities.
Matt Frommer, Senior Transportation Associate
My resolution is to help policymakers understand the connection between transportation, land use, and climate change and better align state and local funding decisions and policies to create more efficient, walkable, and affordable communities. One example of this will be the package of land use legislation in Colorado – revised and improved from last year.
Caitlin Gatchalian, Nevada Representative
One of my top goals for the upcoming year is to help Clark County, Nevada continue to build on its sustainability efforts by promoting greater electrification through new policies and the adoption of the County’s next energy conservation code.
Michael Kenney, Senior Program Manager
In 2024, one of my resolutions is to engage utilities in the Southwest in their upcoming energy efficiency filings to pursue greater heat pump incentives and to educate their customers about the game changing funds unlocked by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Caryn Potter, Arizona Representative
In 2024, it is my resolution to maintain Arizona’s positive momentum with accelerating the clean energy economy – which includes supporting the new Governor’s Office of Resiliency as it taps into new federal funding opportunities, and encouraging stronger utility programs through integrated resource plans, rate cases, and other proceedings.
Travis Madsen, Transportation Program Director
We made huge progress on vehicle electrification in 2023, moving closer to capturing the monetary savings and clean air benefits available through new, efficient vehicle technologies. I resolve to build on that progress in 2024 by unlocking millions more in funding to drive the transition.
Elise Jones, Executive Director
With 2023 logging in as the hottest year in recorded history, I resolve in 2024 to make sure climate action is at the forefront of Southwest policymakers’ minds, along with the recognition that maximizing efficiency and reducing energy waste should top the list of solutions we pursue as we work to decarbonize our buildings, transportation systems, utilities, and industrial sector.
As we press forward with our goals for 2024, all of us at SWEEP are thankful for your continued support for all we can accomplish together!
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