Franz Hochstrasser

📣 We are delighted to partner with InClime as they take over the management of DOE/NLR's Energy Connector. CESA will handle the state outreach and state policy side. Read our press release below.

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Our Energy Affordability Policy Library is a centralized, searchable hub that helps communities more quickly assess, compare, and advance state and local affordability policies. We also produced a guide on choosing the right energy affordability policies for your state. One guiding question when designing policy is: Where can this policy actually move, and what will it take? Learn more by visiting our site: https://lnkd.in/e554Ewtv

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POLITICO with an important update for CDFI banks waiting on Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) financial assistance awards: "The Treasury Department has proposed to the Office of Management and Budget that applicants file a so-called supplemental application for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund financial assistance awards disclosing their use for any DEI or climate purposes, said two people with direct knowledge of the plans who were granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. OMB has yet to agree to the application." https://ow.ly/JilF50WVrWZ

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New from CEC!! 📢 ⚡ 💡 The rise of the #energysmarthome: A plain language introduction to how household energy technologies are changing electricity systems and helping consumers save money. While you, my Linkedin friends and associates, may be well familiar with #DistributedEnergyResources and #VirtualPowerPlants and the need to think differently about how to built out electricity grids using flexibility, efficiency and localized generation and storage.... most Canadians aren't. This is our attempt to turn this highly technical and acronym-laden landscape into a clear explanation of how households and Canadians will benefit. Thanks to Stefan U. Pauer, PhD and Evan Pivnick for their great work. ⬇️ Check it out and stay tuned for a webinar on the topic later in the fall.... https://lnkd.in/gHZxcRmz

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Transparent impact reporting drives member engagement in values-aligned financial institutions. Clean Energy Credit Union's #MyCleanImpact initiative (launched January 15) provides members with personalized carbon offset calculations based on: - Member deposits funding clean energy projects - Solar installations financed directly - Verified by Climate Action Reserve + EPA methodologies This granular reporting transforms abstract sustainability commitments into quantifiable member contributions. Campaign note: From January 15 to February 27, each new social media follower generates $1 contribution to 350.org (climate action nonprofit working to accelerate clean energy transition), capped at $3,000 total. Follow our page through February 27 to see additional member impact data. #ImpactReporting #SustainableFinance #MemberEngagement #Transparency 350.org

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Badly needed Ratepayer Protection Act is signed by Maryland Gov, aiming to curtail excessive utility spending on gas pipelines and double digit rate electric rate increases from #monopoly utilities: https://vist.ly/3n52vyg h/t Maryland PIRG

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🇱🇷 September 5, 2025. The Center for Climate Strategies (CCS), in collaboration with the Climate Group, recently convened a closed-door strategic roundtable moderated by Governor Bill Ritter and CCS President and CEO, Tom Peterson. The session brought together U.S. subnational leaders to exchange perspectives on advancing climate action, unlocking funding opportunities, and navigating today’s shifting policy landscape. Below are the key themes and insights: ✅ Federal shifts demand rapid adaptation Many programs are expiring or constrained. This is pushing states and localities to accelerate private partnerships and executive and legislative actions where possible, while exploring alternative finance and regulatory pathways to fill the gap. ✅ Affordability is at the center of the debate Across regions, leaders stressed the importance of focusing climate and clean energy policies around demonstrated home and business cost savings, reliability, and economic security in addition to environmental outcomes. ✅ Economic development opportunities are resurging Clean energy and transportation investments are increasingly recognized as engines of local economic growth, job creation, and national security. From clean fuel standards to incentives for zero-emission vehicles and grid services, states and localities are identifying ways to leverage climate action as an economic driver. ✅ Financing models are evolving The loss of certain federal grants has underscored the need for sustainable financing strategies and mechanisms. Scaling green banks, leveraging state utility commissions, and mitigating private-sector risk through public investment are some of the critical pathways to ensure long-term capital flow. ✅ Local action and partnerships remain essential Communities are retooling programs to fill service gaps, particularly around resilience, cooling, and local energy access. Partnerships with community organizations, utilities, and philanthropic groups are crucial to bridging shortfalls and maintaining momentum. ✅ Risks to air quality and emissions goals are rising Reducing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides will become increasingly difficult. States noted the challenge of meeting climate targets while simultaneously transitioning away from high polluting energy sources, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. What’s Next The roundtable reinforced that while the policy environment is shifting, opportunities remain abundant. CCS will continue to provide technical assistance to states and localities navigating this dynamic landscape. Please reach out as needed! READ MORE about the Green Recovery Alliance at https://lnkd.in/eBjVx6J2

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The Sierra Club has just released new guidance for financial institutions on what makes a credible climate solutions investment. The "Principles for Climate Solutions Investments" provide a solid framework to help investors distinguish between real climate action and greenwashing. Developed alongside labor, environmental, and public interest groups, and endorsed so far by 43 organizations, including Zevin Asset Management, these principles emphasize supporting investments that drive decarbonization, protect nature, and strengthen community resilience. Financial investments should build secure, dignified futures for people. Let’s invest in a better, more equitable world for all. Read the press release and explore the full Principles: https://lnkd.in/eXYzTXws.

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