Flanigan's Eco-Logic

In this episode, Ted interviews Joel Cesare, a longstanding friend,colleague, and sustainability champion, who has just begun a new job at Cambio, a firm that has an AI platform designed for portfolios of real estate. Joel explains how Cambio's platform supports all manner of data-intensive property management functions, including building decarbonization.Joel discusses his years at Google where he was on a team of sustainability managers. Their goal was to decarbonize all of Google's 40 million square feet of real estate by 2030. To do so, they studied hundreds of facilities in many countries... prioritizing projects based on numerous parameters. What Joel realized in that job was the power of AI in sifting through massive amounts of data and developing work plans to decarbonize and advance sustainable practices.Ted and Joel dig into the fact that the data centers that power AI systems are very energy intensive. Ted queries, "Is the Cambio platform a sustainable solution given the energy intensity of AI?" Joel believes that, yes, this application of AI does provide a net societal benefit as retrofits and new construction activities are flagged that make economic sense... measures and carbon savings that would not have been realized absent the AI platform.They also recount Joel's pioneering work for the City of Santa Monica, developing City Hall East, one of the world's most sustainable buildings. Joel acknowledges the key role played by Denis Hayes in promoting the project's unique design features at Santa Monica's City Council. Denis had recently completed the Bullitt Center's radically sustainable headquarters in Seattle, and had encouraged others to follow suit, pushing the envelope of sustainable buildings.Joel highlights a few of City Hall East's greatest challenges: First and foremost was rooftop rainwater collection for potable water. This involved certifying rooftop surfaces -- including solar panels -- for water that is now used for showering and drinking. Another challenge was the inclusion of composting toilets there... the first ever in a public building of its kind. 

Flanigan's Eco-Logic features Steve Lewis for the third time... this time delving into his own deeply disturbing experience, as his neighborhood was ravaged by the Eaton Fire in early January. It wiped out much of his home town of Alta Dena, California... killing 17 people and destroying some 9,000 homes and business properties. There were heavy winds that day and he saw the fire coming, working its way down the mountainside visible from his upstairs windows. Time to evacuate.Steve's home was miraculously spared even though fires licked up the fences on either side of his property and the base of his front yard tree charred. He recounts that home after home were decimated by fire; households and generations of Alta Dena residents disrupted in a city-wide bonfire fueled by channels of 100+ mile per hour winds.Since the fire, Steve explains how he has been focused on working with others to rebuild the community, not just its built environment, but its culture. Alta Dena has been one of Los Angeles's most unique communities, diverse in professions and income and race. It is known for its black community and its rich sense of place. Working with others, Steve is rebuilding Alta Dena's pride. He is working on designs of public spaces and collaborating with others to enhance its commercial corridors. He and others are helping to maintain and bring back architectural styles, developing blueprints that feature Alta Dena's heritage, and that are poised for streamlined permitting.Ted and Steve talk about the cause of the fires, how each of us is responsible for climate change and how we can make our homes more resilient to fire. Steve shares his optimism that lessons can be learned, that the community can be reborn from the ashes of the Eaton Fire, a calamity of epic proportions. 

Paul Mann is the founder of Water Champions, an engineering and design firm specializing in the efficient and smart use of water. He joins Ted Flanigan to discuss how this came about, and what each of us can do to be water smart.During Covid, Paul and his wife experienced California drought and fires, and began to realize the enormous importance of water at home and worldwide. Fully half of the Earth's population lives in water-stressed areas, and given population growth, demand for water will grow by 20 - 30%. "Water shortage is imminent."Paul and Jenna Mann's story began at home, with an outdoor shower next to their hot tub. They rigged a system such that the shower's water came from captured rainwater, harvested in a large tank. The shower's drain was channeled into their three-level garden beds. These and other measures -- including leak detection systems and irrigation controllers -- cut their water use by a shocking 60 - 70%.They found that new technologies, like recirculating water shower systems, cut water and energy use while delivering more fulfilling showers. These systems collect and reuse water, they clean it, reheat it, and disinfect it with UV. Their discovery with basic practices and new technologies resulted with them wanting to share their experiences, pamphleting their neighbors, telling them about their success. This launched Water Champions.Today Water Champions provides consulting service for homes and businesses to help them use water efficiently... from the water source to its reuse, ultimately supporting end-uses such as drought-tolerant landscaping and permaculture. Paul and Jenna also created the Renova Academy which trains architects, designers, landscapers, homeowners, and others online. One need not give up the pool, Paul explained. Through smart water use, Water Champions helps people maintain quality lifestyles through a portfolio of water solutions.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Josh Dorfman, CEO at Supercool, a media company covering climate solutions that raise profits and quality of life. Josh is also the host of the Supercool Podcast, and co-founder of Plantd, a company that  manufactures carbon-negative building materials. He is best known as creator and host of The Lazy Environmentalist, an award-winning reality TV show on Sundance Channel, radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio, book series, and e-commerce business.He and Ted briefly discuss his background, born and raised in Armonk, in Westchester County, New York. He studied International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania, and holds an MBA from Thunderbird, The School of Global Management at Arizona State University. He shares that he had his environmental epiphany while working as a quality-control in China. Knowing that bikes would eventually be replaced by cars - and that there were going to be billions of them.Since then, his career has been focused around building companies that solve climate change by cutting carbon, boosting the bottom line, and improving modern life. Josh has launched and led multiple sustainable businesses, including Vivavi, a pioneering retail venture specializing in modern design, sustainable furniture, named to Inc. Magazine's “Green 50” as an innovator accelerating the green economy. He also highlights his role at Plantd, a manufacturer of carbon-negative building materials, where he raised the company's seed and Series A rounds, generated millions in early-stage revenue, and grew brand awareness through accolades, including Fast Company's 2024 list of the World's Most Innovative Companies and the Innovation by Design Awards.Josh shares that he enjoys speaking about innovative climate solutions and communications strategies that sway skeptics to become supporters. He concludes by sharing an optimistic view on the climate crisis, pointing out energy efficiency gains in recent years, as well as the opportunities for entrepreneurial growth to affect change and create stronger and more vibrant communities. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Drew Slater, Executive Director Energize Delaware. The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility is a non-profit that gives energy-efficiency grants and low-interest loans to qualified borrowers, helping them install solar energy systems or make energy efficiency upgrades. Energize Delaware programs aid residents, businesses, nonprofits, government facilities, farms, faith organizations and schools to become energy efficient.Before becoming the second executive director of Energize Delaware, Drew built a resume of 20 years of experience in various roles, such as Delaware's Public Advocate, then-Rep. John Carney's Kent and Sussex coordinator and legislative assistant for the State Senate. In his work with the Office of Public Advocate, he worked to strengthen the state's Renewable Portfolio Standards and the competition of the Artificial Island project to improve reliability for the electric grid.He and Ted discuss the comprehensive and community driven array of programs that Energize Delaware offers, including energy audits, rebates, low interest loans or grants for large renewable energy systems, and programs available to low-income customers. He specifically highlights the weatherization assistance program, solar initiatives and incentives, and programs for farmers, ranchers, growers, and other agri-businesses to take charge of their energy future. He also shares how Energize Delaware works collaboratively with the utility, working together to ensure market certainty, avoiding program duplicity, and regularly introducing new, innovative, and relevant solutions to power their community with clean, efficient, and affordable energy.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Jim Gromer, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Thermal Banc/TESS Energy Solutions, a collaborative effort of companies building thermal energy storage solutions - turning waste heat into clean energy. Thermal Banc makes up the sales wing, TESS Energy Solutions the engineering wing, Smart Phases the manufacturing wing, and Novacab comprises the battery. The technology is revolutionizing energy efficiency by capturing, storing, and reusing waste heat, significantly reducing industrial and commercial energy consumption. For the facilities they serve, such as data centers and universities, Thermal Banc/TESS Energy Solutions technology supports carbon emission reduction, energy efficiency enhancement, resource conservation, and circular economy alignment, demonstrating a dedication to pioneering renewable energy solutions that not only drive profitability, but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.Ted and Jim discuss his background briefly, based in Colorado, spending most of his career in the television industry, and recently moving into the renewable energy space with Thermal Banc and TESS Energy Solutions. He digs into the technology, which collects waste heat from different kinds of facilities and up to 135 sources. The collected waste is stored in phase change materials, generating power to offset carbon dioxide emissions and to cut peak demand charges. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Yin Chen, CEO and Chairman at Greenworks, a supplier of battery-powered outdoor power equipment (OPE) since 2003. With over 20 years at the forefront of home, yard, and do-it-yourself electric tools, Greenworks is redefining durability and eco-friendliness in the face of climate challenges, delivering high performance equipment focused on reducing carbon footprints.Ted and Yin discuss his background briefly, studying mechanical engineering at China's Donghua University, and business at Warwick University in the UK. He shares humble beginnings of Greenworks, recalling a meeting with one of their first clients placing a modified bike battery on the table, noting that it would be the centerpiece of all their applications. Fast forward, Greenworks now has more than 7,000 employees and manufacturing facilities in China, the U.S. and Vietnam, and offers everything from riding lawn mowers to snow removal tools and pressure washers – all powered by batteries. Yin shares his outlook on how Greenworks has shifted the narrative, and landscapers are now embracing battery power because it is in their best interest. Environmental benefits aside, Greenworks products improve workers' day-to-day well-being. As they engage with the cleaner battery-powered technology, landscape professionals can now focus more on their tasks without the negative side effects of inhaling toxic fumes.Yin also highlights Greenworks Optimus line of OPE, which was previously focused around the residential sector, but now focused on developing new products and comprehensive solutions for the commercial sector. The research and development, product testing, manufacturing, and customer service for the commercial equipment is being done at the Greenworks Commercial Center of Excellence in Morristown, Tennessee, ushering Greenworks Commercial into a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable manufacturing future here in the US.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Mark Swanson, newly appointed as the CEO of Aeromine Technologies, the innovative rooftop wind energy system that converts a building's wind flow into renewable energy. Swanson brings 30 years of leadership experience to Aeromine. For the last 12 years, he has held leadership positions in the rooftop solar industry, with a proven track record in manufacturing, scaling operations, and driving customer-focused growth.Prior to joining Aeromine, Swanson held a distinguished career in solar and distributed energy, serving as COO at Complete Solaria. He also spent time as COO and General Manager of EPC at Borrego Solar Systems, and served as Vice President at SunPower. In his new role as CEO at Aeromine, Mark will oversee Aeromine's transition from low volume manufacturing and pilot projects to full-scale manufacturing and widespread commercial use. He shares that Aeromine is currently working with some of the world's largest and most ambitious enterprises to plan their first commercial Aeromine installation.He and Ted discuss Aeromine's breakthrough technology, which is harvesting the flow of wind over a building. The scalable renewable energy solution harnesses the power of wind in an efficient system, with motionless, vibration-less, and noise-less units. The solution is long-lasting, and requires much less rooftop space than other options to generate distributed energy. Ideal for large, flat rooftop buildings – including warehouses, big box retailers, data centers, office, and apartment buildings - Aeromine is leveraging existing financial structures, installation resources and incentives established by the solar industry.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Martin Mayorga, Founder and CEO of Mayorga Organics, a coffee company with the purpose of leading a revolutionary organic food movement that empowers farmers and consumers, protects the environment, and celebrates Latin American heritage. Martin's journey has been fueled by a passion for social justice, sustainable business practices, and making positive impacts through conscientious capitalism. He has dedicated his life to transforming the way agricultural products are sourced, purchased, and consumed, creating value and positive impact for all stakeholders.He and Ted discuss his background and upbringing. Martin was born in Guatemala, and spent his childhood - marked by unrest and political upheaval - moving around from Nicaragua to Costa Rica to Peru, and ultimately immigrating to the US. These formative experiences, coupled with the challenges of being an immigrant to the United States as a Latino in the 1980's, shaped his worldview and approach to business. He decided to use his education in International Business and Finance from Georgetown University to revolutionize the global agricultural trade. Championing sustainable coffee practices since the mid-90s, Mayorga Organics stands as a testament to the power of creating new, efficient supply chains built from the ground up through a commitment to the well-being of small farmers, their land, and their communities - resulting in the consumer receiving the best quality products at a price that is fair to them. By prioritizing the needs of farmers, communities, staff, and customers, Mayorga Organics has created a brand that resonates with consumers who care about both quality and ethical consumption, while developing industry-leading supply chains that provide better value for all participants. Martin's focus on lean, high-quality operations has led the company to grow in a highly competitive market while creating a reputation that has led to multiple awards, business recognition, speeches, international distribution, and private label manufacturing for some of the world's largest retailers.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Kate Reimann, Founder and CEO of Rogue Wave Toys and Rogue Wave Materials. Rogue Wave Toys are made of compostable plastic based on biopolymers and plant based materials. She is making waves as an entrepreneur and sustainability champion, bringing eight years of industry experience, and a lifetime of advocacy for the planet to her decisions both in business and the way she lives her life.She and Ted discuss the inspiration for Rogue Wave, which all started with her kids and their beach toys that were swept out into the ocean by a wave. It hit her when she scrambled to get them all back onshore, enjoying this interface between land and sea, and using products that were detrimental to its health. She decided then that she had to make a better product, and wanted to make conventional, oil-based plastics obsolete.She shares the challenges she faced in engineering and manufacturing, almost throwing in the towel at times. While searching for a truly compostable, petroleum-free material for her beach toy products, Kate realized her mission had to be bigger than beach toys, and to create the biggest positive impact on the global plastics economy, she needed to make this material available to the world. Kate's ultimate goal is to change the way these products are made and bought. Her innovative, patented, compostable beach toys, made from biopolymers and designed to compost, reflect both her commitment to environmental stewardship and to shifting the materials economy and consumer expectation. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Joel Peterson, Vice Chancellor and Executive Operations Officer for the San Diego Community College District, overseeing one of California's largest community college systems. Prior to his career in higher education, he served in various roles in the private sector with major corporations where he was responsible for operations, including finance, technology, capital projects, global strategy, and marketing. Early in his career he served as an officer in the United States Navy. During his Navy career, he was director, Capital and Construction Programs and Physical Plant for a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Pacific Fleet. He is also the author of an Amazon Best Selling novel, Dreams of My Mothers.He and Ted talk about his upbringing in Korea, then being adopted by a family from Minnesota, overcoming the odds, to earn a bachelor's degree in economics/foreign affairs from the University of Virginia, a master's degree in business administration from Virginia Tech, and both a master's and doctorate in education/higher education from Claremont Graduate University.With extensive experience in higher education administration, Joel has previously held significant roles, including Director of Facilities, Operations, and Construction at Glendale Community College District, and Assistant Vice President for Capital Projects and Facilities at Harvey Mudd College. Additional expertise includes leadership positions at notable companies such as Level 3 Communications and BellSouth Corporation, focusing on strategy, corporate development, and operations.He and Ted discuss his role as Vice Chancellor and Executive Operations Officer, overseeing facilities and construction for one of California's largest community college districts. He is also  responsible for the SDCCD Police Department and completion of the district's $1.6 billion bond construction program. He shares the make up and demographics of the District, looking to the future to determine its facilities needs. Joel plays a key role in guiding the development of necessary campus housing, and the training programs needed for the next generation and beyond.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Jennifer Bousselot, Assistant Professor at Colorado State University (CSU) in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Jennifer is exploring new and innovative ways to improve the productivity and aesthetics of modern urban spaces by harnessing the twin powers of the sun and plantlife. She specializes and is a leading expert in green roof research on native species evaluations, plant drought tolerance, integration with solar panels, and rooftop agrivoltaics. Jennifer shares a bit about her background, growing up on a 360-acre farm in Iowa, and was the youngest of 8 kids. She and her twin sister worked on the farm, and carried their deep farming roots into their careers. She earned her undergraduate and master's degrees at Iowa State University, and after a stint as a horticulture agent for the CSU Extension office in Douglas County, she followed her passion and pursued a doctorate of science in horticulture at CSU.Jennifer shares details on her green roofs project for her doctoral thesis, highlighting how she came upon rooftop agrovoltaics as a happy accident, finding there was a great synergy between the plants and solar panels; the plants grew better, and the solar performed better because of the plants' cooling effect. With a roster of graduate students and researchers, her team is pushing the boundaries of horticultural science with numerous pieces of published research and scientific discovery every year. She goes into the history of green roofs, and discusses her research on rooftop agrivoltaics and its benefits, including enhanced food production and security, improving clean energy pathways, and exploring sustainability integrations. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Michael Ware, Senior Solar Specialist at EcoMotion Inc. Michael provides expertise in solar system site inspection. He is adept at measuring roof potential and modeling the cost-effectiveness of solar investments. His financial analyses include particular attention to electricity load profiles and rates and rate changes as a result of solar. As an expert in utility rate structures and how they impact the return on investment of a given investment, Michael has developed tools for weighing the value of different components, and comparing different scenarios.Ted and Michael dive into a discussion on electric utility rates and options, the amounts that large facilities, schools, and municipal and corporate facilities pay for power, and finding potential errors that can result in big savings. Michael shares that utility rates and rate components are in a constant state of flux, and encourages customers to make sure they are on the right rate.Michael also discusses rate components, such as energy and demand charges, breaking down basic rate categories, as well as the time of use and seasonal aspects. He shares the tools he uses to analyze rates via interval data, and how and why customers end up on the wrong rates in the first place. He and Ted highlight the primary findings of their clients' case studies. They found rate errors which led to big savings, which have been amplified by the dramatic utility rate escalation. They conclude by stating that it is well-worth customers' time, energy, and payments to acknowledge critical peak pricing, and to invest in rate checks and analysis.  

In this episode of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, father-daughter duo, Ted and Sierra Flanigan host the clean energy crash course focusing on energy resilience, specifically on  electricity, highlighting the importance of durability and reliability in the face of changing climate conditions and extreme weather events. Resilience is simply keeping the lights on during utility emergencies, and more accurately, critical loads for medical equipment, communications, security systems, etc.As Southern California is still dealing with devastating wildfires, Ted addresses how resilience is now top of mind for homeowners, business owners, and EcoMotion's clients. Thousands of households and businesses have suffered, and will continue to suffer, from power outages – some for more than a day – as dangerously high wind gusts knock out electricity and utilities impose precautionary power safety shutdowns. With the imminent threat of climate change, the grid will undoubtedly become less stable as these events increase in the number and severity, posing economic impacts, and a danger to the health and lives. Ted discusses critical loads, shares his recommendations on making your home or business more energy resilient, highlights lessons learned from EcoMotion's resilience works, and addresses equitable pathways to foster resilience in the future. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Bill Wyatt, CEO and Founder of Red Mountain Biochar, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the use of sustainable materials in the concrete, steel, and agricultural industries. Bill Wyatt is a third-generation lumberman turned eco-entrepreneur with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. His work spans continents and industries, making him a pioneer in the regenerative business movement.Bill shares his journey from the lumber industry to now leading the development and production of high-quality biochar, harnessing lumber and agricultural wastes to create innovative solutions that reduce carbon footprints, enhance soil health, and strengthen communities worldwide. Red Mountain Biochar turns biomass residuals, like sawdust and wood chips, into biochar through pyrolysis. This sustainable solution helps reduce waste and generate revenue from materials once considered costly to dispose of. The innovative pyrolysis technology not only provides sustainable solutions but also offers significant carbon credits, helping industries achieve a greener footprint.With projects in Tanzania, India, and beyond, Bill explains how biochar improves soil health, reduces water usage, and even makes concrete carbon-neutral—all while building a sustainable business model and contributing to climate resilience. Bill believes that integrating biochar into business practices isn't just eco-friendly; it's a game-changing strategy for sustainable growth.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director at City of Ann Arbor, working with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America. Dr. Stults has dedicated 20 years of focus and national level expertise on urban resilience and climate change in an array of roles, prior to joining the City. She has worked on adaptation to climate change since 2004, as the Climate Director at ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability and as a consultant to philanthropic organizations. Missy holds dual PhDs from the University of Michigan in urban & regional planning and natural resources & the environment. She also has her Masters in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and undergraduate degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Science from the University of New England.She and Ted focus their conversation around some big and recent news out of the City: 79% of Ann Arbor voters voted to form a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). An SEU is another form of utility, rooted in energy efficiency, activated locally, and intended to be an accelerated pathway for the community to promote clean energy to meet its 2030 climate commitment. Ann Arbor's SEU is an opt-in, supplemental community-owned energy utility that will provide energy from local solar and battery storage systems. It will also implement networked geothermal systems beginning with a 232-home project in a low income neighborhood, also serving a public school and community center. Thanks to the SEU, green energy will be provided to residents and businesses through direct installations on their properties, as well as through small-scale distribution systems such as networked systems or microgrids.Missy and Ted discuss the benefits of the City's SEU: improved energy reliability at times when the grid goes down through increased access to solar and energy storage and shared geothermal systems - all City owned, energy justice initiatives, including broad and deep access to renewable energy, and the creation of programs for low income and underserved residents, including workforce training opportunities, and the expansion of weatherization services. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Janet Irizarry, Founder of My Mindful Kitchen, an innovative course designed to reduce food waste, connect families, and foster sustainability. As a mindful foodie, a seasoned restaurateur and entrepreneur, and influencer, Janet combines all of her passions: food, education and course design, raising children, and protecting the environment, to teach children valuable lessons about mindfulness, sustainability, and community, while also strengthening familial bonds. Janet is also the Founder of Hudson Valley EATS, a bimonthly column that she started several years ago to highlight food entrepreneurs and restaurant owners in the Hudson Valley. However, during the pandemic, she shifted its focus to raise money and raise awareness for sustainability and hunger relief organizations in the area. She decided to use the platform to ensure that "Everyone EATS" in the Hudson Valley, and that has been the main focus ever since.She and Ted dig into the My Mindful Kitchen (MMK) Method, which offers practical solutions to household food waste, addressing a critical issue contributing to climate change. Aligned with the EPA's Wasted Food Scale, Janet explains that the program focuses on preventing waste before it starts, encouraging mindful consumption, and making sustainability an easy part of everyday life. In her course, she touches on healthy eating and cooking, though the core of the program is equipping families with the tools to tackle common challenges—like overbuying, disorganization, and poor planning—and create meaningful, positive change.Janet concludes by sharing that the course launched on January 2nd, and her goal is to help families recognize that food choices matter—not just for physical health, but also for emotional well-being, the health of others, and the planet. By fostering this awareness, families can transform unpleasant feelings about big issues like inflation, political uncertainty, and climate change into a sense of empowerment. She believes that each family and individual has the power to make a significant difference in shaping a better future.

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #12, Ted wraps and reminisces on the past 40 years of publishing his monthly newsletter in this final issue. In his farewell Net Positive, he shares and encourages his optimism in regards to the future, and his clear perspective on society – as a collective intelligence and vision – having all the solutions needed to address current environmental issues. He thanks all of the EcoNet readers for their support through the years. He goes on to highlight zinc-ion batteries, floatovoltaics braving through extreme weather conditions, EV charging networks deployed across the country, Wisconsin Public Service Commission approving the 1.3 GW Vista Sands Solar Farm, PG&E's $15 billion federal loan guarantee to expand clean energy, the Montana Supreme Court ruling in favor of youth, Africa's renewable electricity highway, and lithium battery record price drop.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Matthew Halteman, Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and fellow in the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, UK. He is the author of the just-released Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, as well as Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation, and the co-editor of Philosophy Comes to Dinner: Arguments About the Ethics of Eating.Matt has focused his career on ethical food choices, and how that all fits in with the path to sustainable living. He and Ted discuss his new book, and how he aims to shift how people view the process of going vegan, framing it as a joyful opportunity rather than an obligation. He views it as an incremental journey rather than an identity earned by perfection. He points out that veganism is aspirational, and something to continually strive towards. He also considers how one can live out going vegan in realistic and adaptable ways, giving advice particularly to college students. He encourages them to work towards the end goal of a vegan life, while accommodating the limitations of prepaid meal plans that may not prioritize a wide array of vegan options. He suggests these students can be preparing for more intentional dietary changes for when they have more food autonomy.He concludes by drawing similarities between his theory of change, and EcoMotion's philosophy of "The Power of the Increment." He encourages his readers to take small steps that move them in the direction toward veganism, refusing to expect perfection or judgement when falling short based on access or circumstance, especially when there is continual striving and incremental growth in that direction.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Charles Hua, Founder and Executive Director of PowerLines, a new nonprofit organization aiming to modernize utility regulation to accelerate affordable, reliable, and clean energy for American consumers. He is also an energy analyst who has worked at Rewiring America, DOE's Loan Programs Office, and now at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a research affiliate.Charles wants people to pay attention to the enormous influence that public utility commissions (PUCs) have on the U.S. energy transition, and get involved with this long-neglected area, pushing for a utility regulatory system that can better serve American consumers, grow the economy, and support communities. His concern is that most states have an outdated utility regulatory system that is not prepared to tackle modern energy challenges. He also claims that there are 200 commissioners controlling the monopolistic utilities at the heart of America's electricity system, with over 200 billion dollars in utility spending.By engaging with the people, policies, and processes needed to deliver on this agenda, PowerLines approach is to pull together a big tent coalition of people interested in public utility commission (PUC) reform, including PUC staffers themselves, state legislators, clean energy providers and customers, academics and researchers, as well as grassroots groups. They'll serve as a hub for modernizing utility regulation by bringing together these diverse stakeholders to share ideas, resources, and solutions on a path forward to effective utility regulation.Charles and Ted dig into the problems with PUCs, discussing the unrestrained, unregulated authority over the U.S. electricity system. With the immense power and significance on the country's clean energy future, Charles highlights opportunities for reform, including the revision of statutes, the effectiveness of integrated resource plans, decarbonization, equity, and creating more latitude or space for regulators to embrace a more forward-thinking, innovation-oriented mindset.

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #11, Ted highlights his birthday trip to Vegas to see the Eagles play at the Sphere and shares his EV road tripping travelogue, hitting Zion National Park, Bryce, and Death Valley on his longest battery electric trip yet.He also highlights Ann Arbor, Michigan creating a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), Swiss roadways, railroads, and rooftop solar, BYD topping Tesla in EV sales, squatting for bus fares in Romania, vehicle-to-home virtual power plants, and second-life batteries.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Kameale Terry, co-founder and CEO of ChargerHelp!, a cutting-edge tech company launched in 2020 that tackles the issue of inoperable electric vehicle charging stations. Under her leadership, ChargerHelp! has raised over $21 million, amassed the nation's largest dataset of EV service work orders, and services stations across 17 states. Ted and Kameale discuss her background, and early influences that drove her passion for data, technology, and community empowerment. She is a native of Los Angeles, attended Azusa Pacific College, majored in organizational leadership, and has over a decade of experience in CleanTech. She previously worked at EV Connect, where she was the Director of Programs for the EV charging station network provider. Kameale formed ChargerHelp! with her co-founder Evette Ellis to create a reliable EV charging infrastructure. With the mission to leverage technology to promote economic mobility within all communities, ChargerHelp! uses data to identify and provide maintenance and repair services for EV charging stations. Kameale's innovative approach blends real-world data, predictive analytics, and machine learning to provide industry-leading solutions to ensure EV charging reliability. She is also deeply committed to workforce development, helping to create high-paying jobs through partnerships with organizations like the Society of Automotive Engineers and the U.S. Department of Labor. Her background in operations and technology, combined with her commitment to empowering historically marginalized communities, has positioned her as a thought leader in the clean energy and mobility sectors.

In Part 3 of Flanigan's Eco-Logic - Climate Resolve Series, Ted speaks with Jonathan Parfrey, Founder and Executive Director at Climate Resolve, LA's leading climate advocacy organization, committed to local climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and improve the lives of Angelenos. Just back from New York Climate Week, he jumps right into his highlights from all the events, sharing that it was great to see a large California contingent there. Climate Resolve hosted an event that demonstrated bouncing sunlight back into space to help curb the greenhouse effect, raising greater awareness of the radiative forcing benefits of cool surfaces.In addition to the actions they have taken to curb the heat island effect and keep LA cool, Ted and Jonathan also discuss LADWP's dilemma (where Jonathan served as a commissioner from 2008-2013), and the tension of reaching 100% carbon free electric delivery by 2035, especially with the potential for using green hydrogen in peaker plants. They also discuss nonprofits' role in electoral campaigns, specifically Climate Resolve's stance on Proposition 4, and the best way to protect folks from heat waves.Jonathan concludes by sharing the numerous plans that Climate Resolve has helped develop for LA, including the LA County Climate Vulnerability Assessment, the LA County Sustainability Plan, the Long Beach Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, the California Climate Adaptation Planning Guide, and the Fourth California Climate Change Assessment. He shares the difference between planning and implementation, and what his feelings are between the two approaches.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Curt Johansen, a pioneer in conservation communities. He is the Development Director for Triad Communities, President of Council of Infill Builders, and has dedicated years to blending economic growth with environmental preservation. In his own words, he is advancing the art of finding balance between environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic prosperity. Curt and Ted dive right into his work building out Lagoon Valley, the Bay Area's First Conservation Community, where sustainability is not just a goal but a way of life. Curt oversees all aspects of community development, which features over 700,000 square feet of office space, an organic farm, wildlife preserve, 1,015 homes consisting of fourteen neighborhoods, ranging from affordable to age-qualified and executive housing, a vibrant Town Center, numerous parks, with over 70% of the Specific Plan area conserved for open space and recreational use. He and Ted discuss the sustainable development principles that are at the core of the community. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating live, work, and play. He also mentions the conservation work and preservation that has been done and is unique to the community. This includes a golf course that will not only serve as a championship-level course, but will act as a fire and flood buffer for the area.Curt shares that his design model has always been to never replicate, but to embrace change and diversity, to employ compassion for the uniqueness of each location, to honor existing demands of environmental stewardship, and employ lessons learned from others that find better methods for living sustainably on this planet. Ted concludes by commending him for deliberately creating a sustainable culture and community, and addressing all the resource issues that the Lagoon Valley faces. 

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #10, Ted highlights EcoMotion's solar work onsite in the Central Valley conducting an inspection at a massive utility-scale installation. He compares the really large with the really small, marveling at the simplicity of balcony solar in Germany. He also highlights Australian rooftop solar providing 50% of demand on the country's main grid, Scandinavian heat pumps at scale, solar-based solar power, bi-directional EV charging, Home Depot purging plastics, and U.C. San Diego's requiring all students enrolled this fall and from here on to take a course on climate change. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Cinnamon Energy Systems, a leading residential and commercial contractor providing solar, storage, heat pumps, and electrification services, and host of the Energy Show Podcast. He is a long-time advocate of renewable energy and is widely recognized as a solar power and battery system industry leader.His Podcast, The Energy Show, delves into a wide range of energy-related subjects. These topics encompass the evolving political landscape influencing the future of energy generation and consumption, as well as valuable money-saving advice for trimming energy use in both residential and commercial settings.He and Ted dive right into the politics behind the state of distributed solar in California. They discuss the role that the utilities have played in the change in regulations and stripping down incentives, grid defection, and the path forward for all of California's electricity customers.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Richard Hansen, Senior Consultant and President of both Soluz, Inc & Soluz Honduras. Richard founded Soluz Inc., a Massachusetts corporation in 1993, and then established Soluz in Honduras in 1994 to commercialize solar for rural electrification. He is a pioneer in the application of solar technology combined with micro-finance to increase energy access in rural areas of Honduras, having introduced solar technology in the country starting in 1989 under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Richard has provided advisory services for major institutions including USAID, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank in Bangladesh, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Nepal, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and elsewhere. He has also been an invited speaker in countries ranging from Argentina and Honduras to Senegal and the Philippines. He and Ted discuss his background, originally from Connecticut, now based in the Boston area and internationally. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts and a master's degree in business administration from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. They also dig into his early works, pioneering the use of solar for rural electrification in the Dominican Republic with small systems installed by local solar companies combined with microfinance, a breakthrough that made solar systems affordable for rural families. This led to him introducing solar for rural electrification in Honduras, where he continues to lead efforts as President of Soluz Honduras. Soluz continues to work to advance the global transition to sustainable energy, with a special commitment to increasing access to electricity using solar photovoltaic technology. He highlights his focus on universal access, and not leaving anyone in the dark. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Robert Kay, Founder of 319Climate, a boutique consulting and innovation firm dedicated to accelerating the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and equitable future. Robert is an international climate expert with a mission to spearhead initiatives that foster a climate resilient, low-carbon future. He offers 33 years of experience in climate change, sustainability, and resilience planning. Robert has worked in a variety of roles in the government, consulting, and academic sectors providing advice on sustainability for various energy resilience projects throughout California.  Since the late 1980s, he has either led or participated in climate change projects globally, ranging from local-scale projects worldwide (including for local, state, national, and multilateral agencies) to global analysis for the United Nations. He specializes in topics such as greenhouse gas emissions, sea level rise adaptation, and sustainable facilities management.He and Ted discuss his background, growing up in Yorkshire, England. They also discuss his family, early influences, and sense of exploration. His father was an electrical engineer at the local utility and his mother was a homemaker and market researcher on consumer goods. His parents were avid hikers, and his love of the outdoors is what got him in the climate space. They dig into his early coastal zone management and climate risk management works. Robert demonstrates throughout his career that he has brought people together to solve complex problems. He is a sought-after facilitator and engagement specialist. He shares highlights from providing expert guidance to Pacific Island delegations to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) including COP15 (Copenhagen), COP21 (Paris), COP22 (Marrakesh), COP23 (Bonn), and COP25 in Madrid. He concludes by sharing his excitement for upcoming trips, including NY Climate Week next week!

In Part 2 of Flanigan's Eco-Logic - Climate Resolve Series, Ted speaks with Enrique Huerta, Legislative Director at Climate Resolve. Enrique brings strong skills in policy analysis and collaboration-building to the organization, focusing on climate change, adaptation, and resilience to champion equitable climate solutions.He has an undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning and an advanced degree in Regenerative Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. Prior to joining Climate Resolve, Enrique helped pass several County measures and state propositions including Measures M, A and Proposition 68. Enrique also brings a wealth of experience advocating for historically marginalized communities through his work as a community green space organizer. He gained useful analytic tools assessing the interplay between local, regional and state policy while working as a city planner for the City of South Gate. As the Legislative Director at Climate Resolve, Enrique forms strategic partnerships with other statewide organizations, cultivating relationships to move legislation. He is a master of building collaborations, doing the work on the ground, knocking on legislators' doors, often with parties who have different agendae, bringing in potential coalition partners to the state capitol to advocate on behalf of extreme heat and the need to adapt to this rising threat.He and Ted discuss Climate Resolve's extreme heat bill, which is one of the few that actually looks to help marginalized communities adapt today and focuses on societal fixes. Enrique shares how his experience of community organizing opened his eyes to the resilience that lots of these communities have, and how community cohesion is already in place - and often women led. 

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #9, Ted highlights his perspective on the nuclear shotgun wedding, sharing that AI is using so much data and energy that its purveyors – like Microsoft and Oracle – are seeking nuclear power solutions for their data centers, and questions whether this path is the best way to power AI. He also shares his travelog of his second round of sailing the Maine Coast, massive solar projects at JFK and Six Flags in Los Angeles, MagLev automobiles, the restoration of the the Klamath River from coffer dams, and Skywind microturbines.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Maria Cho, CEO of Triplebar, a biotech firm using advanced technology to tackle the urgent issues of food and drug supply. She leads a team in a mission to heal and sustain people and the planet by removing a key bottleneck in the bioeconomy. This is being achieved with a proprietary screening platform to accelerate and innovate food and pharma product discovery.Based in East Bay, San Francisco, she shares with Ted that growing up, she was deeply intrigued by science and wanted to be a medical doctor. She began working as a medical assistant at a doctor's office, where she gained experience in the medical environment. While working as a medical assistant, she came to the decision that she did not want to pursue being a doctor. She realized her passion was more about the process of creating drugs rather than being a prescriber, and began thinking about how to get involved in creating products to help fight diseases worldwide.This discovery led to work and experience in various industries, including sales, research, biopharmaceuticals, and skincare. In her current role as CEO at TripleBar, she is leading a team focused on innovation and strategic growth to address some of the world's most challenging sustainability problems around food and healthcare by developing products that can meet current and future unmet needs for healthy nutrition and better disease treatment outcomes on a global scale. She and Ted delve into how they apply this in food and nutrition to bioactives, functional food proteins and cultured meat, and in pharma to better and novel biologics. Maria also discusses the broader implications of these technologies for the future of food and healthcare industries. She emphasizes the potential for bioengineering to not only solve current issues, but also to foresee and mitigate future challenges. Her vision includes fostering a more resilient and health-conscious global community through the application of science and technology.

In this follow up Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council. He is an energy expert with four decades of experience in the liquid and renewable fuels industry. He is a frequent keynote speaker to national and international audiences on energy topics and a commentator for major media outlets such as the Schwab Network. His "wide path" perspective embraces an array of pragmatic solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Tucker also hosts the Path to Zero podcast, in which he engages a variety of thought leaders in provocative discussions regarding energy and climate change. He has interviewed over 100 experts on subjects ranging from the internal combustion engines to nuclear fusion, electrification, and environmental justice. He will soon be releasing a new book called Path to Zero, highlighting his wide-path philosophy to achieving critical decarbonization goals. Path to Zero is based on his Path to Zero podcast. In his book, Tucker reflects on 12 of his most memorable conversations with renowned climate scientists, academics, and innovators. Each chapter draws a bright line from the year 2050 back to today to show a variety of climate-friendly solutions that already exist, and can create a net zero carbon future. His "wide path" philosophy confidently asserts that we can, and are, addressing climate change.He and Ted discuss the practicality and accessibility of the "electrifying everything" approach. Tucker highlights the scientific facts and economic realities around going all electric, and addresses how decarbonization can be dramatically accelerated with today's technologies. He concludes by sharing his optimism, and encouraging action to support "wide path" climate and human-friendly solutions.

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #8, Ted highlights the Open Streets movement, with a goal is to transform streets into public spaces open to all to allow for a range of activities: promoting economic development, supporting schools, facilitating pedestrian and bike mobility, and providing new ways to “enjoy cultural programming” and build community.He also highlights a plan to build the world's biggest battery in the State of Maine, Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam's capability to run a soccer match entirely on sustainable energy, record clean tech investment in the U.S., addressing the coal reality, the Passive House Network and standard, Ocean Ark's fish farming vision, and heavy-lift cargo drones servicing offshore wind. 

In Part 1 of Flanigan's Eco-Logic - Climate Resolve Series, Ted speaks with Catherine Baltazar, a Policy Analyst and Organizer, and Lia Cohen, a Coordinator for Climate Planning and Resilience, focusing on their work at Climate Resolve, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, building collaborations to champion equitable climate solutions.Catherine was born and raised in LA, and has focused her work around the conditions of the community she grew up in, with limited access to green spaces, just west of downtown LA. She attended Wellesley College, and upon graduating, received a CivicSpark Fellowship, where she worked at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. There she worked on developing an Urban Heat Island Reduction Plan for the County which focused on strategic tree planting, “green space” development and planning, implementation of “cool roof” ordinances and the piloting of cool and permeable pavement projects. This experience allowed her to approach environmental justice from a local government perspective.Lia was also born and raised in LA, sharing that she grew up in a family with lots of siblings and an open door policy, so her values are very much rooted in community care. She attended UCLA, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in International Development Studies and minors in Public Affairs and Environmental Systems and Society. Before joining Climate Resolve, Lia worked as a virtual field organizer for the Ohio Coordinated Campaign, mobilizing turnout in a key swing state during the 2020 election.Ted, Catherine, and Lia discuss current projects that they are working on at Climate Resolve, both background and front-facing community work. Catherine starts with the Boyle Heights Community Plan Update, a plan that is supportive of environmental quality, economic vitality, and urban design that promotes safe and walkable neighborhoods. The draft plan includes many policies that address climate change and build resilience such as tree planting, cool roof replacement, solar panel installation, sidewalk improvements, resilience hubs, and community engagement. Lia also discusses coordinating the Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) grant implementation in the City of Commerce, and helping lead project implementation efforts for the Baldwin Hills Community Resilience and Access Plan, as well as the South LA Eco-Lab Transformative Climate Communities grant.They also discuss tools for displacement avoidance, grassroots environmental justice efforts, and creating vibrant communities with access. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Brian Thurston, an environmental entrepreneur, currently serving as a Sustainability Solutions Sales Director at APTIM, an environmental solutions firm. He's also worked as a Senior Advisor for multiple companies and nonprofits in the environmental sector, focusing on business development and strategic partnerships. His background is in business development and consulting – utilizing innovation and technology to build multi-disciplinary networks to attack big problems at scale.He and Ted discuss his background, born in Torrance, CA, raised in Manhattan Beach, and still lives in the South Bay area in Hermosa Beach. He shares that he grew up at the beach and in the ocean surfing, which is how he wound up in the environmental field. Being eco-conscious was ingrained in the ethos of growing up where he did, participating in beach clean ups, and very much aware of the deterioration of water quality. He attended Long Beach State to play volleyball, and then transferred to the University of Southern California to study American Literature.  Between his undergraduate degree and graduate degree, he worked in the film and event planning industries. He then decided to shift to a career in the environmental sector, attending graduate school in Washington DC at Johns Hopkins via their hybrid program, studying environmental science policy and sustainability. He and Ted met when he worked at EcoMedia, where he was hired to be a Program Director, developing and managing public/private partnerships. He then worked for Waste Management as a national business development manager, where he focused on customized and scalable programs for Waste Management's Fortune 500 customers, leveraging internal assets and technology. Brian then moved on to consulting with climate tech companies. He and Ted discuss some recent ventures, including the Bluebox energy efficient HVAC solution, Hytch Rewards mobility app, Oceanworks recycled plastic solution, and being a board member of Sustainable Surf. Working with all of these mission-driven companies that tackle big problems, Brian believes that the concept that the environment and profit are at odds is a myth, and that creativity and innovation prove that every day!

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #7, Ted highlights two high-speed rail projects coming to Southern California: the California High-Speed Rail,  linking Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the Brightline West, linking Los Angeles to Las Vegas. He also highlights ZIPs (zero-emission vehicle implementation plans) and ZEVs (zero-emission vehicles), the climate-protection superstar hemp, South Australia nearing 100% net wind and solar, linear generators, San Francisco's hydrogen fueled ferry, Corryong in Victoria, Australia's community microgrid, thermal energy networks (TENs), sodium batteries, and renewable energy certificate (REC) arbitrage.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Andy Lipkis, Founder of TreePeople, who served as President for five decades. He is currently a Project Executive at Accelerate Resilience LA (ARLA). Andy is a pioneer of urban and community forestry, urban watershed management, and urban climate resilience, dedicating his life to healing the environment while improving the lives of individuals and communities.Andy grew up in southwest LA and began planting trees to rehabilitate smog and fire damaged Los Angeles–area forests when he was 15 years old. At 18, he founded TreePeople, bringing together people, trees, and forest-inspired ‘green infrastructure' to protect cities against droughts and floods, prevent water and air pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change. Andy served as a consultant to the City of Los Angeles as a program planner and public engagement and education facilitator. TreePeople's work in LA provided a model for environmental, economic, and social sustainability in cities everywhere. He created a greener future for Los Angeles by inspiring people, along with their local governments, to plant and care for trees and harvest and conserve the rain. Since its founding, TreePeople volunteers have been responsible for the planting of more than 2 million trees and counting. Its environmental education program reaches more than 200,000 students per year, with millions of children touched over the decades.With climate change impacts already creating a chronic emergency for cities around the world, Andy's work has demonstrated promising new ways for individuals, communities and government agencies to collaboratively reshape urban tree canopy and water infrastructure to save lives and grow a more livable future. After retiring from TreePeople in 2019, Andy launched Accelerate Resilience LA, a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors to inspire and enable people and local governments to equitably accelerate climate resilience in Los Angeles.He shares with Ted that his personal mission is to inform, inspire, engage, and support people and communities to participate in restoring the healthy functioning of an ecosystem so it can abundantly provide life support services. He highlights the power of individuals and communities to make a positive impact, and the great need that exists to heal our environment. He and Ted discuss the numerous programs that increased citizen involvement in urban tree planting and care, which led him to being recognized by Johnny Carson.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Professor Michael Gerrard from Columbia University. He is the founder and faculty director of the groundbreaking Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, and one of the foremost environmental lawyers in the nation. Michael is an advocate, litigator, teacher, and scholar who has pioneered cutting-edge legal tools and strategies for addressing climate change. He writes and teaches courses on environmental law, climate change law, and energy regulation. He was the chair of the faculty of Columbia University's renowned Earth Institute from 2015 to 2018 and now holds a joint appointment to the faculty of its successor, the Columbia Climate School.He and Ted discuss his background, growing up in Charleston, West Virginia in an immensely polluted area, which led to his interest in studying and protecting the environment. He moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, and has been there ever since. He started his career in journalism, later deciding to become an environmental lawyer, and then shifted to writing books and entered the world of academia. Before joining the Columbia Law School faculty in 2009, Michael practiced law in New York for three decades, most recently as the partner in charge of the New York office of Arnold & Porter. As an environmental lawyer, he tried numerous cases and argued many appeals in federal and state courts and administrative tribunals. He also handled the environmental aspects of diverse transactions and development projects and provided regulatory compliance advice to an array of clients in the private and public sectors. Several publications rated him the leading environmental lawyer in New York and one of the leaders in the world.He has also written or edited 14 books, including Global Climate Change and U.S. Law, the first and leading work in its field (co-edited with Jody Freeman and Michael Burger), and Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States (co-edited with John Dernbach). His 12-volume Environmental Law Practice Guide and four-volume Brownfields Law and Practice each received the Association of American Publishers' Best Law Book of the Year award.He highlights some of his most impressionable career cases, and shares that he is currently leading a legal effort to sue the Governor for New York, Kathy Hochul, for indefinitely pausing the rollout of congestion pricing in New York City. He also shares with Ted his work with the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on the legal issues caused by rising sea levels that threaten the island nation.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Mary Nichols, who served as the chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for a total of 18 years. She has served on the Board under Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. (1975–82 and 2010–18), Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (2007–2010) and Governor Gavin Newsom (2019–2020). She also served as California's Secretary for Natural Resources (1999–2003), appointed by Gov. Gray Davis. Mary is widely recognized for a career as one of the world's most important environmental regulators. Over a career as an environmental lawyer spanning over 45 years, she has played a key role in California and the nation's progress toward healthy air. She and Ted discuss her background, discussing the late 60s and early 70s in Ithaca, New York. She majored in Russian Literature, received her B.A. from Cornell University (1966), worked in journalism at the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) straight out of university, then attended law school, receiving her J.D. from Yale Law School (1971), devoting her career to fighting air pollution from then on. She shares that her interest in the environment came about as a result of having been involved in the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements, believing in the need for activism at the community level. After law school, she worked as an attorney for the Center for Law in the Public Interest in Los Angeles (1971-74) where she brought the first litigation under the then recently passed Clean Air Act. From 1993-1997, Nichols served as Assistant Administrator of Air and Radiation for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Bill Clinton. Her efforts there led to the first federal air quality standard regulating potentially deadly fine-particle pollution and the acid rain trading program.Nichols brings a large area of expertise drawing from her many other positions. She served as the California Secretary for the Natural Resources Agency from 1997-2003, as Executive Director of Environment Now Foundation; founder of the Los Angeles Office of Natural Resources Defense Council; Professor and Director at UCLA Institute of Environment; and co-founder of the first environmental justice working group, a multi-ethnic forum for leaders from traditional environmental and community-based organizations to address issues of environmental equity.During her leadership at the CARB, California became a national leader at developing clean energy and clean transportation solutions that many other states and nations have adopted. She shares with Ted that her current climate-related work is focused in China, travelling there twice a year in her capacity as a member of the board of The Energy Foundation.

In this follow up Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Steve Lewis, Urban Design Principal with the Portland-based firm, ZGF Architects. Steve was also a candidate for the 2026 President at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is a facilitator of partnerships and alliances between groups and individuals who seek to use architecture and design to effect positive change to our world.Steve brings to ZGF a wealth of experience across urban planning and design, most notably holding a post with the City of Detroit where he served as the Design Director for the Central Region of Detroit's Department of Planning and Development as well as holding a Professorship in Practice, leading design studios focusing on community issues and urban planning at the University of Michigan. He was a founding partner of the firm RAW International in Los Angeles where he helped build a successful design practice over a 20-year period and collaborated with ZGF on memorable projects including the Exposition Park Master Plan and the California Science Center that made a real difference in the fabric of their communities.From Southern California to Detroit and back, Steve's ethics-driven urban planning and design has made the cities he's worked in not only more aesthetically beautiful, but also more equitable and representative of the surrounding communities. Following in the footsteps of his father, an architect with a drive for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, Steve designs, speaks, mentors, and volunteers tirelessly to advocate for what he believes in and to see those values embodied in the built environment. He and Ted discuss his AIA Presidential candidacy and campaign experience, the elements of sustainable design, digging into embedded materials, energy use, building decarbonization, and electrification. Steve concludes that he is dedicated to equity in design to affect positive change for the future of architecture. 

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #6, Ted shares his highlights from his trip to San Francisco to cheer on Matlock, daughter Kristin's boyfriend who was competing in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. He also highlights that renewables provided more than 30% of all U.S. electrical generation in the month of April, a German research team testing new module concepts, integrating solar into sound walls along busy highways and railways, integrating Energy Vault's gravity energy storage (GES) into skyscrapers, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in northern New Mexico's clean and green position, AI's energy intensity, the quest for climate-friendly food, and Lufthansa's environmental cost surcharge.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Sean Neman, Founder and CEO of Cal Solar Inc. Cal Solar Inc. proudly delivers reliable, full service renewable energy solutions for new construction, existing buildings, and retrofit projects throughout California. Their experienced in-house team of designers, engineers, and installers is equipped to deliver renewable energy solutions for multifamily, commercial/industrial, and public works projects of any size. To date, they have successfully completed 600+ large-scale renewable energy projects, 200+ prevailing wage projects, and worked within 13 electric utility territories throughout the state. Sean has been an entrepreneur and CEO in the renewables and energy efficiency construction space since 2008. Since founding Cal Solar Inc, Sean has executed $150MM in such projects and has led the company through continuous exponential growth, breaking through the barriers to solar in California, proving that rooftop solar is alive and well in Southern California. He and Ted discuss Cal Solar Inc.'s diverse portfolio of projects. Cal Solar Inc. is a full-service California engineering, procurement, and construction services company, with well over 200 employees. It has teams of in-house engineers, estimators, and state-wide installation crews. Sean shares his EPC service self-performs everything from initial design and engineering to installation and service. They discuss Cal Solar's installation of what at the time was the tallest Solar Water Heating system in the world, atop the 42nd floor of 399 Fremont Street in San Francisco. They also focus on Panel-Level Energy Storage technology that Cal Solar is deploying. Sean concludes by sharing the sentiment with Ted that the "solar coaster" is an interesting one, especially with so many policy changes across the board, but the industry in California is the industry to join. There is still tremendous opportunity and a need to tap this free, renewable resource. 

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #5, Ted shares his highlights from his trip to the land of enchantment, Sante Fe, New Mexico, to visit his daughter Sierra who is living there. He also highlights the global clothing glut, seaweed clothing, South Korea's solar bike path, streetlight-mounted EV chargers, the first school district in the country in Oakland, CA to have an all-electric school bus fleet, Shenzhen's EV charging network surpassing gas stations, and batteries becoming the largest form of grid-scale storage. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Beth Pratt, the Regional Executive Director of the California Regional Center of the National Wildlife Federation. She is a lifelong advocate for wildlife, and has worked in environmental leadership roles for over twenty-five years. She has also spearheaded the #SaveLACougars campaign to collaborate, fund, and build the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the largest crossing in North America—and potentially the world—to help save a population of mountain lions from extinction. The initiative has raised a half a billion dollars in private funding to advance wildlife crossings across California and the country.She and Ted discuss her background, growing up North of Boston, obtaining a BS/BA from the University of Massachusetts, an MBA from Regis University, earning the LEED AP credential, and training with Vice President Al Gore as part of his Climate Reality Leadership Corps. Before joining the Federation in 2011, she worked on sustainability, green building, and climate change programs for Xanterra Parks & Resorts in Yellowstone as its Director of Sustainability. Under her leadership, Yellowstone's environmental programs received environmental achievement awards from the National Park Service three years in a row. Prior to her role in Yellowstone, she served as the Vice President/CFO for the non-profit Yosemite Association (now Yosemite Conservancy) in Yosemite National Park.Although most of her career has been spent in national parks, she shares that her main conservation priority is now focused on urban wildlife conservation and creating coexistence strategies within urban spaces. She believes that the future of conservation is about the integral link between wildlife and people – and cities are vital to forging those links.Di Angelo Publications just released her new book, I Heart Wildlife: A Guided Activity Journal for Connecting with the Wild World in August, and Heyday Books published When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors in 2016. She has given a TEDx talk about coexisting with wildlife called, “How a Lonely Cougar in Los Angeles Inspired the World,” and is featured in the new documentary, “The Cat that Changed America.” Her book, Yosemite Wildlife, with photographer Robb Hirsch, will be released by the Yosemite Conservancy in 2025.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Ingrid Malmgren, Senior Policy Director at Plug in America, a nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate the transition to affordable and accessible plug-in vehicles and charging through education, advocacy, and research. Ingrid has over a decade of experience advancing sustainable energy and transportation electrification through research, utility regulatory proceedings, and legislative advocacy. Before joining Plug In America, she worked as a senior analyst at Cadmus Group, a lobbyist in the Vermont Statehouse, and a transportation policy manager at Vermont Energy Investment Corporation.She and Ted discuss her background, originally from Pennsylvania, and currently based in Vermont since attending graduate school at The University of Vermont. She shares her story of landing in the EV space through her works with energy efficiency and utilities. She found herself running cost benefit analyses of EVs, studying the impact on the grid, cost savings to consumers and drivers, impacts on public health, and social cost of carbon.She and Ted discuss the broader societal benefits of EVs, the history and genesis of Plug in America, and how EVs are a critical component to a sustainable and equitable energy future. Ingrid also shares a broadened view of vehicle grid integration, and her excitement to continue fighting for policy change at Plug In America.

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Jack Groh, Director of Environmental Programs for the National Football League (NFL). He is also the Senior Vice President of Strategy for Legacy Sustainability, an independent consultancy that he and his wife, Susan Groh manage to develop and implement climate mitigation and adaptation strategies around major sporting events.Jack and Susan have been minimizing the environmental impacts of major sports events for 30 years, including the NFL's major special events. They also designed the sustainability plan for the NCAA College Football championship series. They are widely recognized for the unique and impactful community projects they develop and have consulted on sustainable transportation development, municipal waste diversion, building sustainability, and renewable energy.Ted and Jack discuss his varied background, growing up in Massachusetts, attending UMass Amherst, then going on to teach straight out of college before going back to school for journalism, spending some years TV reporting, before diving into consulting in communications and PR for companies around environmental issues. Since then, Jack and Susan Groh, now based in Warwick, Rhode Island, have been at the forefront of making the NFL and other organizations more environmentally conscious. In 1993, they developed the first environmental initiatives ever implemented at any professional sports league in the United States at Super Bowl XXVIII in Atlanta, Georgia. Their journey began with simple recycling projects during the Super Bowl and evolved into making the game the greenest professional championship in the world. Their efforts extend beyond visible actions, including recycling, food recovery and material repurposing, to making a substantial difference in the environmental and community impact of large events. Through their independent consulting efforts at Legacy Sustainability, they aim to leave each community better than they found it and inspire others to do the same. Some of the green legacy programs they leave behind in every community include planting trees, creating pollinator gardens, habitat restoration, equipment donations and school supply programs, recycling and composting, taking excess food and drink off to local food banks, and using renewable energy and helping organizations get renewable energy certificates. Jack highlights the Miami Coral Reef Project, Super Kids Super Sharing event, and the NFL Green Super Bowl LVIII Program launch. 

In this Convo of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Greg Kats, Founder and CEO of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, a non-profit organization promoting the adoption of urban "smart surfaces" to improve urban livability. He is also a businessman, environmentalist, played substantial roles in developing the clean energy and green building industries, and is a long-time thought leader and investor in the transition to a low carbon economy.Ted and Greg discuss his background, born in Paris, grew up in Connecticut. He attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his BA, and received a joint graduate degree from Princeton in Public Administration, and Stanford in Business Administration, and is a Certified Energy Manager. They mention their time at Rocky Mountain Institute together, then focus on Greg's career and current works.Greg served as Managing Director of Good Energies, a several billion-dollar global clean energy fund investing in low carbon companies, and served for six years as the Director of Financing for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the US Department of Energy. Greg also played a large role in designing and developing LEED, the green building standard. He was hired by the World Bank to guide the creation of a new World Bank green building design standard. He was later hired by the Enterprise community partners to guide development of the first and still leading green design standard focused on low income housing, called Green Communities. Ted highlights Greg being the Founding Chairman of the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP), who built the Protocol into the global energy and water efficiency design and verification standard used in over $100 billion in building upgrades.He founded the Smart Surfaces Coalition in 2019 to slow global warming, redress social inequity, and build urban resilience. It is a powerful collection of 40 leading organizations in urban health, sustainability, equity, architecture, energy, water, and urban policy dedicated to the adoption of “smart surfaces,” a set of technologies that allow cities to better manage sun and rain, save money, and create more livable communities. Smart surface solutions include a strategic combination of reflective roofs and pavements, porous pavements, green roofs, solar photovoltaics (PV), and trees, enabling cities to lower their temperatures despite global warming, as well as create increasingly resilient and livable infrastructure. 

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #4, Ted acknowledges the global awareness of the severity of climate change, and its connection to human rights. He highlights the landmark ruling by the European Court, which faulted Switzerland for violating human rights provisions, and affirmed that the climate crisis is a human rights crisis. He goes on to share the exciting news of the Earth Day launch of construction of the Brightline, a high-speed rail line that will run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas!He also highlights green ammonia becoming a major ingredient of the clean energy revolution, 31 countries passing the EV tipping point, GETs or Grid Enhancing Technologies, 90% of all new car sales in Norway being fully electric vehicles, instant EV rebates in the US, and Finland's massive thermal energy storage. 

In this episode of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted and co-host, Russell Sturm, speak with Jesse Moore, CEO and Co-Founder at M-KOPA, the world leader of affordable "pay-as-you-go" financial services for low-income customers based in Africa. Since commercial launch in 2012, M-KOPA has connected, provided, and served over 3 million customers to affordable off-grid distributed solar systems and connectivity solutions, including lighting, charging, radio, TVs, fridges, and smartphones. Russell starts with his introduction, exploring and explaining the impressive evolution of the off-grid solar industry over the past fifteen years, which has emerged for the first time to provide power to 2 billion people who do not have access to reliable and modern energy. He then introduces Jesse to the conversation, and describes M-KOPA as a sustainable and profitable company which continues to innovate for the financially excluded.Ted and Jesse then dive into his works, first discussing his background, originally from Toronto, Canada. He holds an MBA from Oxford University (Skoll Scholar) and a BA from the University of North Carolina (Morehead Scholar). Early in his career, with a desire to drive social impact, Jesse worked with the international development charity CARE. His work then transitioned from a strictly humanitarian focus to enterprise solutions, spurred specifically by an interest in advancing cellular connectivity in Africa via M-PESA, a virtual payment service launched by Vodafone and Safaricom in 2007. M-PESA offered a playbook for what would become M-KOPA, which was founded in 2010 with an idea of combining the power of digital micropayments with GSM connectivity to make life-enhancing assets more accessible. Jesse has since overseen the company's growth from startup to over 2,000 employees and 20,000 sales agents. M-KOPA currently has offices in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, UK and Hong Kong. The company has received numerous awards for its innovation, impact and scale: including winning the prestigious Zayed Future Energy Prize, making the coveted MIT Technology Review 50 Smartest Companies list, and being listed by Fortune Magazine as one of the Top 50 Companies Changing the World. Investors in M-KOPA include Generation Investment Management, CDC Group and Standard Bank, as well as esteemed entrepreneurs such as Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson and AOL founder Steve Case.As a leader in empowering homes and small businesses through connected technology, Jesse is representative of an industry of entrepreneurs that sees the only way to address these fundamental problems within commercial markets at scale is with companies that are responsive to customer needs instead of donor biases, and are able to innovate, drive prices down, and continuously provide products that people need.

In this Earth Day Special of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Mike Rufo, Musician and Energy / Climate Policy Consultant and Activist. Mike has had a long and distinguished career working with energy efficiency and modelling, as well as resource planning and cost effectiveness evaluations. He is now semi-retired, focusing on his career in singing-songwriting, with three albums since 2012 and another recently released. Ted and Mike discuss his background, sharing that he had an untraditional childhood, landing in the flats of Hollywood in the early 70s when he was 12. He shares that there was a moment while living in Hollywood when he became aware of what smog was and how car-heavy LA was. The use of gas and nonrenewable resources didn't make sense to him, which led him down an environmental path in his studies and career.Ted and Mike then dive into his pivot from 30 years in virtually all aspects of energy resource consulting and management, to music and activism. Music, for him, became a vessel to be environmentally active. He shares that he is a Board Member of Music Declares (Climate) Emergency-US, which comprises a group of artists, music industry professionals and organizations that stand together to declare a climate and ecological emergency, and call for an immediate governmental response to reverse climate change. They believe in the power of music to promote the cultural change needed to create a better future.Mike recorded his first album in 2012, and recently released his new album, “living is," debuting a single from the album, “The Reckoning” which is his ode to Earth, live on the podcast for Earth Day! 

In this episode of Flanigan's Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Jacquelyn Francis, Founder and Executive Director of the Global Warming Mitigation Project (GWMP). GWMP contributes to decarbonizing the planet by identifying innovative climate leaders and deploying resources to advance solutions. It comprises three interconnected programs that work together to address the funding, capacity building, and visibility challenges that global changemakers face as they scale their science-based solutions to decarbonize the planet: The Keeling Curve Prize, The Constellations Fellowship, and The Climate Impact Conduit.GWMP's signature program is the Keeling Curve Prize, which awards $50,000 annually to each of 10 global projects that demonstrate the ability to reduce, replace, or remove greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Since 2018, GWMP has awarded $1.75M to 60 nonprofits, for-profits, and startups, vetted more than 1,100 viable solutions, and grown one of the largest networks of global warming mitigators in the world. The projects that GWMP has awarded are currently projected to reduce 3.27 gigatons of CO2e emissions this year alone.Ted and Jacquelyn discuss her background, growing up in Aspen, Colorado. While attending John Hopkins University for a Master's program in Energy Policy and Climate, she decided that the solution to decarbonizing the planet was to find, fund, and elevate climate leaders and entrepreneurs around the world. This realization led Jacquelyn to create the Keeling Curve Prize and the Global Warming Mitigation Project (GWMP) in the fall of 2017, and a commitment to investing her skills, expertise, and resources to help transition all of humanity to a future beyond fossil fuels. She uses scientific rigor, mathematics and pragmatism as tenants for climate forward-thinking leadership.She shares some of her favorite impact stories with Ted, highlighting creativity from the younger generation finding new ways to make solutions that are smart and effective. She also discusses upcoming events, running programs, and a new tool within their database - carbon abatement portfolios - an idea that comes from the voluntary carbon markets. She concludes by emphasizing that solutions to the energy transition and emission abatement already exist, and are just waiting to be scaled up.