Partnering with the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), BCSE hosted an event on the opening day of the U.S. Center highlighting sustainable business growth in the wake of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation, opened the “best panel” of the day with remarks on the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) impact on clean energy and energy efficiency deployment in the US – and the ripple effects on technology development worldwide. “[The] clean energy boom is no accident,” he said. “It’s the result of President Biden’s government enabled – but private sector-led – investment strategy to meet our climate goals.”

The first panel, moderated by BCSE President Lisa Jacobson, featured energy CEOs Rebecca Kujawa of NextEra Energy Resources, Pedro Pizarro of Edison International, and Scott Strazik of GE Vernova. The CEOs discussed why their companies are excited to be at COP 28, as well as how technological developments and triumphs in the US can translate into global benefits.

The second panel, moderated by C2ES President Nat Keohane, featured Jill Blickstein, Vice President, Sustainability, American Airlines; Amy Jaick, Senior Vice President, US Communications, FREYR Battery; and Mark Reinbold, Vice President, Global Sustainable Infrastructure, Johnson Controls. The panel of sustainability executives shared their experiences on how their companies are working to ensure the equitable deployment of new technologies.

BCSE’s event directly followed a White House panel, in which Podesta moderated a discussion between environmental justice experts, tribal leaders, and union representatives on how funding from the IRA is respecting and invigorating their communities.

Speakers included:

• Opening remarks from John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation
• Rebecca Kujawa, CEO, NextEra Energy Resources
• Pedro Pizarro, CEO, Edison International
• Scott Strazik, CEO, GE Vernova
• Jill Blickstein, Vice President, Sustainability, American Airlines
• Amy Jaick, Senior Vice President, US Communications, FREYR Battery
• Mark Reinbold, Vice President, Global Sustainable Infrastructure, Johnson Controls