How Government Can Get Sh’t Done: Kristina Costa on Advancing Clean Energy During Federal Rollbacks

An Honorable Profession

This week, we bring you another episode of our series on How Government Can Get Sh*t Done, as host Debbie Cox Bultan sits down with Kristina Costa, former Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Clean Energy, Innovation, and Implementation during the Biden administration. They discuss the progress made and results achieved through the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, including by making energy more affordable, generating jobs, creating clean energy projects, and strengthening grid resilience. In addition, they break down the recent actions by the Trump administration to undermine clean energy achievements by freezing funding, imposing tax credit restrictions, and imposing new barriers for clean infrastructure. In the face of these challenges, Debbie and Kristina talk about strategies to advance clean energy with permitting reforms, innovative financing, and partnerships. Tune in to learn how state and local leaders can keep the clean energy transition moving forward.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:28] Hear how the Inflation Reduction Act catalyzed historic clean energy investments.

• [09:30] Ways sustainable energy can reduce cost while generating clean energy for industry.

• [13:52] How the Trump administration has undermined sustainability achievements.

• [17:07] Kristina's ‘three buckets’ investment approach for America’s clean energy goals.

• [19:47] Unpack how tax credit expirations and foreign entity rules are slowing investment.

• [22:19] Steps leaders can take to keep clean energy goals moving forward.

• [23:45] Why countering misinformation about rising energy costs is crucial.

• [24:07] Find out what federal policy shifts are needed and Kristina’s final takeaway for listeners.