We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

About the Episode:

Stephanie Johnson, the President and Founder of the Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance, shares her transformative journey from corporate compliance to championing renewable energy advocacy in Maryland. With the state aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2035 and net zero by 2045, Stephanie discusses the formidable challenges of reaching these ambitious targets. Pivotal legislation, like the Climate Solutions Now Act and the Renew Act, play a crucial role in Maryland's clean energy transition and climate goals, but the targets are ambitious and the path to success remains unclear. 

If you’re wondering how state-level battles move renewable energy forward at the national level, today’s episode is for you!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Stephanie Johnson:

• LinkedIn

Check out Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance:

• Website | LinkedIn

• Dylan Green: Looking to transition into clean energy? Check out these success stories
• U.S. Wind purchases land around NRG | News | coastalpoint.com
• SRECs: What are Solar Renewable Energy Credits? | EnergySage
• Check out Episode 628 with Dylan Green’s CEO Catherine McLean

Expect To Learn:

• What it takes to build state-level community engagement and support for the development and siting of renewable energy projects.
• How MD-REA and other organizations like the League of Conservation Voters are fostering a dialogue with key communities to build this engagement.
• How the implementation of policies like the Climate Solutions Now Act and the Renew Act, will accelerate Maryland's transition to renewable energy.
• Maryland’s plan to bridge its funding shortfall of about a billion dollars annually, which is critical for Maryland to meet its renewable energy goals.
• How advocacy groups and alliances can build relationships between stakeholders to facilitate key policy discussions and advance the clean energy agenda.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Maryland has some of the most aggressive renewable energy goals in the country, we don’t have the funding mechanisms to make these work currently. My goal is to get as many folks engaged as possible, like if they’re not in energy currently, but they’re interested in how this impacts them on the local level, I want everyone who’s interested to feel like they’re welcome in this conversation and they’re welcome to contribute.”

— Stephanie Johnson

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.