by Jerry Silva, Former Senior Advisor at the US Department of Energy and Former Senior Advisor for Southern California Edison

Over my 30+ year career at Southern California Edison, I have had the unique opportunity to be in the front row seat in some of the industries major challenges and changes. Too often, however, I have seen these changes present an undue burden on our disadvantaged and minority communities. From the energy crisis, municipalization, divestiture of power plants, CCAs, traditional oil/natural gas balancing, cleaner energy, and the integration of renewables into the grid, these have all presented major changes in … Read More >>

The new CEO of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) believes diversity generates innovative and inclusive designs with unique perspectives

By Ricardo Sánchez Silva, @RicardoLoDice, NAHP Media Correspondent

Dr. Chris Miguel Wilkie spent more than four years as Managing Director of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) before knowing that he would become the organization’s new CEO, his ideal job, as he describes it, under circumstances that thrill him, and he would not even imagine seven years ago. However, in his previous position, he discovered something he appreciates and considers fundamental in his new role: the … Read More >>

As Congress continues to debate the components of a $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, the Community Energy Center (CEC) is focused on certain provisions that will inevitably have a negative impact on communities of color. Two such proposed components of the spending bill include levying a methane emissions tax on energy companies and implementing the Clean Energy Standard. While the CEC is in support of a diverse energy sector – including renewable and clean energy – we are not in support of enacting such policies at the expense of minority communities.

A methane emissions fee would result in a reduction of … Read More >>

Its ban would increase the use of coal and intensify CO2 emissions

Long-term prohibition or a significant reduction in the leasing of federal lands and waters to the oil and gas industry would have negative consequences for the population at various levels – such as environmental and economic. Regarding the first, it is estimated that the use of coal would increase by 15%, and CO2 emissions in the electricity sector would be 5.5% by 2030, according to an analysis carried out by OnLocation for API.

Regarding the economic impact, the communities benefiting from electricity services would be the most … Read More >>

“For a long time, experts predicted young people would need to learn Spanish, Mandarin, and Farsi for communicating in the future with people all around the world,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and Chief Executive Officer of SER NATIONAL, the nation’s service, employment, and re-development network. “Now, the language being mentioned most is made up of just two numbers, ones and zeros, because it’s how we communicate with artificial intelligence or AI, the language of robots,” adds Salazar.

That statement summarizes best the outlook on the rapidly growing importance of technology in our global economy and why this is one of … Read More >>

“Staycations” – vacations at home or nearby home – were a huge hit last year as the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. This summer, Americans are anxious to get away, but with air and rail travel still experiencing restrictions, many vacationers are opting for the good ole’ family road trip.

Last year at this time, the national average for one gallon of regular gasoline was $2.20. Just this week, the national average had jumped to $3.16 per gallon. Analysts say that prices at the pump are likely to stay above $3.00 per gallon through the summer.

Consumers may … Read More >>

Goldman Sachs expects crude oil prices to reach US$80 per barrel this summer.

President Joe Biden’s Administration began with radical actions against the oil and gas industry, in line with his goal of achieving net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. However, a progressive advance towards clean energy that does not directly impact the economy of the general population, particularly that of minorities and lower income segments, has yet to be considered.

Biden’s policies thus far have demonstrated a negative impact on domestic oil and natural gas production, placing U.S. energy security at risk, in terms of supply and … Read More >>

Earlier this year, Texas residents were plagued with rolling blackouts forcing many to suffer subfreezing temperatures for days inside their own homes. Now, Texas’ power grid is facing a similar crisis – only this time, residents are being asked to limit their use of electricity by setting their thermostats on temperatures above 80 degrees and suffer through the oppressive heat.

The lessons learned from the historic winter storms earlier this year still hold true in the face of the summer heat’s strain on the Texas power grid:

• Access to reliable, affordable energy is essential to diverse communities and their quality

… Read More >>

By James Campos, Former Director at the US Department of Energy

We need smart, sustainable, and compassionate energy policies that do not further hurt minority communities at the same time help keep Americans employed and our economy flourishing. The psychological and physical impact from lack of resources can be equally devastating as the pollutants that we are currently focused on. You can’t abruptly replace jobs in the oil and gas industry with solar panel installers or solar panel producers.  For example, a solar panel installer earns anywhere from $15 to $23 dollars an hour while someone who builds a pipeline, … Read More >>