#United States #Clean Energy #electric vehicles #Auburn #Giuliani Award

2025 Future of Carbon Policy Forum: A Race Towards Clean Energy

The Clean & Prosperous Institute recently held its 7th Annual Future of Carbon Policy Forum in Auburn, Washington, emphasizing significant advancements in clean energy technology. The event featured an innovative competition that brought together various electric vehicles—from sedans to larger commercial trucks—at the scenic Pacific Raceways track located in Kent.

Executive Director Michael Mann highlighted the urgency of the transition to a clean energy economy during his address. 'We put I-2117 in the rear-view mirror, but we are still in a race against time to transition to a clean energy economy,' he stated. Emphasizing the dire need for action, Mann pointed out the latest reports on emissions in Washington. 'The recent findings tell us we must accelerate our shift from polluting and expensive fossil fuels to cleaner, more affordable energy solutions for our transportation needs,' he remarked.

To encourage the adoption of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles, Washington State has allocated over $100 million for incentives. This funding serves to alleviate the financial burden associated with transitioning to cleaner vehicle alternatives, reflecting the state's commitment to sustainable transport solutions.

At the forefront of the forum was the esteemed David and Patricia Giuliani Clean Energy Entrepreneur Award, presented this year to Edo, a pioneering company dedicated to optimizing commercial buildings into virtual power plants (VPPs). Co-founded by McKinstry and Avista, Edo focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and reliability while promoting decarbonization. The managing director of Edo, Hendrik Van Hemert, expressed gratitude for this recognition, emphasizing Edo's mission to empower communities via sustainable infrastructure.

'Your dedication to advancing clean energy and sustainable solutions resonates deeply with Edo's mission,' he noted during his acceptance speech. The recognition signifies the collective impact that organizations can achieve by championing innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.

In addition to Edo, two other companies, Atlas Agro and Airbuild, were finalists for this prestigious award. Atlas Agro stands out with its innovative approach to fertilizer production through its Pacific Green Fertilizer Plant, which utilizes renewable energy to create low-carbon fertilizer, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Airbuild, on the other hand, is recognized for its groundbreaking biopanels and biopods systems, designed to generate solar power, capture carbon, and filter water, making it a comprehensive solution for sustainability challenges.

The Future of Carbon Policy Forum not only highlighted these exemplary companies but also served as a pivotal moment in acknowledging the critical role of clean energy solutions in addressing climate change. The presentations and discussions focused on collaboration among governmental bodies, businesses, and community stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and effective energy transition.

The Clean & Prosperous Institute continues its work of combining resources with a commitment to truth-telling, aiming for improved cross-sector collaboration. Their core focus revolves around designing long-term greenhouse gas reduction strategies that will inform impactful policies.

In a world where the urgency for climate action is more pronounced than ever, events like these act as catalysts for positive change. They remind us all that while the race may be daunting, the finish line—a sustainable and clean energy future—is within reach if we come together to champion these causes.

For more information or to view videos from the event, please visit the Clean & Prosperous Institute's website or contact their media representatives for further inquiries.