A Conversation on Rising Energy Costs: How Can Permitting Reform Tackle the Affordability Crisis?

Climate DC is hosting a series of climate-focused small group conversations for folks to get to know each other better and dive deep on climate topics of interest! Join Climate DC community members Diana Schoder and Dr. Theresa Mason Ford — both volunteers with the DC chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby — for a conversation on the intersections between energy affordability and permitting reform. As energy needs from data centers and new technologies grow, electricity costs have skyrocketed—both in DC and around the country. Renewables can help meet today’s demand in a climate-friendly way, but deploying them at scale requires clear permitting rules and greater transmission capacity. Yet, building a new electrical transmission line currently takes over a decade, with clean energy comprising 90% of the projects waiting to be connected to the grid. Join us for a discussion about clean energy permitting reform, how momentum has been building over the past few years (both locally and in Congress), and why this should be an essential part of the affordability policy toolkit. Since capacity is limited for this conversation, please treat your RSVP as a commitment to attend. If your schedule changes and you can no longer join, please update your RSVP to create space for others. About the hosts: Dr. Theresa Mason Ford and Diana Schoder are volunteers with the DC Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL). CCL is a nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization that empowers everyday people to bridge divides and build political will for effective climate solutions in Congress. Committed to advancing federal solutions that reduce emissions, remove climate pollution, and protect people, CCL supports permitting reform policies to build and deliver clean energy. Dr. Theresa Mason Ford is a Washington, D.C.-based policy strategist, climate advocate, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning public policy, environmental justice, renewable energy, workforce development, housing, strategic communications, and community engagement. Diana Schoder is a researcher and project manager with experience in climate resilience, healthy cities, and infrastructure development. She has volunteered with CCL-DC for 6+ years, focusing on clean energy permitting reform and carbon pricing policies. Outside of work, Diana enjoys traveling and biking, and she is always looking for new book recommendations!