Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC)

🌎 Last chance to RSVP!
Join EPIC, ELS & JCEL for our Earth Day Mixer — Tuesday, April 22 from 5:30–7pm on the back patio of La Gran Terraza University of San Diego School of Law.

Connect with students, alumni, faculty & energy/environmental legal professionals over food & drinks.

🌿 RSVP via
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7452030182351110145

EPIC’s Executive Director Scott Anders recently joined Congressman Scott Peters on his podcast 72 & Sunny to talk about something that should be on everyone’s radar: after decades of flat growth, U.S. energy demand is projected to surge by up to 25%.

What’s driving it? AI data centers, electrification of everything from cars to buildings, and a grid that wasn’t built for any of it. Did you know a single Microsoft data center can demand as much power as 750,000 homes — roughly the entire peak demand of the San Diego region?

Scott and Congressman Peters dig into California’s 67% carbon-free energy mix, why 30% of your utility bill goes toward wildfire mitigation, and the “permitting paradox” — how decades-old laws like NEPA and CEQA are now some of the biggest obstacles to building the clean energy infrastructure we desperately need.
Meanwhile, China is building 260 gigawatts of inter-regional transmission. The U.S. needs to move faster.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode of 72 & Sunny

The Real Reason California Electricity Rates Are the Highest in the U.S. After decades of flat growth, U.S. energy demand is projected to surge by up to 25%. What is driving this massive shift? In this episode of 72 & Sunny, Congr...

📢 Applications for Cohort 4 of the San Diego Regional Energy Academy are NOW OPEN!

From December 1 through January 9 at 5 PM, we’re accepting applications for our next cohort of emerging and established community leaders committed to building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable San Diego region. 🌱⚡

🗓 Cohort 4 Session Dates:
➡️ February 26
➡️ March 5
➡️ March 12
➡️ March 19, 2026

The San Diego Regional Energy Academy—powered by EPIC, the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, SDG&E, SDCP, and our Advisory Committee—offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to strengthen your Energy IQ through hands-on learning, field trips, expert-led modules, and access to an active alumni network.

Participants will:
🔹 Explore core energy principles
🔹 Understand our regional energy system
🔹 Learn where energy, climate, & equity intersect
🔹 Dive into electrification & decarbonization solutions
🔹 Engage directly on site visits
…and more!

💰 Free to participants
📍 In-person program
🥗 Lunch + field trip transportation provided

👉 Apply Now! https://forms.gle/HHtQugrDTD7fDEhk8

📢 11 days to go! 📢
Registration is OPEN!
Join us for the 17th Annual Lesley K. McAllister Symposium on Climate & Energy Law: Exploring Solutions to California’s High Electricity Costs.
📅 Nov 7, 2025 | San Diego, CA
🔑 Keynote Panel: Sen. Steve Padilla, Asm. Tasha Boerner, Comm'r Nancy Skinner
➡️ Register today: https://tinyurl.com/36n33pcb

⏳ Early Bird Deadline Approaching! ⏳
Don’t miss your chance to save on the LKM Symposium on Climate & Energy Law.
Discounted pricing ends October 15th.
Join attorneys, policymakers, and experts as they explore solutions to California’s high electricity costs.
📅 November 7 | San Diego
🎤 Keynote Panel: Sen. Steve Padilla, Asm. Tasha Boerner & Comm'r Nancy Skinner
Register before prices go up: https://tinyurl.com/36n33pcb
University of San Diego School of Law

We’re excited to share the keynote panel for the 17th Annual Lesley K. McAllister Symposium on Climate & Energy Law! 🎤

California State Senator Steve Padilla, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, and Commissioner Nancy Skinner will headline the symposium with a keynote conversation on solutions to California’s high electricity costs.

📅 November 7, 2025
📍 University of San Diego School of Law

Join policymakers, practitioners, and academics for a full day of critical discussions on climate and energy law. Learn more & register: https://tinyurl.com/36n33pcb
University of San Diego School of Law
Senator Steve Padilla Assemblymember Tasha Boerner

🌟 Early Bird Pricing is here! 🌟
Register by October 15th for the 17th Annual Lesley K. McAllister Symposium on Climate & Energy Law and save on your ticket.
📅 November 7, 2025 | San Diego, CA
🎤 Keynote Panel: Sen. Steve Padilla & Asm. Tasha Boerner
⚡ Theme: Exploring Solutions to California’s High Electricity Costs
Lock in your discounted registration today ➡️https://tinyurl.com/36n33pcb

Do you have a renewable energy project that needs funding? Are you curious about available opportunities and how to access them?

Join ICMA and CCEEJ for an exciting webinar focused on funding opportunities for renewable energy projects. Participants will gain insights into available funding sources, application processes, and strategies for effectively tapping into financial support for their initiatives. This webinar will explore how frontline communities can access these resources to build capacity and address renewable energy needs in their community. Don't miss this opportunity to empower your community with the knowledge needed to secure funding for impactful renewable energy projects!
Register here: https://SDSU.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cJVmvHScRvyZ7ZN41NrcTA

So excited to be launching the San Diego Regional Energy Academy with our friends at the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative! Thanks to our inaugural funding partners San Diego Gas & Electric and San Diego Community Power for their leadership and support. For more information, see https://bit.ly/3TBrVb4