In this enlightening episode of "7000 Volts, Living an Electrified Life," LJ Tucker delves into the transformative power of attitude. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of William James, LJ challenges listeners to a 30-day journey to redefine their attitude for personal betterment. Through anecdotes from sports legends like Michael Jordan and pers…

In this episode, Joselyn Lai of Bedrock Energy describes hardware and software improvements that enable geothermal heat pumps to be installed more quickly and less expensively, even in large commercial and industrial buildings in tight urban spaces. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts The most efficient way to heat a…

In this episode, Joselyn Lai of Bedrock Energy describes hardware and software improvements that enable geothermal heat pumps to be installed more quickly and less expensively, even in large commercial and industrial buildings in tight urban spaces. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonu…

What’s the best way to handle rising US electricity demand? Contrary to what some large utilities and regulators think, it’s not building new fossil gas plants. In this episode, Eric Gimon and Michelle Solomon, coauthors of a new report from policy shop Energy Innovation, make the case that utilities have more effective options to address both shor…

What’s the best way to handle rising US electricity demand? Contrary to what some large utilities and regulators think, it’s not building new fossil gas plants. In this episode, Eric Gimon and Michelle Solomon, coauthors of a new report from policy shop Energy Innovation, make the case that utilities have more effective options to address both shor…

In this enlightening episode of 7,000 Votes, L.J. Tucker and his wife Adele dive deep into the daily challenges and realities of running a business. From grappling with long work hours and high operating costs to balancing family time and managing stress, the Tuckers share candid insights from their experiences in the tree service industry. They al…

The Inflation Reduction Act made it much easier for companies to sell clean energy tax credits that they cannot make use of themselves. In this episode, CEO Alfred Johnson of Crux Climate explains how this seemingly wonky tweak has created a market that is already providing billions in new clean-energy investment. (Active transcript) (PDF transcrip…

The Inflation Reduction Act made it much easier for companies to sell clean energy tax credits that they cannot make use of themselves. In this episode, CEO Alfred Johnson of Crux Climate explains how this seemingly wonky tweak has created a market that is already providing billions in new clean-energy investment. This is a public episode. If you’d…

Is China on track to reduce its carbon emissions? If so, why is it building so much coal power? In this episode, researcher Lauri Myllyvirta brings data to bear on China’s recent decarbonization efforts and helps demystify the country’s larger intentions. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts It's an uncomfortable fact…

Is China on track to reduce its carbon emissions? If so, why is it building so much coal power? In this episode, researcher Lauri Myllyvirta brings data to bear on China’s recent decarbonization efforts and helps demystify the country’s larger intentions. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access t…

In this enriching episode of "7,000 Votes," LJ Tucker invites community activist, artist, and devoted mother Debbie Garrett to explore the profound impact of community engagement. Debbie shares her journey from being inspired by LJ’s leadership in a local church to spearheading impactful community projects like the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project an…

In this episode, I speak with Maxine Bédat, a former fashion startup CEO and founder of the nonprofit New Standards Institute. We talk about the source of the fashion industry's emissions, what can be done to reduce them, the need for regulation, and the right way to think about fast fashion. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: Da…

In this episode, I speak with Maxine Bédat, a former fashion startup CEO and founder of the nonprofit New Standards Institute. We talk about the source of the fashion industry's emissions, what can be done to reduce them, the need for regulation, and the right way to think about fast fashion. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this …

In this episode, I speak with Heather House, a manager in RMI’s carbon-free transportation program, and Rushad Nanavatty, the head of Third Derivative, an early-stage climate tech accelerator co-founded by RMI, to better understand the role of urban land use in the overall climate picture. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David…

In this episode, I speak with Heather House, a manager in RMI’s carbon-free transportation program, and Rushad Nanavatty, the head of Third Derivative, an early-stage climate tech accelerator co-founded by RMI, to better understand the role of urban land use in the overall climate picture. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this wit…

In this heartfelt episode of the 7,000-volt Living Electric Fire Life podcast, LJ Tucker delves deep into the cornerstone of his success: family. Joined by his life partner and business ally, Adele, LJ shares the seamless blend of personal and professional life that fuels their family-owned tree service business. Adele's pivotal role, leveraging he…

The Inflation Reduction Act included a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, $27 billion to be disseminated primarily in vulnerable and under-resourced communities for clean energy and climate mitigation projects. In this episode, EPA’s Jahi Wise discusses how the program was designed, who the recipients are, and what the funding will accomplish. (PDF tra…

The Inflation Reduction Act included a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, $27 billion to be disseminated primarily in vulnerable and under-resourced communities for clean energy and climate mitigation projects. In this episode, EPA’s Jahi Wise discusses how the program was designed, who the recipients are, and what the funding will accomplish. This is …

In this episode, Duncan Campbell of Scale Microgrid Solutions makes the case that distributed energy resources (DERs) — solar panels, EVs, home batteries, etc. — are, thanks to rising electricity demand and constraints on grid expansion, poised for a tsunami of deployment. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts At this …

In this episode, Duncan Campbell of Scale Microgrid Solutions makes the case that distributed energy resources (DERs) — solar panels, EVs, home batteries, etc. — are, thanks to rising electricity demand and constraints on grid expansion, poised for a tsunami of deployment. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribe…

In this mailbag episode, I answer questions about how the shift to podcasting affected my journalism, my appetite for confrontational podcasts, protectionism toward China, what was good about Dune 2, and more. Read more

In this profoundly moving episode of the 7,000 Volts Podcast, LJ Tucker shares his electrifying journey through the world of incarceration, tracing the pivotal moments that led him from a life of fast-paced danger to profound personal growth and redemption. Drawing parallels between his near-fatal encounter with 7,000 volts of electricity and the s…

This week, the Biden administration announced billions of dollars in grants for industrial emissions-reduction projects. In this episode, Rebecca Dell of the ClimateWorks Foundation and Evan Gillespie of Industrious Labs describe the types of projects being funded and assess the potential impact of this significant investment in a sector notoriousl…

This week, the Biden administration announced billions of dollars in grants for industrial emissions-reduction projects. In this episode, Rebecca Dell of the ClimateWorks Foundation and Evan Gillespie of Industrious Labs describe the types of projects being funded and assess the potential impact of this significant investment in a sector notoriousl…

Dive into the heartwarming and reflective world of "Rooted in Gratitude: The Strength of Faith, Family, and Fortitude," an enlightening episode from the 7,000 Volts Living Electrified Life podcast with your host, L.J. Tucker. This episode is a journey through the landscapes of gratitude, where LJ shares the profound impact of his upbringing, family…

In this episode, I discuss the newly launched MethaneSAT — a satellite that can detect methane emissions on the ground — with Mark Brownstein of the Environmental Defense Fund. We cover how it came to be, its technical capacities, and the ways satellite detection might serve global efforts to reduce emissions. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) T…

In this episode, I discuss the newly launched MethaneSAT — a satellite that can detect methane emissions on the ground — with Mark Brownstein of the Environmental Defense Fund. We cover how it came to be, its technical capacities, and the ways satellite detection might serve global efforts to reduce emissions. This is a public episode. If you’d lik…

“Scope 3” greenhouse gas emissions — those that companies are indirectly responsible for, via supply chain, product disposal, investments, etc. — are an imprecisely measured but significant source of impact. In this episode, Laura Draucker of the nonprofit Ceres shares her expertise on all things scope 3, including the recent decision by the Securi…

“Scope 3” greenhouse gas emissions — those that companies are indirectly responsible for, via supply chain, product disposal, investments, etc. — are an imprecisely measured but significant source of impact. In this episode, Laura Draucker of the nonprofit Ceres shares her expertise on all things scope 3, including the recent decision by the Securi…

L.J. Tucker shares his inspiring journey from starting with just a $40 pole saw to building a successful tree service business, Tucker Enterprise Services, in Tampa, Florida. He discusses the significant challenges and learning experiences he faced, including a near-fatal electrocution incident that served as a wake-up call to educate himself about…

In his recent role as Chief Advisor for the Clean Energy Transition in the White House Office of Science and Technology, Costa Samaras helped roadmap the cleantech future laid out by Democrats’ legislative achievements. In this episode, he reflects on his experience and offers a clear-eyed view of where climate policy needs to go next. (PDF transcr…

In his recent role as Chief Advisor for the Clean Energy Transition in the White House Office of Science and Technology, Costa Samaras helped roadmap the cleantech future laid out by Democrats’ legislative achievements. In this episode, he reflects on his experience and offers a clear-eyed view of where climate policy needs to go next. This is a pu…

Is the Inflation Reduction Act, passed nearly two years ago, doing what it set out to do? In this episode, Trevor Houser of the Rhodium Group compares the predictions of pre-IRA energy-sector models to the real-world data on clean-energy investment since its passage. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts During the pre…

Is the Inflation Reduction Act, passed nearly two years ago, doing what it set out to do? In this episode, Trevor Houser of the Rhodium Group compares the predictions of pre-IRA energy-sector models to the real-world data on clean-energy investment since its passage. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or …

In this episode, we go deep on industrial policy with Todd Tucker of the Roosevelt Institute. We discuss what it is, why it’s needed, what Biden’s particular version of it looks like, and how it could evolve if he wins a second term. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts In case you hadn't heard, neoliberalism is out. …

In this episode, we go deep on industrial policy with Todd Tucker of the Roosevelt Institute. We discuss what it is, why it’s needed, what Biden’s particular version of it looks like, and how it could evolve if he wins a second term. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visi…

Welcome to "7,000 Volts: Living An Electrified Life" with LJ Tucker. LJ offers an authentic glimpse into his life as a certified arborist and shares the beginning of his journey into motivational speaking and life coaching. This podcast delves into LJ's personal and professional journey, including his remarkable survival from a 7000-volt electrocut…

In this episode, Huffington Post reporter Alexander Kaufman traces the recent history of US building codes, a surprisingly compelling and twisty tale of efforts at reform meeting stiff resistance from builders and natural gas companies. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts Not many people outside the industry have bee…

In this episode, Huffington Post reporter Alexander Kaufman traces the recent history of US building codes, a surprisingly compelling and twisty tale of efforts at reform meeting stiff resistance from builders and natural gas companies. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, v…

In this episode, hosted by Canary Media Executive Editor Lisa Hymas, I answer subscribers’ questions about plug-in hybrids vs. EVs, India’s impact on decarbonization, and my federal government dream job. David’s Notes These mailbag episodes are for paid subscribers only — my way of saying thank you for your generosity and your curiosity. It’s your …

In this episode, Cora Wyent walks us through Rewiring America’s “personal electrification planner,” a step-by-step how-to for homeowners (and renters!) looking to electrify their homes. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts The message is starting to get out that decarbonizing your life means electrifying your life: yo…

In this episode, Cora Wyent walks us through Rewiring America’s “personal electrification planner,” a step-by-step how-to for homeowners (and renters!) looking to electrify their homes. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe…

In this episode, I speak with Jigar Shah (head of DOE’s Loan Programs Office) about all things nuclear, including its recent performance, the strategies that could revive and accelerate it, new nuclear technologies and what small modular reactors actually are, and the role that nuclear will play in a decarbonized economy. This is a public episode. …

In this episode, Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.) discuss their Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act, explaining where Democrats have found consensus around transmission permitting and community engagement. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episod…

In this episode, journalist Hamilton Nolan shares about his upcoming book The Hammer, a deep dive into the current tattered state of unions in the US and the prospects for their future. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe…

In this episode, I interview Fourth Power CTO Asegun Henry and CEO Arvin Ganesan, who bring high-profile experience in energy research, policy, and regulation to their new and promising thermal storage startup. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscri…

Upgrading power lines — “reconductoring,” in the biz — is a straightforward way to boost the capacity of the electrical grid by enabling it to transmit more power and leak less of it. In this episode, TS Conductor CEO Jason Huang and researcher Emilia Chojkiewicz speak to the great potential of reconductoring, if balky utilities can be convinced to…

Given the trajectory of the electric vehicle industry and the expected lifespan of an EV’s lithium-ion battery, the US is only a few years out from needing large-scale, cost-effective, decarbonized ways to recycle batteries. In this episode, Steve Cotton, CEO of Aqua Metals, describes regenerative electro-hydrometallurgy — the new battery recycling…

In this episode, Michigan State Senator Sam Singh details the ambitious clean energy policies that have been enacted since Democrats won a legislative trifecta in 2022, including some bold reforms of clean-energy permitting. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.vol…

The Australian state of Victoria, home to the city of Melbourne, is the country’s most densely populated state and also its most dependent on fossil gas. In this episode, Lily D’Ambrosio, Victoria’s Minister for Energy, Environment, and Climate Change, shares about the state government’s aim to shift away from fossil gas, its aptly named Gas Substi…