E142: The Hidden Climate Power of Local Politics
Summary
Host Molly Wood interviews Caroline Spears, founder of Climate Cabinet, about the critical role of overlooked state and local officials in advancing clean energy policy. They discuss how data science and AI help identify impactful candidates for positions like mayors and public service commissioners who control power plants and grid decisions. The conversation highlights the surge in data center development, the problematic use of NDAs by lawmakers, and the need for transparency to ensure affordable, clean energy solutions.
Topics discussed
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Introduction: The importance of local and state climate action
Caroline Spears and the origin story of Climate Cabinet
Using data science and AI to find overlooked candidates
Examples of powerful local offices: Mayors and city councils
The critical role of state legislatures and budget committees
Modernizing policy work with AI and large language models
Supporting candidates: Staffing, resources, and governance
Criteria for support: Climate impact and political window
Misconceptions about local power and federal funding tailwinds
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Empowering voters and the rise of data center conversations
Data centers: Costs, clean energy, and lawmaker NDAs
The controversy of lawmakers signing NDAs with developers
Balancing data centers with transportation and household bills
Climate Cabinet's community, donors, and call to run for office
Conclusion and resources for listeners
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