🌐 Election Special: Deputy Secretary David Turk of the U.S. Department of Energy

When Aron and I launched Supercool earlier this year, we saw serious momentum behind the low-carbon economy. Here’s what’s shaping the landscape:

1. Federal Climate Funding is Unprecedented

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are directing nearly $1 trillion into the U.S. economy to accelerate the clean energy transition. Nations worldwide are following suit.

2. Climate Action is Local

Over 600 U.S. cities now have climate action plans, making them testing grounds for low-carbon strategies. Globally, more than 13,000 cities are part of this movement.

3. Climate Technologies are Scaling

Climate technologies are advancing from pilot to commercial scale, leading to rapid adoption among governments and the private sector.

We’re in an unprecedented era. While the climate challenge looms large, society is rising to meet it in ways that don’t just cut emissions—they also modernize towns and cities, strengthen economies, and improve quality of life.

At Supercool, we go beyond headlines to explore what’s really happening, covering the technologies, business models, policies, and playbooks driving progress and tangible results. So, with U.S. elections approaching, we’re diving into the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to push forward policies that accelerate the clean energy transition.

On the podcast, we’re joined by David Turk, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. As the DOE’s number-two ranking official and Chief Operating Officer, Turk has been pivotal in implementing key clean energy legislation. Three things stand out:

1. Accelerating Decarbonization

In just one Presidential term, the U.S. has shifted its emissions reduction trajectory from 20% to 40% by 2030, bringing us closer to the target of a 50% cut by 2030 on the path to full decarbonization by 2050.

2. Job Growth

Clean energy jobs are surging, growing at twice the job growth rate of the broader U.S. economy.

3. Shared Prosperity

With over 900 projects funded nationwide, communities in every state are seeing tangible benefits from this transition.

David Turk’s career exemplifies public service at the highest level. Before his role at DOE, Turk was Deputy Executive Secretary of the International Energy Agency, Deputy Special Envoy for Climate Change at the State Department, and Senior Director at the National Security Council. Few have been as deeply involved in the story of modern climate policy.

So, as we head into the election season, we’re asking David: Are we, as a nation, better off today than four years ago in our efforts to decarbonize and build a more equitable society?

Take me to the podcast:

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Number of the week: $52

That’s the cost to the U.S. government for each ton of greenhouse gases abated through the IRA, according to Goldman Sachs. For perspective, the EPA pegs the “social cost” of a ton of carbon dioxide at $200-$300. The takeaway: the IRA is paying off big time.

Quote of the week:

“Because of the incentives in these laws that the President passed, clean energy developers have been going gangbusters. This year, just in 2024, we will add 30 Hoover Dams worth of clean power to our electric grid. That’s a record.”

— Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy, on The Daily Show

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Related Stories

Where The Clean Energy’s At

The DOE’s interactive map tracks over 900 clean energy projects nationwide, spurred by the current administration’s climate agenda. These investments aim to cut energy costs and create economic opportunities in underserved areas.

Low Carbon Kentucky Bourbon

Bulleit’s Shelbyville distillery is swapping out natural gas for renewable energy and battery storage, thanks to DOE backing. Same taste, fewer emissions (no, that’s not their slogan — yet).

Coal-to-Solar Transition in West Virginia

The DOE has committed up to $129 million to turn the former Wildcat coal mine into a renewable energy site that will power 39,000 homes. A workforce program will help former coal workers gain skills for clean energy jobs.

Billions for Batteries

In September, DOE announced $3 billion for 25 electric vehicle battery projects to build a domestic supply chain, essential for the U.S. to remain globally competitive and meet climate goals.

Billions for the Power Grid

DOE has invested $2.2 billion in eight projects across 18 states to reinforce and expand the energy grid, integrating new high-voltage lines to carry renewable energy from wind and solar sources to where it’s needed most.

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City Spotlight: Washington D.C.

Young people are flocking to Washington, D.C., and staying longer than in any other major U.S. city. While the cost of living is high, the city ranks #1 for entry-level job opportunities, has the most parks per resident and is among the top cities for green commuting, with over 50% of commuter trips in D.C. by bike, walking, or public transit.

Here’s what else is Supercool about Washington D.C.

1. A Bold Plan and Big Progress.

D.C. has made significant strides in its Sustainable DC plan, launched in 2013 to become the “healthiest, greenest, and most livable” U.S. city by 2032. Key milestones:

• Growing Capital Bikeshare so that over 80% of residents are within a quarter-mile of a station.

• Planting 10,000 trees per year.

• Establishing the Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator to improve energy efficiency for low-income residents.

2. World’s First LEED Platinum City. 

This designation measures results rather than intentions, showing DC’s progress in energy, water, waste, transportation, and human experience (education, prosperity, equity, health & safety, etc.). The District consistently leads the nation in new green building.

3. Sewer Heat Recovery. 

It may sound questionable, but it’s cutting-edge; as we covered in Supercool Episode 2, the waste heat beneath our feet is getting a second life, and in Washington DC, it heats and cools the headquarters of Washington DC’s Water Authority.  

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