Monday, March 24, 2025

9:00 AM
Check-in Begins

9:30–10:00 AM
Networking Coffee and Pastries

10:00–10:05 AM
Welcoming Remarks

10:05–10:50 AM
Panel: Modeling Progress: California’s Role in Clean Transporation Leadership
As federal leadership on clean transportation solutions falters, California remains a critical force driving progress. Join key leaders from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Energy Commission (CEC), and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) for a dynamic discussion on how the state’s ambitious policies, programs, and waiver authority are setting the standard for clean transportation. This session will explore California’s leadership in advancing zero-emission technologies, implementing transformative policies, and fostering innovation to keep us on a path to meet our 2030 climate goals absent federal ambition. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how California’s agencies are addressing challenges, seizing opportunities, and charting a course for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.

Panelists: John Boesel – President & CEO, CALSTART (Moderator), Liane Randolph – Chair, CARB, Nancy Skinner – Commissioner, CEC, Tyson Eckerle – Senior Advisor for Clean Infrastructure and Mobility, GO-Biz

10:50–11:25 AM
Panel: Powering the Future: Unlocking the Potential of Next-Generation Batteries
This panel will explore how next-generation battery technologies are shaping transportation and energy storage. Experts will discuss advancements in battery chemistry, scaled production, and sustainability, plus the vital role of battery recycling in reducing environmental impacts and supporting a circular economy. The discussion will also highlight the impact of policy and investment on innovation and clean energy goals.

Panelists: Serhat Cicekoglu – Managing Partner, Sente Ventures (Moderator), Jungwoo Lee – Chief Technology Officer, South 8 Technologies, Inc., Linda Zhong, Ph.D – CEO, LiCAP Technologies, Inc., Ronnie Tao – Vice President Of Business Development, Amprius Technologies, Inc., Vivas Kumar – CEO and Co-Founder, Mitra Chem, Ryan Dominguez – Supervising Hazardous Substance Engineer, Department of Toxic Substances Control

11:25 AM–12:00 PM
Panel: Investing in Future Generations: Clean Transportation Solutions for Schools
School districts are often the center of communities, providing both education and spaces for local gatherings. An opportunity exists to support clean air and healthy transportation options to and from schools—and to create a lasting, generational impact for the students of today and tomorrow. This panel will speak about the incentives and policies that are focusing on schools as mobility hubs for zero-emission vehicles and innovative modes of clean transportation.

Panelists: Jared Schnader – Vice President, Bus Initiative Lead, CALSTART (Moderator), Robyn Marquis – Senior Director, Innovative Mobility Initiative, CALSTART (Moderator), Jessica Johnson – Manager, Heavy-Duty Incentives and Training Section, CARB

12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch with Keynote Speaker: Assemblymember Lori Wilson

1:00–1:20 PM
Keynote Speaker: David Hochschild, Chair of the CA Energy Commission

1:20–2:05 PM
Panel: Powering Progress: Tackling Energization Challenges for Fleet Infrastructure
This panel will explore innovative strategies to accelerate energization timelines and streamline utility processes. Industry leaders and experts will discuss how to enhance collaboration between fleets, utilities, and policymakers, enabling proactive investments and scalable energy solutions. Key topics include optimizing utility efficiency, implementing bottom-up planning approaches, and designing flexible service connection models that meet the unique needs of fleet operators.

Panelists: Alex Pfeifer-Rosenblum – Regulatory Director, CALSTART (Moderator), Caitlin Odom – Co-Founder and Director, Eclipse Energy Partners, David Castle – Senior Manager of Grid Policy, Southern California Edison Company, Logan Tarbox – Strategic Energy Manager, Terawatt Infrastructure, Cole Jermyn – Attorney, Energy Transition, Environmental Defense Fund

2:05–2:50 PM
Panel: Financing and Insurance for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles
Achieving widespread adoption of zero-emission transportation requires not only technological advancements but also innovative strategies to derisk lower-cost financing and insurance. This panel will showcase industry-leading insights from CALSTART and its member companies to understand and mitigate critical financing risks such as residual values, cost of insurance, and the potential for component resale for second-life applications.

Panelists: Kabir Nadkarni – EV Industry Assessment Specialist, CALSTART (Moderator), Jacqueline Torres – EVP of Finance, Forum Mobility, Robert Salls-Morneau – Zero Emission Heavy-Duty Program Manager, California Pollution Control Financing Authority; Jack Symington – Director, City Climate Innovation; Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator

2:50–3:05 PM
Networking Coffee Break

3:05–3:50 PM
Panel: Charting a Cleaner Course: Advancing Zero-Emission Technology at California Ports
California’s ports are at the forefront of the zero-emission transition, driving innovation to decarbonize operations across trucks, maritime vessels, and off-road equipment. This panel will explore the groundbreaking initiatives at the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland, highlighting the importance of port-specific policies, incentives, and partnerships to support fleets in adopting zero-emission technologies. Attendees will gain insights into the strategies and collaborative efforts transforming these critical hubs into global leaders in sustainable port operations.

Panelists: Valerie Thorsen – Director SJV Regional Office, CALSTART (Moderator), Adam Browning – EVP of Policy and Communications, Forum Mobility, Kristi McKenney – Executive Director, Port of Oakland, Christine Casey – Deputy Secretary for Freight Policy, CalSTA

3:50–4:05 PM
Keynote Speaker (Pre-recorded video from Hector De La Torre, California Air Resources Board)

4:05–4:50 PM
Panel: Driving Innovation in Light-Duty Vehicles
California has long been a trailblazer in adopting light-duty zero-emission vehicles, setting the standard for the nation and the world. Experts from automakers, state agencies, and advocacy groups will delve into the policies, programs, and innovations that continue to drive the state’s progress in this sector. The session will highlight successful collaborations, explore the latest technology advancements, and address key challenges to ensure light-duty vehicles, in both privately-owned and shared-use models, remain a cornerstone of California’s clean transportation leadership.

Panelists: Jamie Callahan – Director of News and Special Projects, Gov Office (Moderator), Tom Van Heeke – Director, State Affairs, Rivian

4:50–5:00 PM
Recap of the Day & Next Steps

5:00–6:30 PM
Reception with Award Ceremony sponsored and presented by SCE
Reception Location: Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel (host venue in the Foyer)

Directions from Sacramento International Airport:

• Head west on Airport Blvd toward Earhart Dr
• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit for Earhart Dr
• Keep straight to get onto Airport Blvd
• Take the ramp on the right for I-5 South and head toward Sacramento
• At Exit 519B, head right on the ramp for J Street toward Downtown
• Turn right onto 12th St, then immediately turn left onto J Street K Street Alley
• Arrive at J Street K Street Alley on the left

Parking Options:

• Public parking garage next to Sheraton Grand Hotel: 1201 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
• Public parking garage ~0.5 blocks from Sheraton Grand Hotel: 900 13th St, Sacramento, CA 95814

6:30 PM
End of Summit