SVLG’s Sustainable Growth COE focuses on policies and partnerships to advance innovative climate solutions, job growth, and clean energy infrastructure
SAN JOSE, CA (August 8, 2023) – The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) – the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem – today announced plans to launch three new initiatives – first, the Zero-Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) Task Force, second, the Climate Bond Task Force, and third, the Working Group on Transmission + Interconnection – as part of an ongoing initiative to advance sustainable climate solutions, drive job creation, and increase investment in clean and reliable energy infrastructure across Silicon Valley and the state of California.
“Today, we take a significant step forward in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change,” said Ahmad Thomas, CEO of SVLG. “We’re committed to working with our member companies to build the foundation for a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future in Silicon Valley and beyond. It’s critical that Silicon Valley remains economically competitive as a hub for climate innovation, and we look forward to continuing this critical work through these timely working groups, and other efforts down the road.”
Earlier this year, SVLG announced its “Acceleration Agenda” to catalyze the next generation of Silicon Valley leadership through the development and growth of three Centers of Expertise (CoEs) – Technology and Innovation; Inclusion and Belonging; and Sustainable Growth. The CoE on Sustainable Growth is bringing SVLG’s member companies together to drive meaningful progress toward meeting California’s climate goals, fostering sustainable innovation, and driving economic competitiveness. Initiatives announced today include:
- Transmission + Interconnection Working Group, which will support several of the Sustainable Growth CoE’s major policy priorities, including the creation of a Western Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) that partners with regional clean energy markets, lower costs for everyday consumers, and accelerate regional power grid transmission across Western states. Additionally, the task force will support state and federal legislation that accelerates the adoption of critical clean infrastructure projects and streamlines traditional permitting processes.
- Climate Bond Task Force, which will align our advocacy funding environmental and clean energy investments in a potential 2024 statewide Climate Bond ballot measure, to promote Bay Area climate resilience and sustainability. The task force will also explore private sector opportunities for sustainable financing.
- Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) Task Force, which will support policies and programs that speed the transition to an electrified transportation sector through the adoption of zero-emissions vehicles. The task force will also promote policies and legislation that foster climate innovation, attract capital investments, and position Silicon Valley as a global leader in clean transportation.
Over the coming months, the Sustainable Growth CoE will hold a series of meetings to share best practices, expertise, and resources that will accelerate the adoption of clean infrastructure projects, zero-emission vehicles, and sustainable energy technologies. Additionally, SVLG leaders will engage with key stakeholders – including policymakers, researchers, and community organizations – to promote legislation and regulation that encourages the development of solutions to environmental challenges in the Valley and the state of California.
“We believe that the innovation sector has a crucial role to play in driving the transition towards a cleaner future, and Silicon Valley is leading the way,” said Tim McRae, Senior Vice President of Sustainable Growth at SVLG. “We’re committed to reaching California’s ambitious climate goals and improving grid reliability by leveraging our member companies’ expertise to shape sustainable practices and economic innovation.”
The Sustainable Growth CoE will convene its next full meeting on August 16. SVLG Members or outside experts interested in engaging with this work should reach out to SVLG’s SVP Tim McRae at tmcrae@svlg.org.
About the Silicon Valley Leadership Group:
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) is the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem. Founded by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, SVLG has worked for 45 years to address issues that affect the region’s economic health and quality of life. Today, SVLG Is focused on accelerating the next era of Silicon Valley leadership, activated by our three new Centers of Expertise (COE). Innovation & Technology, Sustainable Growth, and Inclusion & Belonging. SVLG members collectively provide nearly one of every three private sector jobs in Silicon Valley and contribute more than $3 trillion to the worldwide economy. For more information, visit svlg.org.
Press Contact:
Laura Wilkinson
SVP, Head of Communications
Ph: 669.319.2857
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