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Report

Emerging Technologies Review 2023: Beyond Efficiency to Electrification in California

By Lucas Boyd (The 2035 Initiative) · 2023

In 2023, efficiency isn’t enough to solve our greatest challenges.

Cars and appliances are becoming increasingly efficient, using less energy to deliver the same results. But if they continue to run on fossil fuels, even the most efficient machines threaten public health, waste money, and warm the planet. Mass electrification requires replacing each fossil-powered vehicle and appliance at the end of its life cycle — or earlier — with an electric alternative.

California is leading the charge. The state has set bold electrification targets, and is backing them up with well-crafted policy and meaningful investments. But even in California, we have a long way to go. The 2035 Initiative’s Emerging Technology Review brought together advocates, academics, government officials, and private sector leaders to discuss our electrified future and how to achieve it.

Policymakers, businesses, and individuals should take immediate action to:

  • Reduce consumption of fossil gas and reduce electricity prices for consumers;
  • Prepare the grid for full electrification;
  • Electrify California’s schools and electrify industrial processes;
  • Remove the obligation to serve for gas utilities, adopt grid-interactive home technologies, and train the next generation of electrification workers.

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