2023 Energy Opportunities Speaker Series: Shaping a Just Energy Transition

Join TEPRI on December 14th for a compelling discussion that delves into critical aspects of shaping a just energy transition in Texas. Our 1.5-hour speaker event will include a keynote conversation and a panel discussion. The event will explore essential factors for a just, environmentally sustainable future in Texas. Doug Lewin's visionary keynote will provide practical insights into developing and enhancing statewide systems, ensuring equitable participation in the clean energy transition, with a focus on promoting economic, energy justice for households with low incomes.

Given the persistent challenges Texas faces in energy affordability and the adoption of clean energy solutions for lower-income households, our panelists will also share invaluable insights on the intricate dimensions of energy justice. They will also address how policies, research, and advocacy gained from their hands-on community-based engagement will ensure marginalized communities are integral to the clean energy transition. This discussion serves as a model for inclusive and sustainable development, shaping future discussions and policies in Texas.

The event will conclude with a 30-minute social shortly afterward with light refreshments provided.

Keynote Speaker

Doug Lewin: Founder of Stoic Energy

Doug Lewin, our distinguished Keynote Speaker, will unveil a vision and pathway for achieving an equitable and clean energy future in Texas. In this keynote session, Doug will share his invaluable insights garnered through extensive research, advocacy, and education, shedding light on the imperative steps needed for a sustainable and just energy transition in the Lone Star State.

Panelists

Doug Lewin: Founder of Stoic Energy
Bio: Doug Lewin founded Stoic Energy in 2018. Previously, Doug led government and regulatory affairs work for CLEAResult, an energy efficiency program implementer for over 250 utilities in 40 states and provinces. Before joining CLEAResult, Lewin was the founding Executive Director of the South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER). Lewin worked at the Texas Legislature for five years as a legislative aide, primarily on energy, environment, and climate issues for three different elected officials in the House and Senate. There, he established a successful bipartisan energy policy working group which deepened the knowledge base of a wide group of Capitol staffers and members by bringing in guest speakers from industry and academia. Lewin is a nationally recognized energy expert, particularly in the electric grid, renewable energy, energy efficiency, demand response, utility regulation, and pollution reduction. He has been featured in newspaper articles and TV/radio segments throughout Texas and nationally, including the Austin American Statesman, the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Texas Public Radio, the Texas Tribune, the New York Times, and more.

Stefania Tomaskovic, Ph.D: Coalition Director for the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER)

Bio: Stefania Tomaskovic is the coalition Director at CEER. Stefania believes that a strong, resilient Texas is possible: one where every person can access safe, affordable housing, where every neighborhood has healthy air, water, and soil, and where our economy is strengthened by meaningful work opportunities that support healthy livelihoods without harming each other or the environment. Prior to joining CEER, Stefania worked with Public Citizen, a national nonprofit group dedicated to representing the people’s voice in the halls of power. Stefania has also worked as a chaplain and a geologist.

Anissa Rodriguez Dickerman, PhD.: Chief Executive Officer, Pecan Street

Bio: Dr. Anissa Rodriguez Dickerman is the Chief Executive Officer for Pecan Street, where she leads resource and partnership development, guide strategy, and ensure the delivery of programs that achieve measurable results at the intersection of climate solutions, technology innovation, and social justice. She has more than 20 years of experience in non-profit leadership, resource development, social impact research, and working at the nexus of big data and place-based social justice. She will apply her equity-centered research and policy approaches from the education sector to help design an equitable climate transition. Anissa has held various senior positions in the non-profit and for-profit sectors, including chief program officer, executive vice president, chief strategy officer, and chief of staff. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Planning from the University of Texas at Austin with a graduate portfolio in Mexican-American studies.

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