EPISODE 6 OF 7

In this sixth installment of the Sustainable Communities Podcast, a dynamic discussion unfolds between Simeon Gant, the CEO of Green Technical Education & Employment (Green Tech), and Gregg Fisherman, Board Vice President of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). This conversation delves into the noteworthy collaborative efforts between Green Tech and SMUD, shedding light on their impactful initiatives driving positive transformations in the Sacramento region.

Insights from SMUD with Gregg Fishman:

Having an eclectic background that spans broadcasting journalism, working for SMUD, and currently holding a seat on SMUD’s board, Fishman’s journey is reflective of his drive. He emphasizes the importance of understanding issues quickly and conveying them in understandable language, a skill that helps him in his roles at SMUD. As per Fishman, SMUD's fundamental purpose is centered on improving residents’ quality of life by maintaining a reliable, affordable energy supply. Electric vehicle adoption, energy conservation, and maintaining a balanced grid are part of SMUD's mission.

Transforming Lives, Shaping the Environment:

Sharing tales of transformation through Green Tech, Gant speaks about students who had overcome their troubled past, and transitioned into robust employees with a renewed vision of their future. He touches upon the innovative “Mobility Hub,” a parking lot equipped with electric vehicle charging stations in Del Paso Heights, aimed at providing the community with a sustainable and practical solution to charging electric cars.

Connecting Education and Sustainability:

One of Green Tech’s most successful ventures is their mobility hub, designed to facilitate community members with electric vehicles to conveniently charge their vehicles. Gant elaborates on his organization’s role in creating workforce-ready individuals and entrepreneurs. He shares success stories about his students, including one who set up a business for maintaining solar panels and a young man whose life drastically changed after being given a ‘second chance’.

Toward A Sustainable Future:

Concluding the episode, Fishman highlights SMUD's future vision to manage the California Governor's plans to phase out the manufacturing of gas-powered vehicles. He reiterates SMUD's commitment to ensure a smooth transition by improving and creating infrastructure for charging stations. Fishman and Gant agree on the importance of collaboration and scaling their activities to multiply the societal benefits.

Conclusion

This fascinating conversation emphasizes the scope and potential of localized sustainable efforts, focusing on the importance of community-based initiatives like Green Tech that play a critical role in environmental conservation and social uplift. The dialogue cements the belief that together a brighter, more sustainable future for Sacramento and beyond is possible.



^{Filmed at Shattered Records in Sacramento, CA.
This podcast was made possible through the generous support of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).}