David Roberts
@drvolts
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I run a newsletter/podcast called Volts about clean energy & politics. Subscribe & join the community at https://t.co/mAVggtRfoE! (@volts.wtf on bsky, ahem.)
Seattle, WA
Joined March 2009
Some personal news! Friday was my last day at Vox. Today I'm launching a newsletter called Volts, devoted to my twin passions: clean energy and politics. (And I am now, yes, drvolts.) Drop by to learn more and subscribe!
volts.wtf
Clean energy and politics, electrified
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On Friday, I'm talking with Sen. @brianschatz of Hawaii about decarbonization & energy policy. Data centers, energy affordability, nuclear, permitting reform ... getting into all that. Got questions for him?
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Link in reply, per the nazi. https://t.co/8TpcDjor5t
volts.wtf
Brian Turner and Kathleen Staks on why the West is finally getting the unified energy market it needs.
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Today on Volts: After many years of debate & deliberation, steps are finally being taken toward constructing a unified energy market for Western US states. We discuss the "à la carte RTO" being envisioned & how it will both protect & enhance state energy policies. Juicy stuff!
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Really interesting podcast by @drvolts with @KyleBetaClark from BETA Technologies on electric aviation (which BETA is building) Maybe of interest to @andreaswinckler
https://t.co/MOLziqfQSt
podcasts.apple.com
Podcast-Folge · Volts · 19.06.2024 · 58 Min.
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On Wednesday, I'm talking with @samuel_e_bagg about the post linked below -- about our current epistemic crisis, its roots & possible remedies. Got any questions? https://t.co/Ph6ku9fHrm
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I want to recommend this @drvolts episode for anyone wanting to better understand the hard work state governments can and are doing on clean electricity policy during Trump 2.0 (in this case, Illinois). (1/) https://t.co/Nn3s8AdfWG
volts.wtf
Kady McFadden and John Delurey join me to talk about why "fast and cheap" is the new winning message for climate policy.
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Cool, hey guys, I found another one who preys on young women who come to him for academic help!
Dear AEA: you imposed a lifelong ban on @LHSummers , see https://t.co/yzfF9skYie . Please impose one on me too. I probably have sinned at some point in my life. I do not deserve to walk among such holy folks as you are. I deserve to be banned too.
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On Monday, I'm talking with an expert about the one year anniversary of NYC's congestion pricing program. Got any questions?
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Thanks for the opportunity, @drvolts! Had fun talking w/ you and @kadymcfadden about IL climate and energy leadership. The CRGA act doubles down on renewables and DERs at a time when the grid needs them most. Whole new toolkit for us to play around with. #twill @votesolar
Today on Volts: while some blue states hedge on their green commitments, Illinois is doubling down, passing its third major energy bill in a decade. Among other things, this one empowers the state's utility regulator to directly procure clean energy. We get into it.
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I broke down on Volts how we passed an massive new clean energy bill in IL: 💸 Affordability- clean energy reduces utility bills ⬆️ Leadership- IL is *doubling down* on clean energy in large part thanks to @JBPritzker 🙌 Stakeholders - Working with organized labor is key
Today on Volts: while some blue states hedge on their green commitments, Illinois is doubling down, passing its third major energy bill in a decade. Among other things, this one empowers the state's utility regulator to directly procure clean energy. We get into it.
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On Friday, I'm talking with Sen. @RubenGallego about the new energy plan he just released! Got any questions? https://t.co/ECrzJk2Wpb
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Today on Volts: while some blue states hedge on their green commitments, Illinois is doubling down, passing its third major energy bill in a decade. Among other things, this one empowers the state's utility regulator to directly procure clean energy. We get into it.
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On Wednesday, I'm talking with the great Saul Griffith about Australian rooftop solar: how much it costs, why it's so much cheaper than US rooftop, how it is affecting the larger Australian power system, the politics around it, its future, etc. Got any questions?
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Today on Volts: a solo pod! This is just me talking, pulling together strands into a coherent narrative. Data centers, utilities, rising demand, uncertainty, politics ... this is, in my words, what's going on in energy world right now.
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Today on Volts: I've had more requests to cover this than almost any other topic in the pod's history, so now, at long last, balcony solar! We dig into how "plug-in solar" took off in Europe & how it's making its way to the US, starting in Utah. Backyard DIY types rejoice!
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If you are fortunate to be thankful for things, with Thanksgiving coming up in the US (and other elsewhere), add being thankful for electro tech to your list. “Clean electrification is inevitable” @drvolts @KingsmillBond
https://t.co/qxFKYbr63i
podcasts.apple.com
Podcast Episode · Volts · 11/21/2025 · 1h 23m
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Ember’s @KingsmillBond joins @drvolts to discuss how the #ElectrotechRevolution is unstoppable ⚡ 🎧 Listen here: https://t.co/Gl26q6poUC
volts.wtf
Kingsmill Bond explains why the global march of "electrotech" has moved beyond the reach of US political interference.
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