Energy Innovation Policy and Technology LLC® is proud to announce that Sonia Aggarwal will become its new CEO, starting in late February.
©2019 Ed Ritger. All Rights Reserved, Image courtesy of Climate One/The Commonwealth Club SAN FRANCISCO
Sonia was a founding director of Energy Innovation more than a decade ago. She built Energy Innovation’s policy research, modeling, and analysis teams over eight years until she was appointed to serve in the Biden administration. Sonia has deep experience in energy modeling, analysis, and policy design in many of the world’s largest-emitting countries and regions. Her technical expertise is just as notable, with degrees in astronomy, physics, and engineering
Sonia’s new role will include leading the organization and working closely with partners and policymakers to design and implement the most effective climate and clean energy policies in key jurisdictions across North America, Asia, and Europe.
“I am thrilled to return home to Energy Innovation, with its sharply aimed work and matchless talent,” said Sonia Aggarwal. “Climate policy is at an inflection point, and we, alongside our partners, must capitalize on this moment-Energy Innovation is my ideal home for this challenge.”
Sonia’s career has consistently been marked by taking on complex challenges to increase climate ambition, and winning those challenges. Her most recent posting was in the Biden White House where she served as Special Assistant to the President for Climate Policy, Innovation, and Deployment. While there, Sonia helped to set the nation’s high level climate targets including the commitment to cut economy-wide greenhouse gases by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030. She advanced climate policy priorities in Congress and the federal government to help the U.S. cut emissions at the speed required by climate science while creating good jobs, cutting costs for families, strengthening and securing the economy, and pursuing environmental justice for all communities. She also co-chaired the Biden administration’s Climate Innovation Working Group, and focused federal initiatives to reinvigorate clean energy manufacturing across the country. This work, and that of her colleagues, is now enshrined in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as other important legislative, regulatory, innovation, and manufacturing advances.
Energy Innovation—and Sonia—are steadfastly committed to nonpartisan climate action with Democrats and Republicans at the federal, state, and local levels in the U.S., along with a broad range of policymakers across the world. The organization enthusiastically seeks opportunities to work with leaders who want to advance climate change solutions that work for people and their communities.
Hal Harvey will remain at Energy Innovation in the role of Founder where he will continue to lead aspects of our international work, counsel policymakers on emissions reduction strategies, build our energy security portfolio, and continue his life-long commitment to advancing ambitious climate policies that drive real-world impact.
“Those of you who know Sonia will instantly understand why we are so thrilled to have her rejoin Energy Innovation as our CEO,” said Hal Harvey. “She has the technical depth, the political insights, and a stunning real-world track record-all complemented by exceptional emotional intelligence. Please join me in welcoming her!”