The Climate Action Business Association (CABA) explores current trends and future outlooks for the state's solar industry. Since 2010, the Massachusetts clean energy economy has expanded exponentially. As we continue transitioning to a distributive electric grid, questions arise about where energy is generated and how it is utilized by interconnected customers. CABA convenes policy experts, industry professionals, and community advocates to collaborate on a collective vision for the state and asks questions such as, "What does the future electric grid look like?", "Where do utilities and solar companies fit into that vision?".
Austin is an analyst for GTM Research covering downstream demand for the U.S. solar market. Prior to joining GTM Research, Austin worked at The Boston Consulting Group, where he supported the energy practice as a research associate. During his undergraduate tenure at the University of New Hampshire, he spent time in Egypt and Jordan researching the potential for Islamic microfinance in poverty alleviation and established the first sustainable investment sector in the University's student-run investment group. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science and a minor in Middle Eastern Studies.
Arline Isaacson is co-chair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. She is a political and legislative strategist with high success rate. Lobbyist with extensive marketing, public relations and media expertise. Advocacy and organizing background with emphasis on message development. Isaacson has worked with African leaders and International Ethical Leadership program. Extensive experience with labor, environmental and energy issues. Lead strategist on legislative issues for GLBT community in MA.
State Senator Jamie Eldridge has served as State Senator for the Middlesex and Worcester district since January 2009. Previously, Senator Eldridge served as State Representative for the 37th Middlesex district, after being elected the only Clean Elections candidate to public office in Massachusetts history in November 2002. Since then, Senator Eldridge has focused his energies in the House and in the Senate on enhancing public education, stimulating the economy, promoting campaign and ethics reform, protecting the environment, improving public safety, expanding access to health care, and improving public transportation. Senator Eldridge is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Boston College Law School, where he served as President of the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) for two years. Prior to his election as State Representative, Jamie worked as a public interest attorney with Merrimack Valley Legal Services in Lowell, a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to the poor and the elderly. As a public interest lawyer, he also worked to help low-income residents with issues of housing, Social Security, disability, and unemployment.