On Friday, March 28, 2025, in the Milpitas Library Auditorium (160 N. Main St.), Catalyze SV is hosting an event called Electrify Our Future: Clean Energy and Sustainable Transportation!

The Beat connected with Catalyze SV’s Executive Director Alex Shoor to learn more…

“The purpose of the event,” said Shoor, “is to inform the community about the different types of electric energy emerging in our community right now and the resources available to the community to transition to these electric energy sources.” 

The overall goal is for more people to use sustainable energy sources. 

Featured at the event will be Brent Tietjen of Caltrain, Linda Hutchins-Knowles of Climate Action California, Juliette Pascual of Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and Jeremy Madsen of Build It Green.

“These are all local experts, each working in different ways to ensure a future using more electric energy and other sustainable energy sources,” Shoor explained.

The term “sustainable transportation” in the event’s title refers to transportation that is not reliant on vehicles with internal combustion engines powered by gas. This could mean an electric car or a ride-sharing or car-sharing service. Shoor added, “Sustainable transportation also means getting around by using public transit that is powered by renewable energy sources.”

Shoor also highlighted VTA’s light rail and Caltrain’s new electric trains as prime examples of more sustainable transportation. Bikes and electric scooters count, too. 

Said Catalyze SV’s Community Engagement Manager Jhaid Parreno in a separate interview, “America’s outlook for a clean energy future is optimistic, with increasing investments in renewable energy sources and advancements in technology. The shift toward electrification of transportation and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions reflects a growing awareness and collective effort to combat climate change.”

Learn more about Catalyze SV here.