2019 Stanford Energy Internships in California and the West: California Energy Commission, Office of Commissioner David Hochschild

State- and city-level efforts are essential in our fight against climate change, especially in the field of energy. Stanford University is committed to helping by integrating its best students into the local energy and climate ecosystem through Stanford Energy Internships in California and the West (SEICW), an energy-related summer internship program. This position is funded; you will be 1 of 2 Stanford students placed at the CEC; and will be with the office of Commissioner David Hochschild in Sacramento.

The program runs from Monday, June 24, 2019 to Friday, August 30, 2019. 

Organization/Agency mission or role in state government: 
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, the California Energy Commission has seven core responsibilities:

1. Advancing State Energy Policy — As the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission prepares the Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) and collaborates with state and federal agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders to develop and implement state energy policies. 
2. Achieving Energy Efficiency — Since 1975, the California Energy Commission has been responsible for reducing the state's electricity and natural gas demand primarily by adopting new Building and Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards that have contributed to keeping California's per capita electricity consumption relatively low. 
3. Investing in Energy Innovation — Since 1975, the California Energy Commission has advanced innovation through its energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programs by investing millions of dollars in technologies to improve California's energy systems and resources. 
4. Developing Renewable Energy — The California Energy Commission is involved in many efforts to promote and support renewable energy development.
5. Transforming Transportation — Transportation accounts for a major portion of California's energy budget and has a significant impact on air quality. It is also the single largest source of the State's greenhouse gas emissions. 
6. Certifying Thermal Power Plants — The California Energy Commission is responsible for the certification and compliance of thermal power plants 50 megawatts (MW) and larger, including all project-related facilities in California. 
7. Preparing for Energy Emergencies — In 1988, the California Energy Commission developed California's first comprehensive Energy Shortage Contingency Plan that was nationally recognized. Today, the Energy Commission continues to lead the State's energy emergency planning efforts. 

Assignment:
Commissioner Hochschild is the lead Commissioner on renewable energy and fills the environmentalist position at the California Energy Commission. The internship will involve investigating a specific renewable or decarbonization issue, synthesizing a report on the subject, and presenting it to the Commissioner. The project will bring to bear the intern’s analytical and communication skills to shape energy policy.

A successful experience for the fellow would be to work at the Commission, learn about the cutting-edge issues in energy, climate, and government in California, and walk away having contributed to the Commissioner’s team by performing research and writing to help inform important decisions affecting millions of citizens.

For the Commission, a successful summer experience would be to host a student passionate about shaping the future of energy, climate, and government issues, who is also a good researcher, writer, and, most importantly, has a great sense of humor.

Office staff who might serve as mentors:

• Commissioner David Hochschild
• Ken Rider, Chief of Staff
• Terra Weeks, Advisor