About
Launched as part of the CEC's 45th Anniversary celebration, the Clean Energy Hall of Fame Awards is an annual event designed to honor the leadership and outstanding achievements of Californians who help advance the state’s clean energy goals. The awards aim to motivate and inspire all stakeholders to continue to lead California to a 100 percent clean energy future by 2045. As California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “We will never waver on achieving the nation’s most ambitious clean energy goals.”
Event Information

Clean Energy Hall of Fame Awards
Special Speaker
At this year’s ceremony we have a special guest offering brief remarks and a Navajo blessing.
BRETT ISAAC
Navajo Power
Brett Isaac is a member of the Navajo Nation and has worked with local chapters in the Nation to execute numerous community development initiatives. Brett collaborated with the Navajo Community of Shonto in the development of community-owned enterprises leading to the creation of a solar company on the Nation called Shonto Energy. Brett’s company has deployed more than 200 off-grid solar systems to serve household without grid electricity. Brett is a Founder and Co-CEO at Navajo Power.
Awardees
Lifetime Achievement
DR. JAMES O’BANNON
From a childhood in Mississippi where he believed his best career option was to become a bricklayer, Dr. James O’Bannon became a leading international voice in the field of energy efficiency, helping accelerate California’s clean energy future. He is the founder of the construction management department at Chico State with more than 3,000 alumni. Students not only loved Jim for his passion for teaching, they learned from his real-world lessons.
Youth Game Changer
KAUSHIK TOTA
Ever since elementary school, Kaushik Tota has been passionate about the climate crisis and – fortunately for us and all Californians-- determined to do something about it. Kaushik is now a senior at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View. He is the founder of the Climate Youth Ambassador Program, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and equipping individuals with the knowledge to lead sustainable lifestyles.
Clean Energy Champion
PAMELA QUAN
On the rooftops of San Francisco, Pamela Quan has seized opportunity and turned it into a career for her and others. She is a former trainee turned solar-plus-battery installation crew leader who motivates others to join her on the clean energy path.
Clean Energy Champion
ARLA RAMSEY
As the leading catalyst behind a tribal-owned microgrid in Humboldt County, Arla Ramsey has prepared her community to defend against natural catastrophes and emergencies. She has also contributed significantly to advancing women in leadership roles.
Clean Energy Champion
EDDIE PRICE
With passion and skill, Eddie has helped triple the number of households in underserved San Diego communities receiving affordable solar energy -- all while instituting a workforce development curriculum for communities that have been historically overlooked.
Clean Energy Champion
REY LEON
Rey Leon is the mind and heart driving the innovative Green Raiteros electric vehicle ridesharing program. It offers Central Valley residents, mostly farmworkers, transportation to and from critical services and errands, such as doctor appointments and trips to the pharmacy.
Selection Committee
ANGELA ISLAS
Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group, Vice Chair
ROMAN PARTIDA-LOPEZ
Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group, Member
CHRISTINA SNIDER
Governor’s Office, Tribal Advisor
LEUWAM TESFAI
California Public Utilities Commission, Commissioner Shiroma’s Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor
RAJINDER SAHOTA
California Air Resources Board, Division Chief, Industrial Strategies
SHRAYAS JATKAR
California Workforce Development Board, Policy Specialist
SARAH RUBIN
California Dept of Conservation, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
JOE XAVIER
California Dept of Rehabilitation, Director
EDDIE AHN
Brightline Defense, Executive Director