Marty Turock, executive director of Cleantech San Diego’s Southern California Energy Innovation Network (SCEIN), was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Clean Energy Hall of Fame Awards. Turock has spent more than 20 years advancing clean energy in the San Diego region, working on projects involving energy efficiency, renewable energy, battery storage, and transportation electrification.
During his time leading SCEIN, Turock supported 75 startups and helped secure over $546 million in follow-on investment. His efforts led to the creation of more than 800 jobs and mentoring for over 150 cleantech leaders. He also contributed to retrofitting over 75,000 streetlights across 14 cities and San Diego County, resulting in annual savings of more than 30 million kilowatt-hours. In addition, Turock played a role in transitioning over 300 municipal and school facilities to clean energy solutions and introducing electric school bus pilots and conservation contests to schools. These actions reduced greenhouse gas emissions by about 70 million pounds across 44 school districts.
Judith Gomez received the Youth Game-Changer award for her work as coordinator of Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) in Porterville. Starting her advocacy at age 15 in one of California’s most environmentally disadvantaged areas, Gomez helped reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by 80% for seven local schools. She also designed high-efficiency lighting strategies for another 21 schools within the Porterville Unified School District and was involved in securing a $5.8 million U.S. Department of Energy grant for upgrades. Gomez is currently attending Stanford University.
The Tribal Champion Award went to Jose “Moke” Simon III, chairman of Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians. Simon is known for his leadership as the first Native American District 1 Supervisor in Lake County and his advocacy for tribal sovereignty and clean energy development statewide. Under his guidance, Middletown Rancheria became the first California Native American tribe to receive an Energy Conservation Assistance Act loan aimed at improving tribal community resilience.
Three individuals were named Clean Energy Champions: Kameale C. Terry from ChargerHelp!; Jaime R. Lemus from Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; and Dr. Cassandra Little from Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC).
Terry leads ChargerHelp!, which uses machine learning to improve electric vehicle charger reliability while creating high-paying jobs in underserved communities across 17 states.
Lemus oversees zero-emission transportation investments at Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and co-launched a zero emission mobility hub while collaborating with local communities on workforce training initiatives.
Dr. Little has advanced sustainable transportation through FMBCC by launching a shared mobility network with EVs and e-bikes, developing an on-demand EV van service called Van-Werx, and establishing mentorship programs for minority-owned clean energy startups.
According to its mission statement, “The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100% clean energy future.” The commission’s responsibilities include developing renewable resources, transforming transportation systems, increasing efficiency measures, investing in innovation projects, certifying thermal power plants, advancing policy initiatives, and preparing for potential emergencies related to energy supply.
