Marty Turock, executive director of Cleantech San Diego’s Southern California Energy Innovation Network (SCEIN), has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 2025 Clean Energy Hall of Fame Awards. Turock’s work over two decades includes advancing clean energy solutions such as renewables, battery storage, and transportation electrification in the San Diego region. As head of SCEIN, he has supported 75 startups, secured more than $546 million in follow-on investment, created over 800 jobs, and mentored more than 150 leaders in cleantech. He also played a role in retrofitting over 75,000 streetlights across multiple cities and school facilities, resulting in significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Judith Gomez received the Youth Game-Changer award for her climate advocacy efforts that began at age 15 in Porterville. Through her role at Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS), she helped seven local schools cut energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent and contributed to securing a $5.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for efficiency upgrades.
The Tribal Champion Award went to Jose “Moke” Simon III, chairman of Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians. Simon is noted for his leadership on tribal sovereignty and clean energy development. Under his guidance, Middletown Rancheria became the first Native American tribe in California to receive an Energy Conservation Assistance Act loan.
Other Clean Energy Champions honored include Kameale C. Terry, CEO and co-founder of ChargerHelp!; Jaime R. Lemus from Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; and Dr. Cassandra Little from Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC). These individuals have led projects ranging from improving electric vehicle charger reliability using machine learning to launching zero-emission mobility hubs and creating shared mobility networks with EVs and e-bikes.
Videos highlighting the awardees’ stories are available on the commission’s YouTube page.
According to its mission statement, “The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100% clean energy future. Its core responsibilities include developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, increasing energy efficiency, investing in innovation, advancing energy policy, certifying thermal power plants, and preparing for energy emergencies.”
