The Kern Community College District has appointed Ellen Morris, a former federal official, as the new managing director of its California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL). This strategic move aims to enhance the district’s commitment to preparing the local workforce for careers in carbon removal and clean energy production.
Background on Ellen Morris
Ellen Morris brings a wealth of experience to her new role. In the late 1980s, she served as a geophysicist with Texaco Corp., where she monitored oil well drilling operations in Kern County. Most recently, she was the director of university partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. At NREL, Morris played a pivotal role in helping KCCD establish CREL.
Timely Appointment
During an event in downtown Bakersfield, district officials announced Morris’ appointment. Chancellor Steven Bloomberg emphasized the significance of this timing, coinciding with the county Board of Supervisors’ approval of a substantial carbon capture and sequestration project proposed by California Resources Corp. He also highlighted plans for a biomass-to-biochar pyrolysis project and an agrivoltaics program launched in Delano last year, alongside hopes for local investment in hydrogen energy.
Vision for the Future
Morris expressed her enthusiasm for building California’s future climate and energy workforce. She believes in creating a more inclusive energy future and stated, “It will take all hands on deck to meet California’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2045.” Her focus is on fostering partnerships that will increase funding, enhance CREL’s visibility, and provide meaningful academic and experiential learning opportunities for students, faculty, and community colleges throughout Kern County.
Collaborative Approach
In an interview, Morris addressed local concerns regarding the sequestering of carbon dioxide in idle oil wells. She emphasized her strengths in collaboration and listening to diverse perspectives. Her strategy involves building trust, highlighting the benefits of carbon removal, and working collectively to navigate the path forward.
NREL’s Role and Support
Various speakers at the event praised Morris’ extensive experience at NREL, which has been a crucial partner for CREL since its inception. NREL, one of 17 labs supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, typically collaborates with research universities; Morris’ involvement marks a significant shift towards community college partnerships. NREL’s senior partnership manager, Scott Haase, noted that collaboration with higher education amplifies the impact of renewable energy research in practical applications.
Conclusion
With Morris at the helm, CREL is poised to lead Kern County and California towards a sustainable energy future, reinforcing the district’s commitment to innovation and workforce development in the field of renewable energy.
Sources
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- Kern Community College District
- California Resources Corporation
