Area of Focus
As part of the Building Decarbonization team, Michael advances policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels in buildings across the Mountain West and Desert Southwest. He researches and advocates for policies to increase investments in beneficial electrification and reduce utility spending on gas distribution infrastructure. Michael is responsible for analyses, testimony, and outreach materials; advocating for buildings decarbonization policies before state regulatory agencies and legislatures; and building relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders.
Background
Michael joined WRA in April 2024 with many years of experience in the building decarbonization and demand-side management sector. Before joining WRA, Michael worked on utility energy efficiency and decarbonization issues with the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) focusing on advancing energy efficiency, decarbonization, and energy equity in the Southwest. Michael began his clean energy career at the California Energy Commission (CEC). At the CEC, he researched and prepared key policy reports on building energy efficiency and decarbonization.
Accomplishments
While with SWEEP, Michael successfully advocated for greater heat pump incentives in Public Service Company of New Mexico’s most recent energy efficiency plan. In California, Michael spearheaded the California Building Decarbonization Assessment (2021) and the 2019 California Energy Efficiency Action Plan, both of which laid out important concepts and principles to lead the state on its carbon-neutral path. Michael received the CEC’s Service, Excellence, and Accountability Award three times for making important programmatic contributions.
Education
- Master of Science in Geology from the University of California, Davis
- Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara
Favorite thing about the West
I love the entrancing smell of desert rain, the calls from flocks of quail rumbling through creosote, and dramatic sunsets painting the mountains red and orange.
