Michael Callender, EVs, Massachusetts

Michael Callender is director of fleet solutions at Highland Electric Fleets, and he lives in Massachusetts. He’s been in the industry for 3 years.

Why is clean energy important to you? Energy access and security underwrites economic growth and social stability. Investing in clean energy provides sustainable inputs for growth and peace.

What’s your proudest accomplishment in clean energy? Every school bus fleet I help electrify makes me incredibly proud. Not only are we removing the need for expensive diesel fuel, but we also eliminate tailpipe emissions that are directly linked to childhood asthma.

What did you do before entering clean energy? U.S. Army officer.

How did you first get introduced to clean energy? I became passionate about clean energy while serving as a paratrooper in Ukraine. We partnered with the Ukrainian army to improve military capabilities and counter Russian aggression, but it was clear that Russia's geopolitical impunity was directly linked to its control over fossil fuels. The tragedy of current events has introduced the average person to the threats of an aggressive petrostate, and strengthened my resolve to improve global energy access and security through clean technology.

How does clean energy impact your community? Massachusetts has abundant clean energy resources and is leading the nation in offshore wind and vehicle electrification. Investment in clean energy means investment in our local communities, developing our workforce and energy resilience.

What is something you wish more people knew about your job? I hope more veterans learn that their skills and passions, developed during military service, are directly applicable and severely needed in the clean energy sector.

Why should Congress invest in clean energy jobs, not fossil fuel jobs? Fossil fuel jobs are at the points of extraction. Clean energy jobs are where people usually live and work.