Miranda Cashman, Solar, Massachusetts
Miranda Cashman, who has been in the industry for a year, is the Senior Asset Management Coordinator at Solstice and lives in Massachusetts.
Why is clean energy important to you? Supporting and expanding clean energy is important to creating stronger, more sustainable, and healthier communities across the world. Expanding clean energy both limits the amount of CO2 (a greenhouse gas primarily responsible for a warming climate) released to the atmosphere as well as limits the amount of toxic pollutants that can impact air quality and the health of communities and environments.
What’s your proudest accomplishment in clean energy? With the IRA and other state community solar programs, Solstice has been able to bring the benefits of community solar to more low-middle income (LMI) customers than ever before. While this is not a personal accomplishment, I believe everyone who has been a part of building out and implementing these programs can think of this as a huge win for the sector!
What did you do before entering clean energy? Climate resiliency and mitigation.
When were you first introduced to clean energy? I was first introduced to clean energy in high school, when taking environmental science classes, and continued to learn and expand my understanding throughout college and my career.
What should more people know about your role? Energy in and of itself is extremely complex. We have built such intricate energy systems, yet they don't get the attention they deserve. We all rely on energy to power our lives, yet the infrastructure and processes need major upgrades before we can build the sustainable and reliable systems we all dream of. I don't think enough people in the world realize the complexity behind turning on a light switch.
How does clean energy impact your community? Clean energy means better air quality all around. With more EV charging stations and wind and solar projects, the health of all communities benefits. Coal and gasoline are known to be bad for our health, and it's our poorest communities that often bear the brunt of the adverse health impacts. By investing in and expanding renewables, we improve the health of communities.
What does clean energy mean to you and your family? I work in Community Solar, and so my job means that I am supporting the expansion of solar to communities that need it most. I am proud to be bringing clean energy to low-middle income (LMI) households that are traditionally shut out of the clean energy revolution. Instead of putting solar panels on a single-family home (which is not feasible for 70% of Americans), I can support the clean energy transition and bring those benefits and forms of support to more people.
Why should Congress invest in clean energy jobs, not fossil fuel jobs? Clean energy jobs support and grow a few key areas we, as a society, should foster - clean environment, healthy communities, and strong economy. By continuing to invest, and growing that investment, in clean energy, the benefits can be felt across all communities equitably, and ensure that all people. A rising tide lifts all boats.
