Stacey McKinney, Solar, Oregon
Stacey McKinney, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, is the Sustainability Manager of SOLV Energy and lives in Oregon.
Why is clean energy important to you? It’s clear that we’ll never solve the Climate Crisis if we don’t take drastic action now, and I’ve always known that energy was going to be a major focus when finding solutions. Clean energy can provide affordable and reliable energy, resiliency to increasing climate change, good paying jobs, and will help reverse impacts of decades of extractive industries. I want to be a part of the generation that recognizes that the impacts of our actions today will continue to affect future generations. It’s our responsibility to conserve natural resources, protect ecosystems, and to ensure the health and safety for those walking in our footsteps.
What’s your proudest accomplishment in clean energy? I feel really fortunate to have been around to see the solar industry grow and mature, and I’ve been able to build an amazing group of friends and community all focused on driving our industry forward. I’ve always wanted to do my part to drive change within companies I’ve worked for, and within the industry as a whole. When I retire, I’m confident I’ll be able to look back and feel good about the work I’ve done, and know that I’ve done my best to leave the world a better place.
What did you do before entering clean energy? Honestly, I started working in clean energy pretty quickly after college. However, I did a bit of traveling and worked as a raft guide and snowboard instructor out of college before starting in the industry at 23.
When were you first introduced to clean energy? In early 2000, I brought a few speakers into an environmental conference at my college. One of those speakers owned a very small solar company in SE Ohio called Third Sun Solar, and they mainly installed small off-grid systems at that time. The technology seemed like magic to me, and I was immediately intrigued. From that moment on, there was a part of me that always knew I’d make my way into the industry, and I did just a few years later. Third Sun Kokosing Solar is now one of the largest EPC’s in the Midwest!
What should more people know about your role? I’ve found that solar companies are typically more progressive & aligned with my values. I’ve always been able to work with like minded & passionate people, and go home every day feeling good about the work I’ve done. I think that sometimes people just think of clean energy jobs being very hands-on, or blue collar - but it doesn’t matter what you want to do, a job exists for you in the industry. Salaries are typically good, there is a tremendous amount of job security, and lots of room for growth regardless of what specific role you’d like to have.
How does clean energy impact your community? Clean Energy helps bring thousands of jobs to Oregon, but also is the main driver to bring us closer to energy independence. Oregon is lucky in that we have loads of sun, wind, and water- all of which allow the state to move away from reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
What does clean energy mean to you and your family? I’m fortunate to say that the clean energy industry has provided me steady work for over 20 years now. I’ve been able to keep a great work life balance, have made incredible friendships, and am proud to talk about the work that I do. The industry and job security has allowed me to support my family both emotionally and financially through various life challenges, and really enabled us to live the lives we’ve always wanted.
Why should Congress invest in clean energy jobs, not fossil fuel jobs? Climate change is here, and we need to ensure we are poised to support this growing industry, and that starts with ensuring we have a solid workforce. Fossil fuel jobs are dwindling, and investment needs to be focused on technologies that will sustain us into the future.
