2.03 On Intentionality & Intersections in Energy with Melanie Santiago-Mosier

Power Flow

Melanie Santiago-Mosier is an award-winning energy expert and thought leader, implementing a vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in and through clean energy.
She is the Deputy Director for Clean Energy Group & Clean Energy States Alliance, sister nonprofits who provide technical expertise and independent analysis in support of communities and government leaders working for an equitable clean energy transition. Melanie ensures the organizations pursue their highest strategic goals while embedding principles of equity into all areas of work.
Before joining CEG & CESA, she was the Managing Director for Access & Equity for Vote Solar, where she managed Vote Solar’s work to build equitable partnerships with frontline communities; oversaw collaboration with those communities to design and advocate for programs that open up solar’s opportunities and benefits; and supported the organization’s internal work to grow as an organization that welcomes and supports people from all races, genders, backgrounds, and identities.
She has advanced clean energy policy for over a decade, including leading the government affairs efforts for organizations such as the Maryland Public Service Commission and Washington Gas Energy Services, after serving as counsel and policy analyst for the MD General Assembly. She also served as a regional policy director for SunEdison.
In 2015, Melanie was named one of Maryland’s “Leading Women” by The Daily Record, MD’s premier business and legal news publication. In 2019, she was awarded a WRISE Honor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Women in Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy. In 2020, she was named one of “MD’s Top 100 Women” by The Daily Record. Melanie is an attorney licensed to practice law in Maryland. She holds her JD from the University of MD School of Law and her BA from St. John’s College. She serves on a number of volunteer boards and is a volunteer mentor for law students.
Quotables

“We’re all rowing in the same boat. We’re going in the same direction. It’s all about how do we best build out the clean energy system of the future and help different people get there.”
– Melanie Santiago-Mosier

“We are rebuilding the way that we do energy in this country, in the world. We are also simultaneously rebuilding the way we do work and the way we do business and doing that from a more equitable perspective, from a more justice-oriented perspective.”
– Amy Simpkins

“Centering communities doesn’t mean coming and giving handouts to communities. Centering communities means being in a listening posture first and foremost.”
– Melanie Santiago-Mosier

“Environmental racism is a real thing.”
– Melanie Santiago-Mosier

Resources
Melanie recommends that you check out Vote Solar to find out how you can get involved in creating inclusive and expansive renewable energy policies.

Check out the Initiative for Energy Justice for more information on important energy equity and energy justice principles. And you'll also want to spend some time with the Jemez Principles, which according to Melanie are "foundational for climate justice work!"

Also mentioned: Emergent Strategy by adrienne marie brown
Thank you for listening. See you at the whiteboard!