Clean Energy Spotlight: Andrea Marr

This week's #CleanEnergySpotlight is an inspiring woman who shows us the importance of strong government leadership in the transition to clean energy. But first, do you know someone who should be celebrated for their #cleanenergy leadership? Name them in the comments below and they could be featured in our next Clean Energy Spotlight. This week’s spotlight is Andrea Marr, the Vice President responsible for Industrial Energy at Willdan Industrial, and a City Council Member for the City of Costa Mesa, California. Andrea has a long history as a contributor to the clean energy industry. After serving in the military for five years, more than two years of which were spent as a nuclear engineer, Andrea moved to Nicaragua where she installed solar panels and small hydroelectric plants. After six months she returned to the United States to work for an energy efficiency company in Seattle.

Eager to move back to Southern California, Andrea moved to Costa Mesa in 2012 where she has lived ever since. In 2013 she was named a recipient of the White House Champion of Change award in recognition of her work in energy as a veteran. With her military background and experience in the clean energy economy, Andrea has a firm understanding of the benefits of clean energy not only in the face of climate threats but also to mitigate national security crises. In an op-ed for Real Clear Energy, she said, “We need to transition to a clean energy economy, and the crisis in Europe shows that there is no time to wait.

A clean energy economy will enhance our national security, put veterans to work, tackle the climate crisis, and boost our economy.” Furthermore, as a local leader for Costa Mesa, she understands the opportunities that a clean energy economy and federal investments bring to communities. She said, “Laws like the Inflation Reduction Act, will accelerate the growth of clean energy through $369 billion in clean energy investments that will jumpstart manufacturing jobs and help homeowners, businesses, nonprofits and local governments save money.” “Clean energy is the only way we can improve our national security and economic prosperity. We need a clean energy transition. It’s time to take action to create our clean energy future.” Thank you, Andrea, for your dedication to #cleanenergy and congratulations on being this week’s #cleanenergyspotlight.