Meet Jordan! Transferring from Communication Fellow to Communications Associate, Jordan Gallagher has officially joined the EFI staff. Growing up environmentally woke, Jordan has been in the fight against climate change since elementary school!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Working in an environmental/energy/climate space was the only path for me since before I can remember. I had several family members working in this space and grew up hearing about their work, the challenges facing society, and I was inspired by them and their careers. I’ve had a healthy dose of climate rage as far back as elementary school!
What was your most rewarding experience prior to working at EFI?
I worked in the State of New Jersey’s Office of Clean Energy during grad school in 2019 and 2020. That period of time for the State was pretty similar to the national mood currently; there was this explosion of enthusiasm for and action on climate change, and it was thrilling to have a front row seat and get involved in all sorts of clean energy policy work. I was with them for the State’s first solicitation for offshore wind, which went to Ørsted’s Ocean Wind. I also worked on a policy proposal to implement statutorily mandated reductions in electricity and natural gas usage through efficiency programs, which I got to see approved by the Board of Public Utilities.
What’s the best thing about working at EFI?
The people! It’s so energizing being surrounded by people who are as passionate and driven as they are. They’re all brilliant and humorous and I learn new things from them daily.
What gives you hope for the future?
One of my favorite quotes is “the man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” It’s hard sometimes not to feel overwhelmed, but there are wins and they should be celebrated! Like the U.S. rejoining the Paris Agreement or that this presidential election was the first in which climate action was a winning, cornerstone platform. There are a lot of people paying attention now, and there is a momentum that I don’t think is going away any time soon. On a personal note: this year, even my grandfather (in his 90s) changed his mind about the existence of climate change!
What is your favorite song at the moment?
“Beggin’” by Madcon and “Into Dust” by Mazzy Star.
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