Andrew Valainis joined RAP in 2023, contributing his specialization in renewable energy and energy conservation policy, regulation and education. He supports the U.S. team’s work to formulate solutions to energy, environmental and economic challenges.
Before joining RAP, Valainis worked as a subject matter expert in Missoula County's (Montana) climate action planning office where he was responsible for energy policy and regulatory analysis; climate action planning and carbon accounting; and distributed energy development. Before his work with the county Andrew served as the executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association. While at MREA, he actively engaged in three sessions of the Montana Legislature and participated in numerous proceedings before the Montana Public Service Commission addressing distributed generation interconnection, rate design and other topics. Andrew Valainis also completed two terms with the AmeriCorps EnergyCorps program designing and implementing community-based energy efficiency and conservation programs.
Andrew Valainis holds a master’s degree in energy regulation and law from Vermont Law School and graduated from the University of Rhode Island’s International Engineering Program with bachelor’s degrees in ocean engineering and Spanish.
How Andrew Valainis is Energizing Change
![Solar panels and two white wind turbines against blue sky](https://www.raponline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cover-wind-solar-credit-kurmyshov-iStock-599972648.jpeg)
Laws in Order: An Inventory of State Renewable Energy Siting Policies
Increasing the availability of renewable energy is key to reducing harmful carbon pollution. But before building a… Read More +
![Heat pump outdoor units in a snowy yard](https://www.raponline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cold-climate-heat-pumps-ground-truthing-680x420.jpg)
What’s the Buzz? Ground-Truthing Cold-Climate Heat Pump Performance
I live in Missoula, Montana, a small college town tucked into the Rocky Mountains. We’re known for… Read More +