He graduated from Colorado State University in 1984 and today lives in Squaw Valley, California where he is the CEO and President of Squaw Valley Ski. After suffering a near fatal sky diving accident he co-founded the Ironman team, ‘Wounded Warrior Support.’ Besides supporting the troops, in particular, the NAVY Seals, he also is a major environmental contributor and activist calling for clean, renewable energy.
Wirth does more than just take a stand, he calls for action from legislators and the elected officials responsible for bringing change to our environmental policies. He applauded the steps taken by the Reno City Council to support the Clean Power Plan. This decision by the City of Reno is one among many in a movement, including many private sector companies to push for cleaner, renewable power. He states that decision like this one, will help ‘[keep] the pressure on our utilities and elected officials.’ Changes to clean energy needs to happen now, not some time in the future.
Companies like Apple, Microsoft and Tesla have made the commitment to support the Clean Power Plan. With this commitment comes high quality jobs to the region of Reno, Nevada. Wirth connects supporting the plan to supporting and growing the region’s economy.
With the technology available such as solar power and geothermal energy, Andy Wirth raises the question, why ‘[are we] still burning coal for electricity at the Valmy coal plant?’ By utilizing such technology companies and cities such as Reno can reduce their carbon foot print and improve the air quality and the quality of life in the region. He asks the elected officials to consider these issues logically and not give in to special interest groups. Changes need to be rapid. He concludes by re-stating how supporting the Clean Power Plan will benefit both the environment and the economy.