Michael Hernandez

Michael Hernandez is the Director, New York Policy at Rewiring America, where he leads their efforts to influence state policy initiatives to accelerate the policy transition to demand-side electrification as the most tangible and common sense strategy for addressing the climate crisis.  Michael led Rewiring America’s successful efforts to enact the All Electric Building Act in New York, which became the first state to electrify newly constructed buildings.

As the Assistant Secretary for Program and Policy at the New York State Assembly, Michael was a lead negotiator for the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and was responsible for facilitating the legislative process for the Energy, Environmental Conservation, Transportation and Corporations legislative committees. Michael was also a lead negotiator for the laws enacting Congestion Pricing in Manhattan and the creation of the Gateway Commission.

Michael was the Director of Intergovernmental Relations at the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) where he facilitated the coordination of New York State’s Capital program by resolving any delays and/or inefficiencies between governmental entities in the financing and construction of the State’s infrastructure. Prior to working at the Assembly, Michael was a practicing attorney in New York City and advocate for the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG). Michael was awarded Common Cause’s I Love an Ethical New York honor in 2003 for his actions to ensure transparency at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Michael grew up bi-coastal spending time in New York City and Los Angeles and enjoys hiking, biking and birding.