John Kalish to Lead Aspen’s Inland Empire and Coachella Valley Office

Based on the extensive work that Aspen Environmental Group has done for infrastructure and energy projects in the Inland Empire, Coachella valley, and western desert areas over the last decade, we decided to significantly expand the capabilities in our Inland Empire office. We are extremely excited to announce that we found the ideal individual to assist us in accomplishing this strategic objective.  Aspen is pleased and proud to announce that John Kalish will be leading our efforts to expand our capabilities in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, so that we can provide full services from this office to our clients. John was a leader at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Palm Springs-South Coast Field office for 17 years, where he directed BLM’s review of solar and wind energy generation projects, as well as the expansion of the electric transmission network. As Field Manager for 8 of those years, he oversaw the development of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) as it applied to the Field Office. Prior to the Palm Springs management roles, John held management positions with BLM’s Desert District Office and the Barstow Field Office. He also has extensive experience coordinating with Native American Tribes and local governments.

In 2016, John then went to BLM’s National Office in Washington DC to serve as the Chief of the National Renewable Energy Coordination Office. In this role, he directed all aspects of BLM’s solar, wind, and geothermal initiatives, developing policy and guidance for use in BLM offices.

John has developed expertise with NEPA documentation, federal land use planning and permitting, and consultation and coordination with Native American Tribes. Aspen is now looking forward to using John’s extensive environmental, land use, and permitting experience in our numerous ongoing projects in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley areas. John will add his environmental science expertise to a cadre of very experienced local biologists and cultural resources staff in the Inland Empire office, which have been involved in numerous projects, particularly in renewable energy development and other infrastructure projects.