Chris Castro is a University of Central Florida graduate who currently works as a chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tonight, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) will be joined by Chris Castro, University of Central Florida graduate and Chief of Staff for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy, as his guest to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address to Congress.

Chris Castro is the Chief of Staff for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy. In his new role, Castro works with local governments to implement the clean energy provisions of the landmark Inflation Reduction Act. Before being chosen by the Biden Administration for this pivotal role, Castro served as the senior advisor to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and director of sustainability and resilience for the City of Orlando. A second-generation Cuban American and University of Central Florida graduate, Castro became well-known for his entrepreneurial efforts in the environmental sector. He has contributed to companies such as Central-Florida-based global sustainability nonprofit, IDEAS For Us, a renowned urban farming social enterprise, Fleet Farming, and clean-energy firm Citizen Energy. Castro’s passion lies in finding practical solutions to the great environmental challenges our world faces at a community level. His work in Central Florida has propelled the City of Orlando to be named one of the greenest cities in America.

The State of the Union Address will highlight achievements that House Democrats and President Biden have delivered over the past two years, including the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Honoring our PACT Act, and more.

    “Thanks to House Democrats and President Joe Biden, our country has made tremendous progress over the past two years. We made it past the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and delivered long-overdue investments to boost our infrastructure, lower health care costs, tackle the climate crisis, prevent gun violence in our communities, and much more,” said Congressman Soto. “I’m proud to bring Chris Castro as my guest tonight because his journey from University of Central Florida student to chief of staff at the Department of Energy inspires us all. Together, we’re working to implement the clean energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act in Central Florida and make life better for current and future generations.”

    “I am honored to join Congressman Soto as his guest for the State of the Union during a pivotal time for environmental policy in our country. Last year, the Inflation Reduction Act passed with Congressman Soto’s support, and we are already seeing its benefits,” said Chris Castro. “As a father of two, I want to create a cleaner future for my children. As a sustainability professional, I get to work toward that goal alongside people like Congressman Soto.”