By: Tom White
Pulitzer-nominated author Ronald Stein, P.E., is a multi-faceted voice in the engineering and energy sectors, widely recognized for his thought leadership and advocacy work. Ronald has carved out a unique role at the intersection as an internationally published columnist, policy advisor, and founder of PTS Advance. His career spans over six decades, from his early days as a project manager with an engineering firm to establishing a successful company that continues to bring much-needed talent to industries shaping the nation’s infrastructure. Listed in Marquis Who’s Who for 2024, Ronald’s expertise has made him a sought-after speaker and commentator on national television. He is known for his ability to distill complex issues into accessible discussions that invite public engagement.
Ronald’s journey began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied electrical engineering at California State University, Northridge. His early career included project management roles, such as overseeing the construction of an iconic amusement ride in Florida. His career saw a shift in 1995 when he founded PTS Staffing, which later evolved into PTS Advance, a company specializing in staffing services for America’s energy infrastructure. Today, under the management of his sons, PTS Advance has become a significant player in staffing for oil, gas, chemicals, and renewable energy sectors to become the largest provider of technical talent for the U.S. energy industry.
With PTS Advance, Ronald wanted to do more than just fill in positions; his main aim was to understand his client’s changing needs and requirements and make valuable contributions. He states, “My main goal through this company was to advance people through business and business through people.”
While Ronald has built a thriving business, his true passion is educating the public. His columns and public appearances often underscore the key differences between renewable energy and fossil fuels. His work as a columnist and author has furthered his mission to promote energy literacy. His op-eds on America Out Loud News and appearances on national TV platforms, including segments with Rick Amato, dissect complex topics into accessible discussions for the general public. He is also a policy advisor on energy literacy to organizations like The CO2 Coalition, The Heartland Institute, and The Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT).
Through books such as Clean Energy Exploitations, Just GREEN Electricity, and Energy Made Easy, Ronald Stein hopes that readers will consider the ethical implications of clean energy. In “Clean” Energy Exploitations, a 2021 Pulitzer Prize-nominated work, this co-author draws attention to the environmental and social costs often ignored in discussions about green energy, including the harsh conditions and resource extraction necessary to produce materials for renewable technologies. Ronald’s perspective isn’t aimed at discrediting renewables but rather at providing a balanced view. “The world could benefit from ethical energy policies that acknowledge the realities of both renewables and fossil fuels,” he asserts.
Ronald seeks to spark informed conversations with every article, book, and public appearance. His weekly op-eds, usually capped at around 1,200 words, are crafted to engage readers on the fundamental, often overlooked facts of energy production and policy impacts. He shares insights on how renewable energy, while crucial for diversifying electricity sources, cannot replace the broad applications of fossil fuels in modern infrastructure.
Ronald even presents facts. “We have had many years to develop alternatives, yet nothing has replaced crude oil’s role in providing the material basis for nearly everything we rely on today,” he explains. He further emphasizes that crude oil, which is rarely used to generate electricity, actually produces over six thousand products, whether medical devices, telecommunications equipment, or even transportation fuels that power jets, ships, and vehicles.
His role extends to addressing the misperceptions held by policymakers. “Policy decisions affect everything, from homelessness to hunger and economic security,” he explains, pointing to the ripple effects of uninformed decisions on vulnerable communities. A study suggests that about 1.6 billion humans live in ‘inadequate, crowded and unsafe housing.’ More importantly, more than 740 million people around the world do not have access to electricity.
Furthermore, even though strides have been made, California still derives half of its total energy from crude oil, out of which over 60% is imported from foreign sources. Ronald, who has lived most of his life in this state, hopes that through his optimistic work in energy literacy, he will be able to help bridge the gap between idealism and realism, ultimately leading to more balanced and effective policies for both the U.S. and the underserved countries worldwide. He said, “It only takes leadership and power of speech to spark change.”
For Ronald Stein, energy literacy is not just some professional commitment; it’s a true passion. He continues to encourage open conversations, engage with public concerns, and challenge assumptions, aiming to foster a future where essential conversations and actionable solutions go together and where created policies are grounded in both science and empathy.
Published by: Holy Minoza
