The Ongoing Push for U.S. Climate Legislation Brooks Barron

Internship Background Organization: Environmental Defense Fund National Climate Campaign (Washington, D.C.) Mission: To advocate for the passage of clean energy and climate legislation in the U.S. Congress.

Project 1: Highlighting Green Business Business profiles for distribution to field offices, Senators – Positive impact on local communities – Potential for economic growth, jobs Op-Eds supporting climate legislation – Environment, security, economy + jobs

Project 2: Researching Draft Legislation All bills related to clean energy and climate (111 th Congress) Produced summaries, info about the bill’s supporters and status

Project 3: Observing Members of Congress Attended Senate and House Hearings on environmental legislation – Clean energy, climate, resources, oil spill response – Reported on statements made by MOCs that were relevant to EDF strategy and announcements

Skills Developed Interview/personality skills Writing policy arguments Reading/researching legislative text Understanding political motives + strategy

Conclusion/Summary Learning about U.S. political policies and the “inner workings” of Capitol Hill Observing “on-the-fly” lobbying + NGO strategy Frustration and intrigue with the lack of U.S. action Commitment to future study, to helping the U.S. take the lead in clean energy + climate