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
(111th 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
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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