As an intern in the NRDC Climate Center, Seth's overarching goal was to support the Climate Center's work to defend EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Seth's primary project was researching and writing a report and presentation regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of individual federal policies to reduce GHG emissions.  He conducted a literature review of emissions projections under various policy scenarios for a large range of emissions sectors.  He then consolidated these projections and adjusted them to a common baseline.  He also spoke to staff experts within NRDC to gauge the feasibility of each policy.  Seth presented his results using a series of Excel graphs in PowerPoint at the Climate Center retreat in early July.  He then wrote a report of his findings and methods, incorporating feedback that he had received at the retreat. His work will help NRDC determine the best climate policies for which to advocate and help justify this advocacy to their constituents and supporters.  In addition to this project, Seth participated in a number of smaller tasks in and around the NRDC office.  He attended weekly meetings for the climate and energy team, the climate policy center, the campaigns group, and the political action group.  From these meetings he was assigned discreet tasks such as researching state website information on mercury pollution.  Seth attended a handful of Congressional hearings on relevant bills and reported back to NRDC.  He also participated in a number of workshops and seminars on energy and climate topics around the District. Seth had the chance to collaborate with a range of NRDC staff members during the research, editing, and presentation of his project, and also connected with a number of environmental policy professionals in other organizations in DC.  Through this internship, Seth gained a good sense of how organizations like NRDC conduct environmental advocacy. His exposure to a range of experiences in DC helped him improve his understanding of the federal environmental policy-making process.  His independent work setting, while at times challenging, helped develop his self-initiative and organization.

Internship Details