Terri Schroeder interned with the Environmental Law and Policy Center.

Summary:

I spent my summer at ELPC working on several projects including performing environmental audits for local restaurants and planning a GreenTech conference for high-growth green businesses in Chicago.  Additionally, I analyzed many transportation and clean energy projects including high speed rail and clean car technologies.

In addition to the great work experience, I really appreciated the caliber of mentors and advisors that I found at ELPC, with whom Ií¢â‚¬â„¢ve been able to create lasting ties.

Overview:

The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is the Midwest's leading public interest environmental advocacy organization working to achieve cleaner energy resources and implement sustainable energy strategies, promote innovative and efficient transportation and land use approaches that produce cleaner air and more jobs, and develop sound environmental management practices that conserve natural resources and improve the quality of life in our communities. One of ELPCí¢â‚¬â„¢s premises is that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together.

ELPCí¢â‚¬â„¢s multidisciplinary staff of public interest attorneys, M.B.A. financial analysts, public policy advocates and communications specialists bring a strong and effective combination of skills to solve environmental problems. We are "public interest environmental entrepreneurs," identifying opportunities to improve environmental quality in the Midwest and then working actively to develop and achieve the potential benefits.

I worked primarily with the MBAs on staff at ELPC, and my projects had 3 main clusters: transportation, clean energy, and greening restaurants.

For the transportation department, I performed detailed analyses of the new and purposed short-haul rail routes in Illinois.  This included the effects of rail on fuel usage, potential decreases in CO2í‚ ¬, and capacity.  Additionally, I evaluated Illinoisí¢â‚¬â„¢ auto industry to fully understand the effects of clean car standards on the Illinois economy and environment. 

With regard to clean energy, I analyzed the economic and environmental effects of a new bio-crop called Miscanthus as compared to Switch Grass.  Additionally, I prepared educational materials on wind energy for a wide variety of audiences.

Finally, I also conducted environmental audits on local food services companies to provide them with many options for decreasing thief environmental footprint.  These included a cost-benefit analysis of each suggestion to help the restaurateur prioritize next steps. 

Explanation of how the internship aided you in your professional and personal development:

To advance my career, I was looking for 3 things from my internship:
1. I wanted to work with an organization that has had many environmental successes. 
2. I was looking for reputable managers with expertise in the areas of energy and transportation. 
3. Finally, I wanted to be able gain experience on a wide variety of projects.  ELPC offered all that and more. 

This opportunity met all three goals.  Additionally, the leaders of this organization are exceptional, and provided me with the high-quality mentorship throughout my summer.  

Internship Details