I spearheaded climate change research for Rep. Melanie Stansbury, who then used my insights to steer climate policy in the state of New Mexico.

Highlights

• Quickly learned the landscape of climate change education, carbon footprint mitigation, and energy grid modernization by conducting extensive literature reviews in order to identify best sustainability practices that could be undertaken in New Mexico

• Led weekly stakeholder meetings to discuss research findings and offer policy-related recommendations

• Enjoyed the impact of helping with legislation that would have a positive impact on my state and set a precedent for the entire country

Challenges

• Navigating the intracacies of policy support - simple adjustments in legislation could result in sizable changes in support or oppositions

• Factoring in cost in my recommendations, as technologies and education-related costs can vary drastically from context to context

• Traversing logistical, environmental, technological, or other issues specific to implementing sustainable practices in New Mexico

Success Stories

• Enjoyed engaging with high-level stakeholders by preparing meeting materials and agendas

• Created sustainability abatement cost curve to understand the best carbon-cutting measures for New Mexico

• HB 233 was passed and signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

Time spent at the New Mexico House of Representatives: July 2019 - October 2019

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico