Policy Briefings
At the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation (HBRF), we believe that fact-based debates and decisions about the environment flow from non-partisan dialogue between citizens and scientists. From the increasing severity of extreme weather events to shrinking winter snowpack, the consequences of climate change are evident across New England and around the world. Effective communication has never been more urgent.
HBRF conducts policy-relevant briefings and prepares fact sheets and bulletins to share emerging science with environmental decision-makers across the political spectrum. Hubbard Brook science can be a resource for informing environmental policy.
At HBRF, we do not advocate for specific policy outcomes, and our approach to science-policy outreach is non-partisan.
From Hubbard Brook to Capitol Hill
“We can’t say enough how useful it is to have quantitative evidence from our very district to point to the effects of climate change, so thanks to you and your researchers for the incredible work you do.” Charlotte Harris, Constituent Service & Outreach Coordinator for U.S. Congresswoman Ann Kuster
Youth Climate Forums
On February 5, 2020 in Concord, NH, HBRF co-hosted the NH Youth Climate and Clean Energy Town Hall. The event brought six presidential candidates together on-stage with 20 climate and clean energy students from across the state. The event was attended by: 500+ in-person audience participants; 952 unique viewers via the live streaming link; and 72 media representatives from 40 regional, national, and international outlets including ABC News, The Associated Press, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, CNN, Fox News, L.A. Times, The New York Times, NHPR, Politico, Reuters, TIME, and The Washington Post.
On March 8, 2021, HBRF co-hosted the Youth Climate and Clean Energy Forum.
On October 18, 2021, HBRF co-hosted the Road to COP26, a virtual public event that featured 32 youth participants in conversation with leaders in climate science, corporate sustainability, finance, international diplomacy, and environmental policy. The event garnered a live online audience of 200+ on the eve of the COP26 in Glasgow.
Partners
Our partners in these high-profile events include the League of Conservation Voters, the Revers Center for Energy at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, ReVision Energy, Stonyfield Organic, Sustainable Futures Consulting, and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Together, we elevate the climate and clean energy conversation and provide platforms for young scientists to share their knowledge, concerns, and hopes for the future.
Participant Quotes
“These are literally the best questions I’ve ever had at a forum.”
Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator, Minnesota
“Today was the greatest and most immersive experiential learning opportunity I have had in my life.”
Kevin Yuan, Student Panelist, Dartmouth College
“The youth of the world will save us.”
Shalanda Baker, U.S. Department of Energy, Deputy Director for Energy Justice
“This experience encouraged me to reach out to experts and decision-makers because my ideas were heard and valued.”
Bea Burack, High School Student Panelist
2024 Virtual Forum on Bi-Partisan Environmental Policy
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 we convened the champions of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments to hear how and why they worked so effectively to achieve bi-partisan support for air and water quality.
Watch video of the event.
Hosted By The Emerging Climate Leaders’ Collaborative
The Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, the League of Conservation Voters, the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth College, and Sustainable Futures Consulting will host a multi-part public panel discussion featuring bi-partisan environmental decision-makers of the past, present, and future. Scientists, lawmakers, and advocacy leaders who championed the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and young environmental activists with a shared vision for a sustainable future.
Welcome and Introductory Remarks
- Anthea Lavallee, Executive Director of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation
- Geoff Parker, Interim Faculty Director, the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth
Reflections and Insights from Champions of the Clean Air Act Amendments
- Message from George Mitchell, U.S. Senate Majority Leader (D-ME) 1989 – 1995
- Max Baucus, U.S. Senator (D-MT) and original sponsor of the CAAA, 1978 – 2014
- Michael Kranish, The Washington Post, political investigative reporter, covered the CAAA for The Globe in 1990
- Dr. Gene E. Likens, co-discovered acid rain in North America at Hubbard Brook, NH
- Roger Porter, Assistant to President George H.W. Bush, Economic and Domestic Policy, 1989 – 1993
- Moderator: Chelsea Henderson, author of Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics
Youth Panel Introductory Remarks
- Sue Kaplan, Sustainable Futures Consulting
Youth Environmental Action
- Dayna De La Cruz, Wellesley, B.A. Biological Sciences, 2021 and HBRF Young Voices of Science and Community Relations Specialist
- Georgianna Fischer, University of NH, B.S. 2024, Environmental Sciences, from Montana
- Eric Lyons, University of Montana, Ph.D. Student, Biological Sciences
- Isaiah Menning, American Conservation Coalition, Dartmouth, B.S. 2024, Biology Environmental Studies
- Carlos Vargas, University of Georgia, M.S. Student, Ecology
- Moderator: Bea Burack, Dartmouth, B.A. 2025, History
Closing Remarks and Thanks
- Rob Werner, NH State Director, League of Conservation Voters.
A Washington Post story, featuring our latest convening, was the inspiration for the current event.
For information, contact:
Anthea Lavallee, Executive Director, Hubbard Brook Research Foundation
Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director, League of Conservation Voters
Susan Kaplan, Founder and Senior Consultant, Sustainability Futures Consulting