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 and has been applied by members of U.S. Congress in discussions of the 100% Clean Economy Act, the Great American Outdoors Act, the Moving Forward Act, and in hearings of the House Agriculture and Energy and Commerce Committees.

At HBRF, we do not advocate for specific policy outcomes, and our approach to science-policy outreach is non-partisan and equal-opportunity.

U.S. Congresswoman Ann Kuster surrounded by Hubbard Brook scientists and professionals during a science briefing in 2019.

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, a virtual public event that brought 21 environmental students into conversation with members of the Biden/Harris administration, U.S. Congress, scientists, corporate sustainability leaders, and environmental justice and energy equity champions.

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.

Senator Amy Klobuchar responds to questions at the 2020 NH Youth Climate and Clean Energy Town Hall. Photo by Robert C Strong II, courtesy Tuck School of Business.

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 and the Secretary's Advisor on Equity

“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. We will hear from the 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

The 2024 Forum on Bi-Partisan Environmental Policy builds on the hosts’ record of success. Previous public events include the 2020 NH Youth Climate and Clean Energy Town Hall for U.S. Presidential Candidates (in person); the 2021 Climate and Clean Energy Youth Forum (virtual), the Road to COP26 (virtual), the Youth Forum on Climate-Smart Infrastructure (virtual), and the 2024 Youth Forum on Climate Action and Clean Energy (in person).

A recent 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