Counsel, Regulatory Policy for GE

Affiliation and years of experience in energy and/or environment:

I was first exposed to energy and environment issues five years ago while still a recent law graduate on Capitol Hill, but started working on these issues in earnest when I joined GE four years ago. GE provides technology and services across practically the entire breadth of the energy sector, and the company deals with environmental issues through its business and as a manufacturer.

Any particular achievement/interest in energy/environment you would like to mention?

I’m proud of the work we have done with regard to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Not only is this policy area evolving in real time, but addressing climate challenges requires blue sky thinking and a desire to innovate. This means working with stakeholders in the energy sector and governments to identify practical and economical steps we can take today. I am impressed by the degree of policy entrepreneurship I have seen in this space, and I’m grateful to work on these issues at this particular moment in time.

In your opinion, what are important economic/policy issues facing the energy industry nowadays?

In the U.S., energy and environmental policy are highly intertwined. The energy industry will face major regulatory challenges as governments here and abroad try to tackle the big environmental issues of the day. Here, I think we have placed an emphasis on climate issues and the extraction/use of fossil fuels. Other countries may just now be dealing with some of the issues we first faced as early as the 1950s. For countries like China and India we see real tension between economic growth and raised standard of living versus the impacts of what we’d consider to be basic environmental problems like addressing “criteria” air pollutants. Underneath each country’s unique circumstances is the fundamental question of what energy means to our lives and livelihoods.

How long have you been a member of NCAC? Any particular NCAC memory you would like to share with us?

I have been a member for about a year and a half, and (like others) have found the events and speakers to be interesting and thoughtful. I’m looking forward to getting to know the group much more in the coming year.