EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Program/Department Overview

The goal of the EDF Energy Transition Program is to bend the curve on greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas production and use by 2030, while meeting the world’s energy needs cleanly and equitably. We are achieving this through a defined set of objectives targeted at 1) reducing emissions from oil and gas production, delivery, and use, and 2) reducing demand for oil and gas in power generation, transportation, buildings, and industry. To achieve our goal, we seek reforms in law, regulation, and/or business practice through a set of strategic corporate partnerships, direct engagement with policymakers, and mobilizing investor and public sentiment in favor of change. In achieving our objectives, we facilitate cutting-edge science, technical innovation, and rigorous economic and financial analysis to develop durable solutions. EDF’s Carbon Management work focuses on carbon capture, transportation, and storage guardrails and best practices to ensure that, where needed to decarbonize systems that continue to rely on fossil feedstocks, these technologies are deployed appropriately and safely.

Overall Function

The Jim Tripp Emerging Issues Legal Internship is named after former EDF staff, Jim Tripp. Throughout his tenure, Jim prepared briefs in the Supreme Court, fought to protect the Mississippi River, and has shared his expertise internationally. This internship is created to attract some of those best and brightest to EDF, and continue Jim’s legacy.

The Jim Tripp Emerging Issues Legal Intern will gain hands-on experience conducting legal research, synthesizing interdisciplinary perspectives, and contributing original analysis to real-world advocacy efforts at the intersection of energy, environmental, and administrative law. They will provide legal research and policy analysis in support of EDF’s advocacy regarding the deployment and oversight of ‘low-carbon’ products and power with a discrete focus on Texas. Under the direction of the Senior Director & Senior Attorney, Energy Transition and in collaboration with the State Director, Texas and other key EDF experts, the Legal Intern will develop substantive legal and policy work products that inform EDF’s advocacy strategy. By the conclusion of the internship, the Legal Intern will have produced one or more Texas-focused legal and policy analyses that support EDF’s ongoing advocacy and engagement with policymakers and stakeholders with a key eye on low-carbon value chain considerations.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

Conduct legal, policy, and factual research on emerging Energy Attribute Certification programs, incentive structures, and regulatory frameworks relevant to low-carbon applications, including natural gas power with carbon capture and storage.
Analyze Texas-specific statutes, regulations, and market structures relevant to natural gas value chain and low-carbon power.
Collection, review, and synthesis of EDF expert research, materials, and positions on issues related to low-carbon value chains reliant on natural gas
Track and summarize relevant legal and policy developments including new legislation, announcements, and publications for circulation and
Synthesize and translate legal research into sound recommendations, durable resources, and easy-to-access references.
Collaborate with EDF attorneys, policy experts, scientists, and economists in refining and adapting research objectives and deliverables to produce fit-for-purpose outcomes.
Provide support to the team by attending relevant hearings, meetings, multi-stakeholder events, workshops, etc. and present summary findings and notes to the team.
Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in an ABA-approved law school.
Coursework or experience in energy, environmental law, climate law and/or policy.
Coursework in environmental and administrative law recommended.
Demonstrated experience in administrative/regulatory research, including experience conducting legal research and analysis and translating complex ideas for policy-making contexts.
Experience in oil and gas, or utility is a plus.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Location

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, Washington, D.C or U.S. Remote, with a strong preference for the intern to be based in Austin, TX to attend hearings or other events. Intern supervisor is in Austin, TX.

Term

Summer 2026, 10 weeks

Hours

Full-time (35 hr/week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $28.57/hr.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application, together with a writing sample and an unofficial law school transcript.

Environmental Defense Fund

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Jim Tripp Emerging Issues Legal Intern