In the Wild

In the Wild: Peter Rossi with the California Transportation Commission's Active Transport Program

Peter Rossi, a second-year EPM student at UC Davis, shares his experience working with the California Transportation Commission's Active Transportation Program (ATP). He utilized a new Benefit-Cost Tool to quantify the benefits of ATP-funded projects, presenting key findings at the May 2024 Commission meeting to stakeholders including policymakers, local/regional agencies and advocates for increased program funding and promote sustainable, multimodal transportation solutions for Californians.

In the Wild: Saurabh Harohalli with the City of Sacramento

My name is Saurabh Harohalli, and I am part of the EPM Class of 2024. Before coming to EPM, I studied chemical engineering and worked in the manufacturing sector. Through EPM, I am currently shifting my career to focus on the intersection of decarbonization and urban planning.

Renewable Energy, Agriculture and Legal Compatibility: Solar and Williamson Act Contracts

With increasing pressure to meet renewable energy targets in California, ongoing concerns for the future of California’s water supply, and a thriving technology sector within the state, interest in mixing commercial agriculture with renewable energy installations has never been higher. However, until recently, there has been little understanding of how individual counties in California have defined solar installations on commercial, agricultural land under Williamson Act contracts.

Cole Jenson with the California Department of Conservation

I am a second year EPM student with a specialization in Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture. I came to environmental and agricultural work by way of a bachelors in neuroscience and an early career in public health research. This winding path is a result of the critical importance of climate, ecological, and agricultural issues to the health and wellbeing of individuals and our communities. I hope to work in policy and program level work at the intersection of the health of our environment and of our communities, especially in rural places.

Thomas McNairn with Conservation Strategy Group

Thomas is currently working at Conservation Strategy Group (CSG), a lobbying and strategy firm focused on long-term political and funding strategies to help clients reach their environmental goals.