The Current Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 38

PARTNER PROFILE

Reed Addis

Principal, EEC

California Environmental and Energy Consulting (“EEC”) works with non-profit organizations and other natural resource groups to support their policy and advocacy agendas in California and Washington D.C. We have partnered with CalTrout since our formation and have enjoyed a great working relationship.

Working with CalTrout offers a unique opportunity to engage with water conservation, fisheries, and agency folks in addition to fostering relationships with members of the legislature. Our work with the organization includes making connections with legislators in all of CalTrout’s regions, influencing legislation and budget plays that affect CalTrout’s mission, and generally working with CalTrout to ensure that the organizations legislative priorities are being addressed each year.

As we look back at a packed legislative cycle in 2017, you can be sure of one thing about the policy and political landscape; it certainly hasn’t been boring! January saw the inauguration of a new President, and with him, new appointments and policy and budget proposals. There have been a series of high level appointees in the natural resources and water agencies, such as the lifelong hunter/fisherman Secretary Ryan Zinke. However, as of October 1st, 10 of the 17 highest level appointments at the Interior Department still need to be filled, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service Director. The President’s proposed budgets would significantly impact natural resources priority investments. And certain policy proposals related to the Endangered Species Act and Waters of the United States could undermine progress we’ve made in past years.