About Western Resource Advocates
Company Overview
Western Resource Advocates
HeadquartersBoulder, CO, United States
Founded1989
SizeApproximately 100 employees ranged from 51–200 in recent years and revenue of $10.8 million in 2024 (source: influencewatch.org)
What They Do
Western Resource Advocates (WRA) is a Boulder-based nonprofit that employs law, science, economics, and policy advocacy to combat climate change across the Interior West (source: westernresourceadvocates.org). Their work is focused on shaping state policy, utility regulation, and conservation outcomes related to clean energy, air quality, water, land, and wildlife rather than developing energy assets or utilities (source: westernresourceadvocates.org). WRA operates across seven western states—Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana—through three main program areas: Clean Energy, Healthy Rivers, and Western Lands (source: jetsetoffset.com). Their clean energy initiatives focus on policies that reduce the environmental impact of electricity production and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy, while their rivers and lands programs address water supply, air quality, wildlife, and land protection (source: westernresourceadvocates.org). WRA’s distinctive approach combines legal strategy, scientific analysis, economics, and government affairs to influence state utility commissions and legislatures, emphasizing technical advocacy over physical infrastructure (source: westernresourceadvocates.org).
Projects & Track Record
Western Resource Advocates’ impact is measured through policy victories, regulatory interventions, and advocacy campaigns rather than physical projects or installed capacity (source: westernresourceadvocates.org). The organization strategically engages where decisions are made—state legislatures, agencies, commissions, and utilities—and maintains leadership roles such as Vice President of Campaigns & Political Strategy and government affairs directors across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah (source: westernresourceadvocates.org). Their work spans seven western states and targets the largest sources of carbon pollution, air quality, rivers and water supply, and western landscapes (source: westernresourceadvocates.org). InfluenceWatch credits WRA with contributing to the planned closure of several coal plants in the region and active participation in public utility commission proceedings and legislative processes (source: influencewatch.org).
Recent Developments
In 2026, Western Resource Advocates initiated a leadership search for a new President, signaling a significant organizational transition or growth phase (source: linkedin.com). The organization actively recruited for a Clean Energy Policy Advisor position in Arizona with a salary range of $78,761 to $123,625, highlighting ongoing expansion in state-level advocacy programs (source: ziprecruiter.com). Additionally, a New Mexico Policy or Senior Energy Policy Advisor role was advertised with similar compensation and a detailed benefits package, reflecting WRA’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals (source: lodestar.asu.edu). Their careers page was updated in February 2026 to describe a generous benefits package for full-time employees, underscoring the organization’s investment in staff well-being (source: westernresourceadvocates.org).
Working There
Western Resource Advocates hires professionals in policy, legal, development, government affairs, and campaign roles, including positions such as Clean Energy Policy Advisor, Attorney or Senior Attorney, Legal Assistant, Development Director, Associate Director of Donor Relations, and state government affairs staff (source: indeed.com). In 2026, open roles were available in Boulder, Phoenix, Santa Fe, Carson City, and other locations, with options for remote or hybrid work across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah (source: ziprecruiter.com). The organization offers a generous benefits package for full-time employees, including 401(k) matching up to 5%, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance with premiums fully paid by WRA (source: lodestar.asu.edu). WRA is recognized as a mission-driven environmental nonprofit with a collaborative, policy-oriented work culture (source: jobs.ama.org).
Not seeing the right role? Join our talent pool