U.S. Climate Policy Intern
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
Company Overview
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)
Arlington, Virginia, United States
1998
Approximately 50 employees and revenue of $15.3 million in FY 2024 (source: c2es.org).
What They Do
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, primarily functioning as a policy think tank rather than a renewable energy company. Its focus lies in advancing climate and energy solutions through rigorous research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement (source: wikipedia.org). C2ES does not engage in the development or deployment of technologies such as solar, wind, or energy storage; instead, it emphasizes policy analysis, economic modeling, and advocacy to promote market-based strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating clean energy transitions (source: c2es.org). The organization produces a variety of reports, white papers, and briefs that address climate science, economics, and policy, while also actively lobbying policymakers at various levels, including facilitating U.N. climate talks and supporting the Paris Agreement (source: wikipedia.org). C2ES serves a diverse range of target markets, including U.S. policymakers, businesses, and international negotiators, and is recognized as a top-ranked environmental think tank globally.
Projects & Track Record
While C2ES does not execute commercial projects with specific capacities or costs, it has significantly influenced policy outcomes through various convenings and dialogues. Notable initiatives include the 2005 Pocantico Climate Dialogue, which informed U.N. agreements, and its support for California's 2006 cap-and-trade program (source: c2es.org). The organization also played a pivotal role in the 2014 Toward 2015 dialogue that helped blueprint the Paris Agreement, as well as the 2019 Climate Innovation 2050 report, which outlined pathways for decarbonizing the U.S. (source: c2es.org). Ongoing efforts include initiatives like the Regional Clean Economies initiative and the Renewable Thermal Collaborative, which focus on clean heat markets and climate resilience (source: c2es.org). C2ES collaborates with key partners such as Entergy, HP, and the U.S. Department of State, further solidifying its role in shaping climate policy.
Recent Developments
In 2023, C2ES celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone since its founding as the Pew Center on Global Climate Change in 1998 (source: c2es.org). The organization published "Reaching for 2030: Climate and Energy Policy Priorities," which outlines legislative recommendations leveraging investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (source: c2es.org). C2ES's FY2024 audit revealed revenue concentration risks, with a significant portion of its funding coming from a limited number of donors, highlighting the challenges faced by nonprofits in diversifying their funding sources (source: c2es.org). Nathaniel Keohane has been leading the organization as president since July 2021, with a focus on maintaining its influence in climate policy discussions.
Working There
C2ES offers a range of roles primarily in policy analysis, research, communications, and program management, with departments focusing on domestic and international policy initiatives (source: c2es.org). The organization is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and hiring occurs at this location, reflecting its commitment to a centralized operational model (source: linkedin.com). C2ES promotes a culture of nonpartisan collaboration, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to foster dialogue and develop pragmatic solutions to climate challenges (source: c2es.org). Employee benefits include a 457(b) deferred compensation plan, allowing staff to defer compensation, alongside documented expenses for employee benefits and payroll taxes, emphasizing the organization's commitment to its workforce.
Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue
C2ES seeks a highly qualified and committed individual to fill the positions of U.S. Climate Policy Intern to deepen their knowledge of city, state, and/or federal climate and energy policy through on-the-job skill development and training. This internship provides the ideal candidate an opportunity to work on assessing the policy landscape and growing stakeholder engagement efforts at C2ES. This intern will report to the U.S. Policy Fellow.
Major responsibilities
- Monitor, track, and report on U.S. domestic climate policy developments including both administrative and legislative actions;
- Research and analyze state and federal policies and other policies as needed;
- Develop and contribute to written material, including blog posts, other topical web content, and policy briefs, with a goal of having specific deliverables authored by the intern;
- Attend and inform the Policy and Outreach team about relevant events in Washington by other think tanks, advocacy groups, Congress and federal agencies;
- Help support stakeholder engagement with Members of Congress, high-level representatives in federal agencies, and respective staff;
- Help support briefings with C2ES business partners on U.S. climate policy developments.
Desired Qualifications
- Enrolled in, or completed a bachelor's degree or higher (with a preference given to graduate students) in one of the following fields: government, economics, environmental or energy policy, political science, or other related subject;
- Strong interpersonal communication skills and interest in stakeholder engagement;
- Interdisciplinary understanding of climate change (technology, politics, economics, etc.);
- Interest and willingness to learn about Capitol Hill, the Administration, and non-governmental stakeholders;
- Top-notch writing, editing, research, and analytic skills;
- Ability to sort through dense and complicated information quickly;
- Strong attention to detail;
- Willingness to learn and to pitch in at all levels.
Internship type
- Preferences will be given to local applicants. Internship can be local at our office: 1400 K Street NW. Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005. Or remote from the following States: CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, OH, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NY, PA, TX, UT, VA, and WA
- Full-time internship up to 37.5 hours per week (following C2ES HQ office hours) during Summer 2026 (May 2026 - August 2026 with a flexible end date). Part-time can also be considered.
- Hourly wage $20 per hour.
- Transportation stipend for interns working from the C2ES Office.
To apply, please upload a cover letter, transcripts, resume, and writing sample to our website.
We also are fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We believe we will only be effective in developing and advocating for climate solutions if we have a diverse range of voices and perspectives represented within C2ES, in our work, and among our partners. C2ES is committed to creating and growing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and among the stakeholders we collaborate with and convene. By fostering this culture, we can enhance our work and amplify our impact. We encourage individuals of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual identities, and abilities to apply for this position. For more on C2ES's DEIJ policy, visit: https://www.c2es.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice
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Apply now
Job expired?Please let Center for Climate and Energy Solutions know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
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About the role
April 4, 2026
Internship
Non-profit
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
- Washington, D.C., United States
Internship level, preferably graduate students
UTC-05:00