Post by Bella Santos

It's my last day at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)! 🌎 🏞️ 🏜️ Since September, I’ve been working as a Lands Conservation Intern on the Fossil Fuels Team. I’ve supported projects researching health impacts from proximity to oil and gas drilling, conservation of National Wildlife Refuges, and the exploration of permitting reform. I’m grateful to the many professionals I met who helped me learn more about careers in environmental justice, law, and public policy. At the same time, I’ve been taking an incredible Legal Studies Seminar about Environmental Law on campus (LEGALST 190 — I totally recommend it!). Seeing my studies about the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and other legal structures play out in real time during my internship was so fulfilling! This work has given me hope about climate action and defending our planet in these uncertain times. Thank you to my supervisor, Amy Mall, for being the best support system and advocate. Thank you to all who welcomed and mentored me in this space — Zanagee Artis, Michele L. Bustamante, PhD, EIT, Bobby, Dawn, the Fossil Fuel Team, and the community at the SF Office. Our team has been the best! It's been such a dream come true to work at such an iconic organization alongside inspiring environmentalists. Here are some photos from my first and last day in the office. I hope I'll be back one day!😉 📸 👋 #NRDC #NaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil