Jim Tripp Emerging Issues Legal Intern

Program/Department Overview

EDF’s Healthy Communities department is committed to improving the public’s health by dramatically reducing exposures to and health impacts of toxic chemicals and air pollution on communities and individuals that bear the greatest burden of exposure and/or health risk. By advancing scientific insights, policies, and market-based leadership as well as working with diverse partners and collaborators from companies, researchers, and community-based groups to government agencies and elected officials, we seek to make evident inequities in chemical- and pollution-related health impacts, and to develop, support and implement solutions that promote healthy communities and individuals.

Millions of people each year are needlessly exposed to harmful chemicals in their everyday lives. While we rely on chemicals for nearly every aspect of modern life, too many of these substances pollute our air, food, and water and are linked to diseases and disorders like infertility and cancer. People who live or work near chemical facilities are at much greater risk of harm. With the chemical industry expected to double production by 2060, the need to reduce the risks from toxic chemicals has never been more urgent.

The landscape for securing strong, health-protective regulations governing chemical safety is complex and requires steady and consistent action. EDF’s Chemicals, Climate & Health initiative targets key areas of regulation to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, especially for vulnerable individuals who work and live near chemical facilities. EDF helped pass the landmark 2016 Lautenberg Act to strengthen America’s broken chemical safety system under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Today, EPA is issuing numerous final regulations under amended TSCA, and the courts are making decisions that will set major precedent for how chemicals will – or will not – be adequately regulated.

Overall Function

The Jim Tripp Emerging Issues Legal Internship is named after former EDF staff, Jim Tripp. Throughout his tenure, Jim prepared briefs in the Supreme Court, fought to protect the Mississippi River, and has shared his expertise internationally. This internship is created to attract some of those best and brightest to EDF, and continue Jim’s legacy.

The Jim Tripp Emerging Issues Legal Intern will work directly with the lead counsel of EDF’s Healthy Communities team, along with the team’s science and policy experts, to identify and implement solutions to reduce harmful chemical exposure and impacts from the petrochemical industry, with particular emphasis on emerging opportunities to secure health and environment-protective precedent under amended TSCA. This work will include conducting research and analysis, writing reports and regulatory comments, engaging in internal strategic discussions such as litigation opportunities, and meetings with key partners and government officials.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal and factual research and develop reports in support of strategic decision making, including future litigation.
• Evaluate the implications of pending rulemakings and proposed legislation.
• Research and help prepare documents for presentation to federal agencies, such as legal comments in response to proposals for new regulations and administrative petitions under TSCA.
• Conduct a landscaping analysis of federal and state laws to address harm posed by the petrochemical industry.
• Help to develop public-facing documents, such as blog posts, presentations, and reports about legal and policy issues, to influence decision-makers and engage in public education and outreach.
• Help support environmental justice initiatives, particularly supporting EDF’s advocacy for chemical regulation that focuses on communities and individuals who bear the greatest burden of toxic exposures and health risk.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or a recent graduate of an ABA-approved law school and demonstrated interest in environmental law, the intersection of law and science, or the protection of public health and the environment.
• Coursework in environmental and administrative law, public health, or related topics recommended.
• Experience in legal research and analysis, along with excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret legal data and prepare reports of the findings.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of small teams in a dynamic, fast-paced, and creative environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning how to use law for the public interest.
• Well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues.

Location

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Boulder, CO, New York, NY, or Washington D.C., with option to be U.S. Remote. Intern supervisor is in New York City and many team members are in Washington D.C. and other locations.

Term

Summer 2025 (10 weeks)

Hours

Full time (35 hrs/ week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits: a total of $10,000 at an hourly rate of $28.57.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application, together with a writing sample and an unofficial law school transcript.