Sara Noelani Olsen
California Political Affairs, Project Manager
Work
Areas of expertise:
California Climate Policy, Environmental Justice, and Transportation
Description
As the project manager for EDF's California Political Affairs team, Sara coordinates EDF’s political engagement and advocacy work in the state. Sara works to advance progressive climate policies that move California toward a greener, cleaner and more equitable future.
Sara collaborates across EDF's diverse workstreams and identifies opportunities to further the organization's initiatives in California. Her areas of focus include environmental justice, zero-emission transportation, sustainable groundwater and forestry management, renewable energy and a just transition to a clean economy.
Background
Prior to joining EDF, Sara was the Climate Equity Policy Fellow at The Greenlining Institute, focusing on mobility and transportation justice in California. Sara also served as an International Leadership Foundation Civic Fellow at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, & Pacific Islanders under the Biden administration. With her roots in the Bay Area and Hawai'i, Sara is deeply motivated by her commitment to environmental justice and community well-being.
Education
- BS, Societal & Environmental Studies, justice & sustainability concentration, University of California Berkeley
Latest pieces
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California’s second carbon market auction of the year raises revenue at critical time for climate funds
Climate 411, May 30, 2024