Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Advancing renewable energy/efficiency technologies to grow our economy and protect our climate, health and security. Formed by members of Congress to educate and develop innovative solutions. Charity Navigator 4-stars.

How do you help people in my community?

EESI’s participants and partners include state and local government, industry, labor, embassies, nonprofits, academia, the media, and the general public.  Thousands of interested individuals and organizations receive and use our electronic newsletters, policy reports, fact sheets, briefing notices and more.  Our materials are often replicated in others’ newsletters, broadening our reach to thousands more.  All of our materials are available for free on our website.  We post an audio recording of our briefings plus speakers’ presentations so people around the world can access the information.

Some unsolicited comments from just a few of those with whom we work:
• “Your weekly report is the best thing I get and read.”  Edna Sussman, Vice Chair Renewable Energy Resources Committee, American Bar Assoc.
• I've always been impressed with the quality of programs that EESI puts together, and with the universal respect that it receives on Capitol Hill. — Shalom Flank, Ph.D., Chief Technical Officer, Pareto Energy
• Thanks for EESI’s consistent, bi-partisan, informative work in organizing briefings on the most important issues in our field … There are few better ways to get our messages across to federal policy decision-makers… Over the years, EESI has built a unique and respected position, both in the environmental community and in government circles.  --William R. Prindle, Deputy Director, American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy
• “I have been enormously impressed at its effectiveness and the extraordinary leadership provided by EESI.  The coalitions and Congressional briefings that they plan are of the highest caliber because they have developed working relationships with the leading experts in the field.  - Hon. Richard L. Ottinger, former Member of Congress
• One word – OUTSTANDING! – best describes the recent EESI newsletter.  You guys really put out a quality product.”   Ron Buckhalt, President, Alaska Natural Resources to Liquids, LCC
• I've appreciated receiving the periodic emails from EESI. I get lots of emails each day and some I hardly look at, but I always take the time to look through the ESSI emails. There's much good, timely information in them. -Ted Glick, Co-founder, Climate Crisis Coalition
• “These compilations are absolutely invaluable - thank you!” and “Your comments were fabulous! :-) Thanks a lot - and thanks also for the insight into where you think our priorities ought to lie as we work through negotiations.” and “EESI is the most effective group inside the beltway.”  - various staffers for Members of Congress

Why do you need my support?

Your contribution, even a small gift, will make a difference.  Your contribution will provide critical general support, allowing us to put funds to work in areas of greatest need, and allow us to respond quickly to emerging policy developments and issues.  Unlike many national environmental groups, we do not have a “membership” and do not use direct mail.  Our individual supporters learn about us through word of mouth or see the value of our work.  Others find us because of our top, 4-star rating by Charity Navigator or learn of us through Earth Share, a workplace giving federation of which we are a member. 

EESI is credible, creative and successful.  We connect people, information and good ideas.  EESI attracts world-class briefing speakers and provides reliable, timely information.  Congressional offices, Committees and Caucuses listen and seek our advice. Our policy solutions accomplish multiple goals: jobs, public health, security, safety, a stronger economy, a cleaner world.  Our creative policy solutions lead policy staff on and off Capitol Hill to regularly seek our input.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

EESI received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating two consecutive years, meaning we excel at efficiently and effectively managing our finances to ensure that contributions have the greatest impact possible.  In fact, EESI is the only national environmental group based in Washington, DC working on climate change or renewable energy that has received the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator.
EESI distributes almost all of its materials electronically, to save both paper and financial resources.  We utilize interns extensively, to train emerging environmental leaders, provide students with a substantive policy-related work experience, and expand the work we are able to accomplish.  Our overhead in 2007 was less than 13 percent.  As a result, almost all of your contribution will go directly to program services – educating policymakers and the public, building coalitions, and developing innovative policy solutions.  We have a dedicated, hardworking staff of 11 professionals.  People often express amazement at what we accomplish with our small staff. 

We have a distinguished Board of Directors, which includes former Members of Congress, renowned academics, business leaders, attorneys (including a former IRS Commissioner) and other esteemed individuals.  EESI conducts an independent audit each year, which is available upon request.

Can I Volunteer? How?

You can become part of EESI’s network by signing up on our website, www.eesi.org.  We would love to hear from you.
A number of individuals have taken it upon themselves to embark on creative ways to raise awareness and money for EESI and its mission. One man joined a marathon and recruited sponsors from friends and family to benefit EESI; a student organized a benefit concert on our behalf; one woman is baking cookies to sell at a friend’s restaurant for EESI; an artist donated a limited edition t-shirt design and part of the profits from its sale to EESI.  If you have an idea to organize an independent activity on EESI’s behalf, please contact Ruth Lampi at rlampi [at] eesi.org.

Interns are not just college students.  Individuals new to the area, between jobs, considering a career change or newly retired are also possible intern candidates.  We welcome inquiries from people willing and able to make a substantive, skilled and regular contribution of time.  To apply, send a detailed email to Deirdre Nicholson at dnicholson [at] eesi.org explaining your interest and time availability.