Shaping our nation’s energy future

As Maine explores how it can mitigate global warming, it is benefiting from the expert insights of environmental justice advocate Karen Blakelock ’12.

In her role as a policy advisor in the Maine office of The Nature Conservancy, Blakelock works to boost the state’s investment in clean energy, such as wind and solar, and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that overheat the atmosphere. The mammoth task of decarbonizing an entire state economy at a pace that matches the urgency of the climate crisis is one Blakelock approaches with a spirit of cooperation in her interactions with diverse stakeholders, including legislators, energy companies, other environmental groups and community members.

“I remember being so blown away by this cool little alien being,” she says. “The natural world is just such an important part of who I am.”

Blakelock’s appreciation for nature’s wonders was further nurtured at Miss Porter’s School, where, as a member of the crew team, she spent many hours rowing on the scenic Farmington River. But she says the biggest gift she gained from MPS was self-esteem.

“Lobbying and policy advocacy are all about relationships. It’s a real team effort,” Blakelock says. “In Maine, it feels like most people are coming at it with good intentions, which makes me more excited about the work.”

Blakelock’s excitement about protecting the planet was sparked during a 5th grade field trip to a wildlife center in her hometown of West Hartford, Connecticut. That’s where she had her first encounter with a newt, and her memory of the exotic-looking, red-and-orange creature is still vivid almost 20 years later. “

“Porter’s helped me develop my self-assurance. That is what allows me to be able to talk with elected officials, industry leaders and others with confidence,” she says.

After Porter’s, Blakelock completed a bachelor’s degree in political science and government at St. Lawrence University and then a master’s degree in environmental law and policy at Vermont Law & Graduate School. She then spent five years exploring her interests and talents in jobs such as wilderness trip leader, ski lift operator, sailboat deckhand and English teacher in Vietnam, a period she says was vital to finding her path. Her climate policy work has included roles at the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 25 governors working toward America’s net-zero future.

At The Nature Conservancy, Blakelock’s work encompasses everything from presenting research to government committees to writing op-eds for newspapers to consulting with scientists on climate data. While the progress can be slow going, she is encouraged by the momentum she sees and stays focused on the big picture.

“When it comes to climate action, perfect is the enemy of good,” she says. “Coal use is in decline. Renewables are becoming more prominent. More people are buying electric vehicles. … Federal investment in green technologies is spurring market growth. … There really is change taking place, and that gives me hope.”