Skip to main content
John Carlson
CATF Expert

John Carlson

Senior Northeast Regional Policy Manager

About

John Carlson is CATF’s Senior Northeast Regional Policy Manager on the U.S. State Policy team. John works across all CATF programs to advocate for pragmatic economy-wide decarbonization policies that are needed to reach net-zero emissions at the state level across the U.S. Northeast in a way that is equitable and builds resilient communities.

Prior to his work with CATF, John worked for Ceres utilizing the unique perspective and resources of the business community to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation policies in states throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. In that role he supported the design, adoption and implementation of regional transportation policies, the development of the offshore wind industry, advancements in energy efficiency and building decarbonization, passage of environmental justice provisions, and design of carbon trading programs.

Earlier in his career, John worked on environmental trade policies at Oceana and as a Fellow in Sen. Ron Wyden’s office; on urban transportation issues as the co-founder of Buca Boot, a manufacturer of urban biking accessories; and on the governance committee of The Livable Streets Alliance and East Somerville Main Streets. In 2016, he co-founded a PAC to fund first-time state legislative candidates committed to ending gerrymandering. In 2012 he served as Deputy Voter Protection Director for President Obama’s 2012 campaign in Wisconsin.

John holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. John loves a long hike with his dog and two sons but is always happiest on the water, whether that’s Lake Michigan, the Chesapeake, or Boston Harbor.