John Carlson
Associate State Policy Director, Northeast Region
About
John Carlson is CATF’s Associate State Policy Director for the Northeast, where he leads state-level advocacy to advance clean, reliable, and affordable energy systems. His work focuses on advanced nuclear energy, industrial decarbonization, clean firm power, and state energy planning, with particular emphasis on New York and Pennsylvania. He works closely with policymakers, industry leaders, labor organizations, researchers, and community stakeholders to develop pragmatic energy policies that reduce emissions while strengthening economic competitiveness and energy security.
At CATF, John has helped shape state energy planning efforts, advance policies supporting nuclear deployment, guide industrial decarbonization initiatives, and build broad coalitions to support durable clean energy solutions. Through this work, he has helped establish CATF as a trusted resource for state governments navigating complex energy and climate challenges.
Before joining CATF, John advanced clean energy and climate policy at Ceres and previously worked on environmental policy, transportation, and political reform through roles at Oceana, Sen. Ron Wyden’s office, the Obama campaign, and as co-founder of Buca Boot and Only If You Run PAC. He’s served on the Boards of LivableStreets Alliance and East Somerville Main Streets.
John holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin and a B.A. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He enjoys long hikes with his family but is always happiest when they’re spending time on the water.
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