Research Intern - Energy and Environmental Policy

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

About the Role

This paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC (25–40 hours/week over approximately 12 weeks) joins Cato’s Energy & Environmental Policy team, working directly with Travis Fisher (Director).

You’ll support research on US energy markets and environmental regulation by gathering and analyzing primary sources, monitoring state and federal actions, and assisting with outreach. Past projects include work on clean energy, international investment in US energy technologies, and legislative/regulatory tracking.

Responsibilities

• Regularly gather facts to back up op-eds, papers, and blog posts.
• Monitor pending state and federal legislation and regulatory changes.
• Gather and examine data for comparative policy analyses across states and countries.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in—and working familiarity with—US energy and environmental policy (markets, regulation, technology), aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Produce clear, precise research and writing that accurately cites primary sources and translates technical material for policy audiences.
• Monitor and synthesize state and federal legislative and regulatory developments into concise briefings
• Data literacy for policy analysis (clean documentation; source-labeled charts/tables; careful units/definitions).
• Professional judgment and reliability—plan tasks, meet deadlines, communicate proactively, and incorporate feedback.
• Experience with R or Python for light data tasks is a plus.

Finalists may be asked to provide a short writing sample on an energy or environmental policy topic.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.