Electricity is a cornerstone of modern life, yet the policies governing its supply and sustainability often go unnoticed. As we enjoy the conveniences afforded by constant power, critical questions remain about how to ensure these resources remain sustainable and accessible for future generations.
Tracy Alt, a student at Arizona State University (ASU), is charting a course to integrate sustainability into energy policy. With a focus on holistic governance structures, Alt is pursuing a Master of Sustainability Solutions at ASU’s School of Sustainability and a certificate in public administration from the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Alt’s commitment to sustainability was furthered through an internship with Capital Power, an independent power producer headquartered in Edmonton, Canada, with a new office in Phoenix. As their first intern at the U.S. headquarters, Alt joined the U.S. Policy and Government Relations team, engaging in policy research on vital subjects like small modular nuclear reactors and trade policy changes.
“Tracy was the perfect embodiment of the type of innovative thinking our company is striving for in the energy sector,” remarked Brynn Hammond, Alt’s supervisor at Capital Power. Alt’s internship allowed her to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing her understanding of policy impacts on energy infrastructure.
The Path to Sustainability
Alt’s journey to sustainability policy was not straightforward. After earning an undergraduate degree in environmental studies from the University of Central Florida, Alt worked in corporate facilities management at Amazon in Seattle. It was during a research assistant role with a consulting firm in Richmond, California, that she identified gaps in sustainability policy.
Reflecting on her experience, Alt noted, “When looking at the development goals for the city and priorities for future economic growth, as well as the current implications of state and federal legislation, I realized that to develop more holistic policies that meet communities’ needs, we have to focus on the implementation and feasibility of sustainability in policy.”
Motivated to bridge the gap between theory and practice, Alt pursued the Master of Sustainability Solutions program at ASU. “The Master of Sustainability Solutions stood out to me because I wanted to understand how to bridge the gap between the theoretical, conceptual, philosophical side of sustainability that we’re taught and the practical, applied, real-life side that shows up in the private and public sectors,” Alt explained.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Alt gained legislative process experience through an internship with the County Supervisor Association, where she learned how research informs policy-making. Afterward, her interest in energy policy deepened, leading her to the opportunity at Capital Power.
Having completed her internship, Alt is eager to continue her journey in sustainability, aiming to work with the public sector and nonprofit organizations to ensure policies meet community needs. “We have to increase collaborative efforts across systems and sectors to make sure that communities aren’t routinely left behind,” she emphasized.
Original Story at news.asu.edu