Lora Snyder knows what it takes to get things done in Washington. As the former Staff Director for the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, she played a key role in crafting some of the most consequential climate and conservation legislation in recent history. From securing funds for coastal restoration to defending hard-won climate victories, Snyder has spent her career turning policy into progress—often behind the scenes, but always at the center of the action.
On a recent episode of the Scientista Podcast, Snyder joined us to talk about how laws are made, why public lands matter more than ever, and what’s at stake as the fight over clean energy heats up.
Turning Policy into Progress
Most people don’t realize just how much Congress impacts our environment. But Snyder does—and she’s seen firsthand how powerful a single piece of legislation can be. One example? The Inflation Reduction Act, which she calls “the most important climate bill in U.S. history.” It pumped billions into renewable energy, created green jobs, and helped move the country toward a cleaner future.
But climate progress isn’t always forward-moving. As Snyder warns, some lawmakers are now trying to roll back those wins. “The fight isn’t over just because the bill passed,” she says. “We have to defend the progress we’ve made—every single day.”
Conservation in Action
One of Snyder’s proudest achievements? Championing coastal restoration efforts that do more than just protect the environment—they create jobs and strengthen communities. Under her leadership, the committee funneled funding into restoring wetlands, rebuilding natural storm barriers, and making coastlines more resilient to climate-fueled disasters.
It’s this kind of policy work—equal parts science, strategy, and heart—that reflects her core belief: environmental policy should be for people and the planet.
A Wake-Up Call on Clean Energy
Snyder is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. While some politicians tout “energy independence,” she notes, many are pushing for more oil and gas exports—not cleaner energy here at home. “If you want true energy security, you need renewables,” she says. And the numbers back her up: 96% of new U.S. power generation last year came from clean energy sources.
But instead of expanding those investments, some in Congress are now trying to gut clean energy tax credits. “We need to ask ourselves: Who does that really benefit?” Snyder asks. “Because it’s not everyday Americans.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For young people—especially women—who want to work at the intersection of science and policy, Snyder has simple but powerful advice: learn how the system works, and don’t be afraid to speak up. “You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact,” she says. “You just have to know what you’re talking about—and be ready to do the work.”
For more from Lora Snyder, including what she’s hopeful about and how to take meaningful action, listen to the full conversation on the Scientista Podcast.
