Michael Powelson Email & Phone Number

Portland, Oregon & Washington, Dc

Supporting client conservation policy and implementation goals. Provide federal legislative, policy and regulatory solutions for companies and organizations that balance human needs with conservation of natural resources, especially for public lands and waters. Offering extensive experience on mitigation, public lands, land protection, wildlife & forest conservation, and energy siting and regulatory needs.

Lead the creation and development of the Conservancy’s first comprehensive Energy Program. Developed, funded and managed program focused on energy development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. Program facilitated and supported over 20 high profile state, regional and national projects to influence public policy and corporate practice, focused on energy siting & mitigation, supporting zero and low carbon energy sources, and reducing energy demand.

Led government relations for the Conservancy's Western states (15), focused on federal natural resource, energy and climate policy and appropriations - Congressional & federal government lobbying, policy development, agency relations and coalition building. Held concurrent roles as Senior Policy Advisor on USDA/USFS/NRCS for the Conservancy's US Government Relations, and as Acting Director directed the creation and initial implementation of the Conservancy’s North America Forests Program (2008 – 2011).Initially hired by the Conservancy as Director of Agency Relations for the NW Division and later the Pacific Region (1999-2005), to lead federal agency relations efforts focused on land, water and species management.

Portland, Oregon Area

Represented the Council and the State of Oregon on natural resource issues within the Columbia Basin and Oregon primarily focused on fish & wildlife conservation and mitigation under the Northwest Power Act. Developed policy and funding recommendations to address impacts to fish & wildlife from development and operation of the Columbia River Federal Hydropower System under the Council’s Fish & Wildlife and Energy Programs; led the evaluation and oversight of projects slated for funding by the Bonneville Power Administration. Served concurrently as a staff member within the Oregon Governor's Natural Resources Office.

Integrated Solid Waste Management (Recycling)

Biology