Who We Are. Opened in June 1997, the EPP Washington Office’s main objective is to expand interaction between EPP students and faculty and relevant policy organizations in Washington. Among the demonstrated benefits of such interaction are:

1. increased exposure of students to national policy processes,
   
   
2. expanded inputs from the policy community to shaping EPP research, and
   
3. new opportunities to communicate results of EPP work to the Washington community.

The Office serves as a base of operations for EPP activities that involve participation in the policymaking processes of the Congress, federal agencies, and other Washington institutions. Through video-conference seminars linking the Washington Office and the EPP office on campus, this “classroom in the capital,” gives undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to interact with and learn from experienced participants in Washington policy making. Each year the Washington Office hosts students and faculty in a multi-day, on-the-ground exploration of the Capital City. The DC Study Tour features talks with public policy leaders and federal decision-makers structured to bring into focus important current problems in technology and policy. The Tom Johnson Fellowship Program, open to both EPP undergraduate and graduate students, is based in the Washington, D.C. Office. The program gives students the opportunity to engage in independent research in Washington and to hold internships in agencies, associations, and universities, such as the Department of Energy, the Electric Power Institute (EPRI), the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the H. John Heinz III Center for Science.

The Washington Office has also arranged and hosted conferences (e.g. “Before the Next Crisis: Steps to Secure America’s Essential Systems” February 28, 2006), presentations, receptions and other events. It provides a place for D.C.-based members of dissertation committees and expert review panels to participate in EPP meetings on campus via video conferencing. Four data ports and wireless for laptops (bring your own cable) are available in the office.

Faculty and student involvement is most welcome and is the key ingredient in the ongoing development of projects and events to take full advantage of this unique resource.

What We Do. Examples of our past “How Government Works” video-conference seminars:

• "Global Warming/ Greenhouse Gas Legislation." Tom Dower, Legislative Director, Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA)
  
  
• "Cyber-Terrorism." Irving Lachow, Professor, National Defense University
  
  
• "The Politics of Privacy Issues." Ari Schwartz, Deputy Director, Center for Democracy and Technology
  
  
• “Managing the Effects of Nanotechnology.” J. Clarence Terry Davies, Senior Advisor Woodrow Wilson Center’s Project on Emerging Technologies
  
  
• “Clearing the Air on the Use of Science at EPA.” Paul Gilman, Founding Director, Oak Ridge Center for Advanced Studies
  
  
• “Intelligence and Diplomacy: The Technical Component.” Eric Arnett Intelligence Analyst, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, U.S. Department of State

Why Get Involved. The EPP Washington Office offers students and faculty easy access to the federal government. Its central location- just five blocks from the White House, a four-block walk to USEPA, and a short Metro ride to the Capitol enables you to personally experience our nation’s place of business. Public hearings on rule
promulgation, press conferences, technical seminars, and Congressional hearings and briefings are all within easy reach. You may even find our office Director, a veteran of Congressional and Administrative decision making, a  valuable resource.