In RFF’s Supporter Spotlight, we hear directly from donors about their commitment to issues in climate, energy, and the environment; how they make a difference; and why they support Resources for the Future—all in their own words.
Resources magazine recently spoke with Resources for the Future (RFF) Board of Directors Member Barbara Kates-Garnick, who is a professor of practice and senior research fellow at the Fletcher School of Tufts University. She previously served as the undersecretary of energy and as a public utility commissioner for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a corporate officer at a major US utility, and a consultant on strategic energy initiatives. Below are excerpts from the conversation, which covered Kates-Garnick’s approach to philanthropic giving and the importance of looking at problems holistically.
Resources: Let’s start out by asking what brought you to RFF. Why are you interested in improving environmental decisionmaking?
Barbara Kates-Garnick: I was first introduced to RFF when I was a graduate student, and I relied on RFF to provide an analytical framework for the work that I was doing—so, I feel like I’ve been part of the organization indirectly for many, many years. Linking the environment and energy has been important for my entire career. This linkage continues to be important as new actors, players, and imperatives move the energy transition forward. For me, my interest in these topics revolves around not just decisionmaking, but also around my passion for future generations.
Given that you’ve worked in the energy and environmental fields in different sectors—government, academia, and elsewhere—what would you describe as the role for RFF’s independent research and analysis?
RFF is critical for understanding the nexus between environmental policy, energy policy, and a successful energy transition. I think RFF is a “crown jewel” that helps decisionmakers in Congress, the federal government, the states, and the private sector as they all wend their way through very complex problems of long-term duration.
This issue of the magazine focuses on the future of the US electric grid. What do you think RFF brings to the table on this key part of decarbonizing the economy?
The issue of electric grid transmission is critical to the energy transition. By unpacking the various aspects related to grid infrastructure, RFF is bringing to the forefront of consideration a knowledge of economics and an understanding of the significance of equity. RFF looks at problems holistically—from the perspective of the states, the federal government, economics, and industry. All of that comes together in RFF’s work.
What do you think makes RFF special?
The quality and depth of analysis are what sets RFF apart from other organizations. When you look at RFF research, you know that you are getting analysis that’s driven by facts and experience. It all comes back to the excellent RFF researchers who are engaged in the studies and delve into connecting the complex pieces of multiple topics.
You and your husband Marc have been donors to RFF for the past four years. When you consider your philanthropy, do you use any particular criteria to help shape your approach to giving?
When you think about giving, you must consider impact, and you must think about the future. Those are important criteria that Marc and I use when we decide how to direct our philanthropic giving.
Barbara Kates-Garnick with her husband Marc
I can think of no better place than RFF to support in the energy and environmental fields, based on RFF’s impact, its analysis, and the fact that it is evenhanded in how it approaches complex problems, which makes it an enduring institution.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the impact of your financial investment in RFF?
First, I think about the researchers; I think about the hard work that they are doing to unpack highly complicated decisionmaking. In giving to RFF, I feel strongly that we are directly supporting the research and the people who are designing the studies and writing the papers. For me, that is the real pleasure and joy of directing our philanthropic dollars to RFF.
Four Ways You Can Support RFF
- Give through our website: Visit www.rff.org/donate to make a one-time donation, or to set up a monthly recurring donation.
- Give through the mail: Send your check to Resources for the Future | 1616 P Street NW, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 2003
- Give through a donor-advised fund: Donate through a DAF account at a community foundation or financial institution to support RFF while receiving favorable tax benefits.
- Give through a will, trust, or gift plan: Include RFF in your estate plans to provide meaningful, long-lasting support.
Discover other ways to give at www.rff.org/donate/ways-giving or contact Ryan Sabot at [email protected]
A version of this article appeared in print in the Spring 2024 issue of Resources magazine.
