LibGuides: Environmental Studies Resources: Think Tanks

Think Tanks

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. ACEEE fulfills its mission by : (1) Conducting in-depth technical and policy assessments (2) Advising policymakers and program managers (3) Working collaboratively with businesses, public interest groups, and other organizations (4) Organizing conferences and workshops (5) Publishing books, conference proceedings, and reports (6) Educating consumers and businesses
American Council on Renewable Energy Nongovernmental group that promotes renewable energy options for the production of electricity, hydrogen, and fuels, as well as for end uses.
Carbon Fund Provides certified carbon offsets to help individuals, businesses and organizations reduce their carbon footprints.
Consumers Energy Council of America A non-profit §501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC, is dedicated to promoting public policy positions that advance the best interest of consumers of essential energy services.
Energy Future Coalition A broad-based, nonpartisan alliance that seeks to bridge the differences among business, labor, and environmental groups and identify energy policy options with broad political support. The coalition aims to bring about changes in U.S. energy policy to address the economic, security and environmental challenges related to the production and use of fossil fuels with a compelling new vision of the economic opportunities that will be created by the transition to a new energy economy.
Environment Michigan Resource & Policy Center Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center is the home of Public Interest Research Group in Michigan (PIRGIM) Education Fund's environmental work, focusing exclusively on protecting Michigan's air, water and open spaces. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, our professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas and effective educational campaigns to overcome the opposition of special interests and win real results for Michigan's environment.
Environmental and Energy Study Institute Nonprofit provider of information services and public policy initiatives on environmentally sustainable societies.
Environmental Council of States The association of state environmental agencies, provides a clearinghouse of information for members and lobbies federal authorities.
Environmental Law Institute The Environmental Law Institute makes law work for people, places, and the planet. The Institute has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, domestically and abroad. Today, we are an internationally recognized, non-partisan research and education center working to strengthen environmental protection by improving law and governance worldwide. We deliver insightful and impartial analysis to opinion makers, including government officials, environmental and business leaders, academics, members of the environmental bar, and journalists. ELI is a clearinghouse and a town hall, providing common ground for debate on important environmental issues.
Global Footprint Network An international think tank working to advance sustainability through use of the Ecological Footprint, a resource accounting tool that measures how much nature we have, how much we use and who uses what. By making ecological limits central to decision-making, we are working to end Overshoot and create a society where all people can live well, within the means of one planet. In addition to explaining the data and methods behind footprint science, it allows one to calculate individual, business, city, or country ecological footprints.
International Network for Environmental Complience and Enforcement The International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE) is the only global network of environmental compliance and enforcement practitioners dedicated to raising awareness of compliance and enforcement; developing networks for enforcement cooperation; and strengthening capacity to implement and enforce environmental requirements. INECE communicates that environmental compliance and enforcement play a fundamental role in building the foundation for the rule of law, good governance, and sustainable development.
ConservAmerica A non-partisan national organization that creates new solutions to environmental issues that have become gridlocked by partisanship. Our mission is to educate the public and elected officials on constructive approaches to today’s environmental, energy, and conservation challenges.
Rocky Mountain Institute Nongovernmental organization that promotes market-based, integrative solutions aimed at fostering efficient and restorative use of resources.
Union of Concerned Scientists The leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.
World Alliance for Decentralized Energy Nongovernmental organization that promotes worldwide deployment of on-site renewable energy, cogeneration, and energy recycling systems.

Advocacy Groups

Alliance to Save Energy Coalition of business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders that supports energy efficiency.
Environmental Defense Fund Environmental Defense is dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including future generations. Among these rights are clean air, clean water, healthy, nourishing food, and a flourishing ecosystem.
Greenpeace USA Greenpeace proves every day that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things. It was a group of thoughtful, committed citizens that came together in 1971 to create Greenpeace. A handful of determined activists leased a small fishing vessel, called the Phyllis Cormack, and set sail from Vancouver for Amchitka Island in Alaska. Their mission was to protest U.S. nuclear testing off the coast of Alaska with a brave act of defiance: to place themselves in harm’s way. Despite being intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard, these daring activists sailed into history by bringing worldwide attention to the dangers of nuclear testing. Our Work : That was more than 30 years ago, and in that time, Greenpeace has indeed changed the world, and we continue to make the world a better place. Our committed activists and supporters have come together to ban commercial whaling, convince the world’s leaders to stop nuclear testing, protect Antarctica, and so much more. Today, we have grown from a small group of dedicated activists to an international organization with offices in more than 30 countries. But our spirit and our mission remain the same. Our fight to save the planet has grown more serious – the threat of global warming, destruction of ancient forests, deterioration of our oceans, and the threat of a nuclear disaster loom large. Greenpeace is actively working to address these and other threats.
Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Southeastern Michigan Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan (ECCSCM) provides information on the pollution and the damage Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) have caused in our community and its watersheds, and to promote Sustainable Alternatives (buy local food & pasture-based meat--see sources). As family farmers and neighbors, we believe agriculture must take responsibility for its actions in rural communities
League of Conservation Voters The political voice of the national environmental movement and the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House.
Lone Tree Council Saginaw-based environmental action group.
Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation A website dedicated to helping Michigan's citizens protect one of our most valuable natural resources: our communities' water supplies.
Michigan Clean Water Action An organization of 1.2 million members working to empower people to take action to protect America's waters, build healthy communities and to make democracy work for all of us. For 36 years Clean Water Action has succeeded in winning some of the nation's most important environmental protections through grassroots organizing, expert policy research and political advocacy focused on holding elected officials accountable to the public.
Michigan Environmental Council The MEC provides a collective voice for the environment at the local, state and federal levels. Working with our 75 member groups and their collective membership of nearly 200,000 residents, MEC is addressing the primary assaults on Michigan’s environment; promoting alternatives to urban blight and suburban sprawl; advocating for a sustainable environment and economy; protecting Michigan’s water legacy; promoting cleaner energy; and working to diminish environmental impacts on children’s health.
Michigan Invasive Plants Council The Michigan Invasive Plants Council meets to formally address mutual concerns about the effects of invasive plants in Michigan.
Michigan Land Use Institute Working to help Michigan avoid the patterns of suburban sprawl and over-development that cause traffic congestion, pollution, loss of community, rising costs to individuals and governments, and a deteriorating quality of life.
Michigan League for Conservation Voters A non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to passing strong environmental laws, electing environmental champions, and holding lawmakers accountable for their actions. With your help, we can make sure the right people are in office making the right decisions to protect, preserve, and maintain Michigan’s public health and spectacular natural resources.
Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership Protecting Michigan lakes through conservation and restoration of natural shorelines.
Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health A coalition of health professionals, health-affected groups, environmental organizations, and others dedicated to a safe and less toxic world for Michigan's children. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, we work to change current policies and practices that result in exposure of children to environmental toxicants.
Michigan Recycling Coalition (MRC) A non-profit environmental organization that works to foster effective resource use in Michigan by developing, supporting and educating a coalition of business, government, non-profit and individual members working toward the common goals of waste reduction, recycling, reuse, composting and recycled-content purchasing.
Michigan United Conservation Clubs MUCC works to conserve Michigan's wildlife, fisheries, waters, forests, air, and soils by providing information, education and advocacy.
Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council Mid-MEAC helps people transform environmental concern into action. Programs focus on River Protection, Green Transportation, Land Use, and Sustainable Practices.
National Parks Conservation Association To protect, preserve, and enhance America's National Park System for present and future generations.
National Resources Defense Council The Natural Resources Defense Council's purpose is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends.
Nature Conservancy http://www.nature.org/
Sierra Club "The purposes of the Sierra Club are to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives."
Stewardship Network A grassroots cooperative organization working to protect, restore, and manage Michigan's natural lands and waters. It helps individuals, organizations, and businesses manage specific sites through sharing ideas, resources, and information.
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council The lead organization for water resources protection in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council speaks for our members, including full-time and seasonal residents, lake associations, and businesses. We work to maintain the environmental integrity and economic and aesthetic values of lakes, streams, wetlands, and ground water.
Wildlife Association of Michigan Promotes, coordinates, and participates in education, enjoyment, science, and stewardship of native wildflowers and their habitats - including promoting public education of proper principles, ethics, and methods of landscaping with native wildflowers and associated habitats.

Trade Associations and Industry Groups

American Solar Energy Society Established in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S.
American Wind Energy Association The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for consumers around the world. AWEA is a national trade association representing wind power project developers, equipment suppliers, services providers, parts manufacturers, utilities, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry - one of the world's fastest growing energy industries.
Geothermal Resources Council With the experience and dedication of its diverse, international membership and a 40-year plus track record, the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has built a solid reputation as the world’s premier geothermal association. The GRC is a tax-exempt, non-profit, educational association 501(c)(3). Formed in 1970, the GRC was incorporated in the state of Washington in 1972 and in California in 1981. With more than 1,300 members in over 40 countries, the GRC actively seeks to expand its role as a primary professional educational association for the international geothermal community. The GRC serves as a focal point for continuing professional development for its members through its outreach, information transfer and education services.
International Renewable Energy Agency Mandated by governments worldwide, IRENA aims at becoming the main driving force in promoting a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale. Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will provide practical advice and support for both industrialized and developing countries, help them improve their regulatory frameworks and build capacity.
National Hydropower Association The only trade association in the United States dedicated exclusively to advancing the interests of hydropower energy in North America. Located in Washington, D.C., NHA is a member-driven association that accomplishes its policy work and outreach through the initiatives of its standing committees.
National Oilheat Research Alliance NORA is a collaborative program established by the oilheating industry to strengthen the industry by improving education and training for employees in the industry, providing customers more information, and developing new products for customers. The oilheating industry is a small fragmented industry, and NORA provided the opportunity and ability to work cooperatively for a better and stronger industry. NORA has developed world class education programs, new efficient appliances, and a strong consumer education campaign highlighting the benefits of oilheat and the need to improve efficiency.
Society of Environmental Journalists The only North-American membership association of professional journalists dedicated to more and better coverage of environment-related issues. SEJ’s mission is to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues.
Sustainable Energy Coalition Brings together more than 60 national and state-level business, environmental,consumer, and energy policy organizations. Founded in 1992, the Coalition promotes increased federal support for Energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and reduced federal support for unsafe or polluting energy resources.
U.S. Fuel Cell Council The industry association dedicated to fostering the commercialization of fuel cells in the United States.
World Energy Council The World Energy Council is the leading global energy organization. Its mission is to promote the sustainable use and supply of all types of energy throughout the world. The site offers statistical data on energy resources and trends by country or region.
World Wind Energy Association A non-profit association working towards the promotion and development of wind energy technology with members in 95 countries.