Justin Theal

Welcome, I'm Justin Theal, Research Associate at Taxpayers for Common Sense.

Justin is a graduate from the International Studies (IS) program at Arcadia University with a minor in Environmental Policy. His research focused on sustainable development and natural resource management through an economic lens. Furthermore, Justin focused on global environmental policy development while studying abroad within notable programs in Australia, Costa Rica and Germany.

Currently, Justin work as a Research Associate and member of the Energy and Natural Resource Policy Team at Taxpayers for Common Sense (TCS)€ a non-partisan federal budget watchdog in Washington, DC. Prior to receiving my degree, he interned at the U.S. Department of Interior and worked as an €˜Energy and Environment€™ Student Advocate and Research Assistant on campus.

** In the short term, my goal is to complete graduate school in the next five years with a focus on natural resource management and public policy. In the long term, my goal is to develop sustainable market-based mechanisms for international resource conservation. **

Research Associate at Taxpayers for Common Sense

January 2012

As a Research Associate and member of the Energy and Natural Resources Program, I provide research support and policy analysis to senior program staff for fact sheets, white papers, annual reports, and other informational products. Moreover, I monitor current legislation and attend congressional hearings as necessary. I also draft, edit, and post regular content to the TCS website. My work includes a wide range of topics from conventional to alternative energy, to public lands and natural resources management.

Research Fellow at Taxpayers for Common Sense

November 2011 - December 2011

Student Advocate, Energy and Environment at Arcadia University

September 2008 - May 2011

As an ‘Energy and Environment’ student advocate, I coordinated with the campus Environmental Network and Community Service Office to research and promote public engagement surrounding sustainable development and environmental awareness within the greater Philadelphia area.

Intern at U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining

January 2010 - May 2010

Collaborating with representatives of the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and AmeriCorps VISTA, I provided research support for an initiative that aims to provide new development opportunities to several impoverished mining regions of West Virginia and Colorado. These regions, which have suffered from a long history of unregulated coal mining, poverty, and environmental degradation, were also studied as potential future sites for alternative energy development. I worked independently and within a group to plan, schedule, coordinate, and conduct special studies, surveys, and reviews of the initiative. Further, I presented recommendations for issues identified within the OSM/AmeriCorps program and received training in GIS software.

Research Assistant at Arcadia University

September 2009 - January 2010

As a student Research Assistant, I supported campus leaders with the development, implementation, and administration of campus sustainability policy. My work focused on the efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term viability of a wide range of issues including alternative energy use, land management, and recycling. Moreover, I researched local, state, and federal legislation. This allowed me to identify benefits applicable to campus operations and support the development of a comprehensive strategic plan to cut campus CO2 emissions.

UNSW (The University of New South Wales)

Arcadia University

2007 – 2011

International Studies

Concentration: Globalization, Human Rights, and Development; Minor in Environmental Policy

Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Market Mechanisms, Alternative Energy, Natural Capital, Ecosystem Services, Research and Analysis, Public Policy, International Affairs, International Development, Social Media, Major League Soccer, Craft Beer