Environmental Policy Analyst

Ashley Du

Ashley is a current student at Westridge School in Pasadena, California. Ashley is an environmental policy analyst at YIP, and she hopes to inspire more youth to engage in environmental policy.

From writing policy briefs to editing journal submissions and Op-Eds, Ashley has grown her passion for increasing public awareness of current environmental policies and advocating for policies that support amore sustainable future. Ashley also enjoys working at environmental nonprofits, conducting research, and playing in the orchestra.

No items found.

All articles by the author

No items found.

Policy Briefs by the author

Nuclear Energy: Implementation and Effects

Environmental Policy

June 8, 2026

This brief covers the role of nuclear energy in the United States, focusing on its historical development, current resurgence, and key policy challenges.

Read

EPA Endangerment Finding Reversal

Environmental Policy

April 5, 2026

The recent rescinding of the 2009 EPA Endangerment Finding under the Trump Administration has resulted in concerns raised by stakeholders over public health, environmental protection, and the future of the US. Various key environmental policies, including the Clean Air Act and regulations involving vehicle and technology transition, have been heavily impacted by the rescission. There are potential policy changes that may prevent some of the harm, including strengthening state-level climate policies, congressional legislative action, and grassroots and market-based initiatives.

Read

Clean Energy Project Cuts

Environmental Policy

April 5, 2026

Funding cuts made by the Department of Energy to several clean energy projects demonstrated a realignment of federal policies, shifting away from renewable energy deployment toward fossil fuel dominance. The brief outlines the DOE’s May termination of 24 demonstration projects totaling $3.7 billion, followed by the October 2025 cancellation of 321 awards amounting to an estimated $7.56 billion.

Read