Ellen Lee

Advocate, Drinking Water Equity, People & Communities Program

Media Contact

General Information

Ellen Lee provides technical and advocacy expertise on drinking water issues, working to ensure that everyone has access to safe, sufficient, and affordable water. As part of the Safe Water Initiative, her work focuses on engaging and partnering with communities and other stakeholders to advance community-led efforts to protect drinking water. Lee joined NRDC in 2017 as a program assistant supporting the water efficiency, regenerative agriculture, and safe drinking water teams. She subsequently got involved in the broader water policy space from there. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and international business with a focus in environmental systems from the University of California, San Diego. She is based in NRDC's Santa Monica office.

Areas of Work
Drinking Water

Related content

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Hands getting a glass of water from a faucet

Does California Have a Lead in Drinking Water Problem?

Expert BlogCaliforniaEllen Lee
More testing and proper lead service line replacement is needed throughout the state.

Q&A: Chicago’s Drinking Water Problem Needs a Real Solution

Expert BlogIllinois, ChicagoGina Ramirez, Ellen Lee
NRDC’s Ellen Lee sits down with Gina Ramirez to discuss her experience growing up in Chicago drinking bottled water to avoid lead poisoning, and the urgent need for the city to replace lead pipes.

NRDC Report: Pathways to Regenerative Agriculture

Expert BlogUnited StatesArohi Sharma, Lara Bryant, Ellen Lee
Regenerative agriculture is achievable—and needs support throughout the food system to reach its full potential.

Policy Resources

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Regenerative Agriculture

OverviewUnited StatesArohi Sharma, Lara Bryant, Ellen Lee, Claire O'Connor
Farming in harmony with nature fights climate change, improves water quality, and protects biodiversity. NRDC works with growers, ranchers, and community leaders to craft policies for a regenerative farm and food system.