James Povijua (he/him)

James Povijua is a subject matter expert on conservation, climate, energy, environmental justice, and Tribal engagement. He supports policy and advocacy initiatives focused on public lands protection, biodiversity, energy, and advancing equitable outcomes through partnerships with Tribal Nations, frontline communities, and community-based organizations. Povijua joined NRDC in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of experience in public policy, coalition building, advocacy, and community organizing. Throughout his career, he has worked to elevate the voices and leadership of Tribal Nations, frontline communities, workers, and communities of color in environmental and social policy. Prior to NRDC, he served as policy director at the Center for Civic Policy in New Mexico, supporting just energy transition and regulation of the fossil fuels industry. Earlier, as the Illinois campaign director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance, he led a statewide coalition that won landmark legislation extending basic labor protections to domestic workers, securing rights and workplace protections for thousands of workers across the state. A tribal member of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Povijua holds a bachelor's degree in industrial labor relations from Goddard College and is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.