How to Turn Environmental Science into Pragmatic Policy with Rep. Lindsay Cross

Recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Atlanta, GA, this week’s special episode features co-host Ryan Coonerty in conversation with Florida House State Representative Lindsay Cross. An environmental scientist, Cross discusses how she draws on personal experiences to fight for the preservation of wetlands and endangered species across Florida. She highlights the bills she has recently championed to improve responses to natural disasters and aid recovery and to enact fair housing policies. Ryan and Representative Cross also talk about what it might take to move Florida back to being a blue state and how to better integrate scientific evidence into decision-making.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:06] Florida State Representative Lindsay Cross.

• [02:14] Key issues, policies, and concerns in Florida today.

• [07:05] How Lindsay’s role shifted from doing environmental work in the field to being in the state house.

• [08:38] Advice for those looking to move from environmental science into government.

• [11:00] Communication advice for those looking to change policy in the environmental field.

• [12:42] Why specificity is so powerful when advocating for issues at government level.

• [15:00] Advice for democrats and non-partisan officials who want to be successful.

• [16:14] How realism keeps Representative Cross motivated.

• [19:42] Why more collaboration from the business community may be the key to greater resilience in our communities.

• [22:05] Lindsay’s work to create possibilities for voting in disaster areas.