During my 2L summer, I had the opportunity to intern in the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Division of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC is a state agency, headquartered in San Francisco, that regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies. ALJs are independent judges and triers of fact within the CPUC who preside over trials and adjudicate claims or disputes involving California Public Utilities Code. The ALJ Division’s mission is to provide an independent forum that ensures fair, unbiased, reasoned, and efficient disposition of proceedings.
My internship provided me with an opportunity to learn about how state agencies operate through a variety of projects. First, I reviewed party arguments to draft a proposed ALJ decision in a proceeding about demand side energy infrastructure in Southern California. Furthermore, I researched and produced a memo about California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. Also, I drafted sections of ALJ decisions related to CEQA and non-compliance penalties for telecommunications companies. I was extremely lucky to have two exceptional supervisors who made sure that our intern cohort had opportunities to learn about other CPUC divisions and meet with the CPUC Commissioners. We also had weekly “Lunch and Learn” meetings with other environmental law organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This experience taught me how state agencies work to balance affordability, safety, reliability, and environmental protection goals. Combining legal compliance with environmental and economic policy advancement is especially complicated and requires dedicated and mindful work. Working with various ALJs, and an excellent group of legal interns, reinforced my commitment to environmental protection in service of the public interest. As a 3L at Santa Clara, I am so excited to continue to develop my legal skills and learn more about issues within the CPUC’s purview. My experience at the CPUC taught me important lessons that I will take with me throughout my career.