Mike Dvorak worked with NRDC to create wind development maps for New York state, wrote a report about wind power and wildlife issues, studied the viability of biomass-based energy sources, and studied potential negative effects that ethanol may have on urban air pollution. Utilizing geographical information systems (GIS), he produced sample maps showing the overlap of this potential with agricultural production. Mike also participated in discussions on wind and wildlife interaction issues in New York and mapped the wind potential and wind projects under development and consideration. This analysis helps show that near-term development is only limited to a few, already developed areas in the state. Mike also created a GIS based model, showing the biomass energy potential from biogas digesters using dairy cattle manure in the US.

He also helped analyze the air chemistry associated with combustion of high blends of ethanol in auto-dominated regions of the US, such as Los Angeles.

Mike’s contributions have already been integrated into NRDC’s on going efforts around renewable energy and biofuels.

Attending an energy and environment conference in Malaysia taught me a lot more about the role of renewable energy in the developing world.”

- Mike Dvorak

“NRDC has legal fellows every summer that provide critical legal research. The MAP Fellows provide the same on the technical, policy, and economic side.”

- Nathanael Greene, Senior Policy Analyst