CONTACT INFORMATION:

For state-level issues and state trends:

Kimberly Larson

Deputy Political Director
State PIRGs
(206) 357-1788
(213) 251-3680 x323

For federal issues:
Elizabeth Hitchcock

Communications Director
U.S. PIRG
(202) 546-9707

Matt Auten
Advocate, Environment Rhode Island
(401) 421-6578 ·

Expertise: auto pollution, energy efficiency, renewable energy

Background: Mr. Auten is responsible for Environment Rhode Island's energy, clean air and legislative programs. He was the founder of the Rhode Island Clean Car Coalition and co-directs the Rhode Island Climate Coalition.  In 2004, he led RIPIRG’s successful campaign to bring the California clean cars standard to Rhode Island.  Mr. Auten has authored several reports, including "Cars and Global Warming: Policy Options for Rhode Island to Reduce Global Warming Pollution from Cars and Light Trucks," and testified before the state legislature on energy, water and toxics use reduction issues.  His research has been cited in The Wall Street Journal and The Providence Journal, and he has made numerous appearances on Rhode Island radio and television outlets.  He serves as the Treasurer of the Environment Council of Rhode Island and as a board member of the Ocean State Action Fund.  Prior to joining RIPIRG in 2003, Mr. Auten directed citizen outreach offices in Portland, Maine, and Seattle, Washington.

Mr. Auten is also an Advocate for the Environment Rhode Island Researc and Policy Center, the 501(c)(3) sister organization of Environment Rhode Island.

Education: B.A., Political Science and History, McGill University, 2002

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