Steve Cochran
Associate Vice President, State Affairs
Work
As associate vice president for coastal resilience, Steve Cochran directs EDF’s work in priority U.S. states.
Previously in his career, Steve spent two years as the executive director of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation in New Orleans, and seven years with Louisiana Congressman and then Governor Buddy Roemer. He served as legislative director in Washington, D.C., then field director and ultimately chief of staff to the governor. In his prior role as vice president of EDF’s Climate and Air program, Steve managed EDF’s domestic and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution. Steve served as the executive vice president of EDF’s 501(c)(4) organization, the Environmental Defense Action Fund (EDAF), and was the political director of EDAF’s Political Action Committee. Steve formerly served as the director of EDF’s National Climate Campaign. Prior to that, he managed EDF’s media, legislative and Internet advocacy work and served as EDF’s legislative director.
Background
- Senior Policy Analyst for the Office of Air and Radiation at the U.S. EPA (1992-1997)
- Executive Director at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (1990-1992)
- Chief of Staff for Governor Buddy Roemer of Louisiana (1988-1990)
- Field Director for Roemer for Governor Campaign (1987-1988)
- Legislative Director for Congressman Roemer (1984-1987)
Steve has also served since 1997 on the Campaigns and Elections Committee of the League of Conservation Voters.
Degrees
B.S., Louisiana State University
Latest pieces
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Largest ecosystem restoration project in U.S. history provides model for climate adaptation
April 14, 2021
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3 actions Congress can take now to build more resilient coasts
February 24, 2021
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The 2020 hurricane season broke all the records. Is it a sign of what’s to come?
December 3, 2020
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Climate change is dumping record amounts of rain. We’re not equipped to handle it.
September 17, 2020
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Lessons in resilience: Louisiana braces for Laura as it observes 15 years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
August 26, 2020
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Ten years after the BP oil spill, restoration offers hope for the Gulf
April 20, 2020
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In Louisiana, brown pelicans emerge as a sign of hope, recovery and resilience
March 30, 2020
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Louisiana kids make a play for coastal comeback in Super Bowl ad
February 1, 2019
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Guest column: Impact bonds can help restore coast
August 22, 2018
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This new technology allows you to visit coastal Louisiana from your couch
July 3, 2018