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2021–2022 GSA-USGS CONGRESSIONAL SCIENCE FELLOW REPORT
From Carbonates to Congress: Applying the

Geosciences to the Policy-Making Process

When I interviewed for the GSA-USGS meaningful change to the lives of many people. It is also the rea-
Congressional Science Fellowship in son I believe the optimism and energy some members of Congress
February 2021, COVID-19 vaccines had only have is justified. Over time, working together has created pieces of
been available for a few weeks, I was at the legislation that have helped create and protect national parks, save
very end of writing my doctoral dissertation, endangered species, and ensure clean air and water. Legislation
and I had spent the last year in quarantine. like the GND can help make the strides necessary to become more
The pandemic highlighted, among many resilient to climate change by working together and having these
issues, that scientifically sound policies were efforts led by communities that have been historically left behind.
vital to the health of the world, and it became Like the microbes in caves and deep underground that I studied,
Amanda L. Labrado apparent to me that I needed to apply my geo- we can also thrive in uncertain times and conditions when we
logic training and knowledge to try and create work together.
tangible, impactful differences. When people asked me what I envisioned for my future after
I started my fellowship at the end of September 2022 in the earning my Ph.D., I did not imagine I would have the opportunity
office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), to help organize congressional hearings, which highlight major
where I was selected to help her build up her environmental, cli- issues such as the housing problem our country is currently expe-
mate, and energy portfolios. At the beginning of my fellowship, riencing, on a national platform. During my graduate studies,
the Build Back Better Act (BBB) and Infrastructure Investment I spent my days measuring isotopes of carbonates, conducting
and Jobs Act (IIJA) were still works in progress. A large part of microbial incubation experiments, and generally being in either
BBB was addressing climate and environmental issues. I was a lab or at my computer reading and/or writing. Working in the
tasked to work with other House and Senate offices on developing office of a congressperson is much more fast paced and generally
the Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) with the BBB, along with other revolves around learning as much as possible as quickly as pos-
initiatives within both pieces of legislation that addressed the sible so that votes can be made, questions can be asked to expert
impacts of climate change on our workforce, infrastructure, and witnesses during hearings, or legislation can be created with vari-
environment. Although IIJA was passed and signed into law, BBB ous stakeholders to help improve the everyday lives of Americans.
was passed through the House and now sits with the Senate with Engaging in the policy-making process has allowed me to uti-
an uncertain future. lize the skills geoscientists learn to sharpen in different ways. The
Because Ocasio-Cortez is one of the champions for the Green ability to make observations, analyze data, apply knowledge, and
New Deal (GND), the Committee of Oversight and Reform, on effectively communicate have been crucial to me learning how to
which she sits, organized a hearing on the importance of the GND. present policies, work in a bipartisan manner, and remain calm
The main objectives of this piece of legislation are to promote tran- and productive during tight turnarounds. I am in awe of Hill staff-
sition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, strengthen the econ- ers and members of Congress who work tirelessly day in and day
omy by creating jobs and training people in skills that will become out to create a better future for the United States, and our world at
more important as our global climate shifts, and lift historically dis- large, and I only aim to continuing playing a role, however small,
advantaged communities up by having them drive this transition. in helping make it a reality during the rest of my fellowship.
As a geoscientist, climate change and protecting the natural
world around us have been key reasons for much of the scientific The manuscript is submitted for publication by Amanda
research conducted. My own research focused on how microor- Labrado, 2021–2022 GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellow,
ganisms can help create large carbonate rock assemblages deep with the understanding that the U.S. government is authorized to
underground. The environment these microbes thrive in is consid- reproduce and distribute reprints for governmental use. The one-
ered very hard to exist in because there is no sunlight and very year fellowship is supported by GSA and the U.S. Geological
little water or oxygen. One microbe on its own may not seem Survey, Department of the Interior, under Assistance Award No
important, but when there are a large group of them cycling differ- G22AP00100-00. The views and conclusions contained in this
ent chemical compounds over time, these microscopic creatures document are those of the author and should not be interpreted
can create large rock packages that are meters thick and many as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed
square meters wide. I see this as similar to how Congress operates. or implied, of the U.S. government. Labrado worked in the office
When various stakeholders and members of Congress come of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and can be contacted
together, legislation is passed that can create impact and by e-mail at allabrado719@gmail.com.

38 GSA TODAY | July 2022