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There are as many paths into the environmental policy field as there are twists and turns in the environmental policy process at the Capitol. On October 27, CELPC welcomes you to learn about both topics from the perspectives of three policy advocates working for one of California’s oldest environmental advocacy groups, the Planning and Conservation League. Join us to learn how environmental policy is made and defended in Sacramento and how you can embark on a career path in environmental policy.
Matt Baker, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began working locally with the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) in 2008. Focused initially on biodiversity preservation, Matt became ECOS’s Land Use and Conservation Policy Director, engaging on the broad spectrum of issues at the nexus of land use, transportation, housing, and climate policy. As PCL’s statewide Policy Director since 2017, he continues his focus on planning policy development that seeks to provide joint-solutions to California’s environmental and social equity challenges.
Johnnie Carlson originally joined the PCL staff in 2016 and returned in 2022. Johnnie manages PCL’s water and wildlife policy and plays a key role in advancing the League’s development and communications programs as well as PCL’s annual Environmental Assembly. Before joining PCL’s staff, Johnnie was the Operations Director for Friends of the River for 12 years, managing communications, operations, and coordinating the California Rivers Day. Johnnie has almost three decades of experience in nonprofit administration, program management, and environmental policy. Johnnie studied government at Sacramento State, is an avid flat-water kayaker, and can often be found kayaking the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Mono Lake, and the many rivers of Northern California.
Gabriel Tolson is a policy professional with a background in water rights and environmental justice. He entered environmentalism through the arts, where he spent two years partnering with scientists at UCLA and UC Irvine to organize climate-focused exhibitions and public workshops. Gabriel later interned for the California State Assembly. He held a research position at the Annenberg Foundation’s Metabolic Studio — a laboratory of art, science, and policy — where he drafted water policy reforms for the Los Angeles Basin. At PCL, Gabriel continues to advocate for the protection of California’s natural ecosystems and the communities they sustain. Gabriel joined PCL in 2025.