David Farnsworth advises regulators and advocates on clean energy and environmental policy and regulation. He also supports the work of energy efficiency and environmental advocates around the country.
Prior to working with RAP, he served as a hearing officer and staff attorney with the Vermont Public Service Board from 1995 to 2008. From 2003 to 2008, Farnsworth was a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Staff Working Group.
Farnsworth was co-chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' (NARUC) Staff Subcommittee to the Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment from 2004 to 2005; vice-chair of the NARUC Staff Subcommittee to the Committee on Natural Gas from 2000 to 2002; and served as a staff member of the NARUC Task Force on Climate Policy.
He has also worked internationally as a regulatory consultant providing training on legal and policy issues to relevant ministries and regulatory commissions in Slovakia, Romania, Mozambique, Swaziland and Tanzania.
David Farnsworth earned a bachelor’s degree from Colby College, along with his juris doctor and master of studies in environmental law from Vermont Law School.
How David Farnsworth is Energizing Change
Model Utility Data Access Law
Access to consumption data from utilities enables building owners to cut utility costs, save money, increase asset… Read More +
Opening the Door: How Officials Can Improve Access to Energy Decision-Making
In a representative democracy, all citizens have the right to access government services, to meaningfully contribute to… Read More +
What are you working on that is most crucial to RAP’s mission and why is it crucial?
Reflecting the needs of frontline communities in RAP’s work. Supporting government to better serve communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-and moderate-income communities is critical to RAP’s work. Hearing from and consulting with marginalized communities isn’t just a matter of equitable inclusion — it’s essential to protecting the public interest and securing the nation’s energy future. As states roll out energy programs, improved public access and participation will advance equitable decision making, and increase program reach and effectiveness.
What is something that makes you feel hopeful about the future?
My RAP colleagues.
What is something special about your community?
It is small enough so people, regardless of their politics, are respectful and listen to each other.