Robert oversees the implementation of Defenders’ national legislative and administrative priorities through legislative and grassroots advocacy, coalition participation and national environmental community coordination. He established Defenders’ Government Relations and External Affairs department in 1999. Before joining Defenders in 1990, Robert lobbied on energy and climate change issues for Environmental Action, conducted safety and fuel efficiency advocacy for the Center for Auto Safety and worked for the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Robert Dewey earned his B.A. from Colgate University and an M.S.L. from Vermont Law School.