Zainab Mirza is the research associate for Ocean Policy at American Progress. Prior to joining American Progress, Mirza was the program associate for the Clean Energy Business Network, serving as the small-business voice for the clean energy economy. She has served on numerous campaigns, at the Environmental Protection Agency, and at the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Mirza graduated from American University with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and environmental studies.
US Pacific Territories and the America the Beautiful Initiative Can Deliver Ocean Climate Solutions
The U.S. Pacific territories are vast—combined, their ocean areas are nearly twice the size of Alaska—and they are home to some of the world's largest marine protected areas. This region will be critical for achieving the Biden administration’s goals to combat climate change, protect 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, and ensure access to nature for all Americans.
In this episode, Michael Khus from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and Sol Kaho’ohalahala, chair of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, discuss Indigenous healing through the ocean.
In this episode, Violet Sage Walker from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and Rep. Sheila Babauta from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (D) discuss Indigenous women in ocean leadership.
The Oil Industry’s Grip on Public Lands and Waters May Be Slowing Progress Toward Energy Independence
Seventy-seven percent of public lands in the western United States that are ideal for renewable energy projects are in areas with low or no oil and gas potential, yet they are still prioritized for oil and gas leasing.
Fixing Abandoned Offshore Oil Wells Can Create Jobs and Protect the Ocean
Abandoned and orphaned offshore oil and gas wells are costing taxpayers billions and the Biden administration can take immediate actions to address this ecological and financial crisis.
To Protect 30 Percent of the Ocean, the United States Must Invest in the National Marine Sanctuaries Program
For the 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the United States must ensure that sanctuaries are able to fulfill their mandate of protecting the ocean and Great Lakes and preserving their cultural history.
State-by-State Impacts of Climate Change and the Trump Administration’s Anti-Environmental Agenda
These fact sheets explore how states are experiencing climate change differently—and how the Trump administration’s regulatory rollbacks are affecting each state.
