Energy Insecurity: Protecting the Vulnerable During Extreme Climate Events

Ms. Krueger, J.D., serves as Director of the Network’s Climate and Health Team, which focuses on innovative legal and policy strategies to mitigate the disparate health impacts of climate change, increase community resilience to climate change and natural disasters, and reverse the impacts of inequitable laws and policies. Ms. Krueger and her team lead work on extreme heat, flooding, climate migration and displacement, air quality, mental health, and community engaged decision making. Before joining the Network in 2010, she was a senior staff attorney at Farmers’ Legal Action Group, where she analyzed the role of the Farm Bill in the production and distribution of healthy foods; advocated for the integrity of the National Organic Program and provided education and advocacy to improve federal disaster assistance to farmers. Ms. Krueger also served as an assistant attorney general in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. She graduated with high distinction and Order of the Coif from the University of Iowa College of Law and from Earlham College. Ms. Krueger serves on the board of the Seward Community Co-op in Minneapolis, whose mission includes sustaining a healthy community.

Mr. O'Brien joined PULP as a Staff Attorney in October 2024 and provides substantive utility-related policy work at the State and Federal level, liaises with elected officials, State/Federal agencies, utility companies, and community-based organizations, and provides direct service casework to low-income utility customers. Prior to joining PULP, he worked in various roles in the nonprofit sector in New York, D.C., and Ohio, such as working as a Housing Case Manager for low-income clients who are HIV+ in addition to programming for the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association.

Ms. Rodriguez is a Bilingual Research Associate & Communications Assistant who provides culturally competent support to utility customers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Latin American Studies from CUNY City College. Ms. Rodriguez's background in healthcare-both in patient care and administrative roles- shaped her understanding of systemic inequalities and fueled her passion for advocacy. Her current role bridges direct community support and research, ensuring that the voices of underserved communities inform policy and drive meaning and inclusive change.

Ms. Wheelock, Esq. is the Executive Director and General Counsel of the Public Utility Law Project. She began her career working for the New York Public Interest Research Group ("NYPIRG") where she fought for the rights of consumers across the state. Ms. Wheelock went on to work for three different members of the New York State Assembly in both Albany and New York City focusing on a wide variety of issue areas including legislation to promote affordable housing, public access to insurance, nonprofit reform, and environmental protection. In 2023, Ms. Wheelock became a Trustee of the NYS Power Authority. Ms. Wheelock received her Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Binghamton University and received her Juris Doctorate and Masters in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.