Q&A with Andie Kapiloff: 2025 Energy Policy Fellow

Can you us a little about yourself?

My name is Andie Kapiloff and I am a 2025 PowerHouse Fellow working in the office of Senator Nathan Johnson for the 89th Legislative Session. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and got to see and experience firsthand the effects of inadequate energy policy on my home community. From Winter Storm Urie to Hurricane Beryl, I witnessed a variety of issues that left Houstonians without power and at the mercy of the elements. My firsthand experiences, combined with my academic interests in law and politics, ultimately led me to working with PowerHouse.

What led you to exploring a career in energy policy?

I graduated with a BA in political science and minors in environmental studies and history from Swarthmore College in 2023. I then completed my Master’s at the Columbia University Climate School in 2024. My academic background has focused heavily on the overlap between policy and the environment, and my Master’s coursework focused heavily on what solutions are available to fight the climate crisis. One of the most critical aspects of Environmental Policy is the production and consumption of energy. Having grown up in the city considered to be the “energy capital of the world,” these issues are particularly pertinent. The opportunity to put my education to use in the Texas policy space was one I could not pass up.

What have you been working on during this legislative session?

In Senator Johnson’s office, I am one of 7 legislative aides that assist our policy analysts with a variety of work. I work specifically with our Chief of Staff, Lani Lappinga, on energy, water, and environmental issues within the office. While I have gotten the opportunity to work on a variety of bills and topics, my most notable project has been SB 2994. SB 2994 is a bill that aims to promote energy efficiency by raising annual demand reduction and energy savings goals for electric utilities. I have had the incredible opportunity to engage with stakeholders from both the industry and advocacy areas. I surprised at the extent to which our office engages with stakeholders and truly incorporates their concerns into bill language. I was also surprised at the level of work I was entrusted with, but also excited to take on a challenge. Over all, I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of crafting and drafting SB 2994, and I look forward to seeing how it progresses through the legislature.

What have been your most valuable takeaways so far?

My three months of work in the Capitol thus far have been nothing short of fantastic. Getting to implement so many concepts and issues I learned about throughout my education in the form of hands-on policy making has been an amazing opportunity, both personally and professionally. My professional self-confidence has improved significantly throughout session, as I have developed new skills and learned so much from all the people I have had the opportunity to engage with. While working in a Democrat office can sometimes be difficult in Texas’ political climate, I have learned to see our political system as less black and white than I initially anticipated. I have also developed friendships with my co-workers, the other PowerHouse fellows, and other friends I’ve made in the building, which has made coming to work each day all the more enjoyable.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

After session is over, I will be spending the summer resting a bit before heading to law school at the University of Texas this fall. My work this session has further cemented my interest in Environmental and Energy Law, and I look forward to taking the experiences I’ve had and the many lessons I have learned this session with me into the next phase of my education.