Q&A with Nia Nickens: 2025 Energy Policy Fellow

Nia, can you start by telling us a little about yourself? 

My name is Nia Nickens, and I’m a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, where I received my Master’s in Energy. This session, I am a fellow in Representative Rafael Anchia’s office, representing House District 103. I staff the Representative on the House Committees on State Affairs and Environmental Regulation. 

What led you to exploring a career in energy policy? 

My passion for environmental and energy policy began in 2016 when I witnessed the viral protests against the Keystone Pipeline. I also lived the experience of disproportionate energy bills in a low-income household in Texas. From then on, I knew that I wanted to work at the intersection of policy and environmental advocacy for a more just climate future.

In 2023, I was inspired by the investments in the energy sector made through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. I saw this as an opportunity to pivot my background in environmental studies toward a more focused role in the energy space. From there, I decided to apply to Texas A&M’s Energy Institute, where I earned my Master’s in Energy. The program gave me a strong foundation in both the global and Texas energy landscape through courses like Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Law, and Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Leading up to graduation, I saw the PowerHouse fellowship as a unique opportunity to build hands-on experience in policy while contributing to meaningful legislative work in Texas.

What have you been working on during this legislative session?

I was selected by Representative Rafael Anchia’s office where I staff him on the House Committee on State Affairs and Environmental Regulation. The key issues that I work on include energy and environmental legislation. My main responsibilities involve researching, analyzing, and tracking legislation related to energy, environment, and water policy. I also prepare briefing materials, attend committee hearings, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure the Representative is well-informed on key issues this session.

My main focus areas include energy and environmental regulations that affect Texans. Given that the State Affairs Committee often serves as a catch-all for a wide range of issues, I also monitor and brief on more controversial legislation, including bills related to THC regulation, LGBTQ rights, and abortion. Working in this space is extremely fast paced. This experience has highlighted the complexity and real life impact of state-level policymaking, especially given Texas’s leadership in energy production.

What have been your most valuable takeaways so far?

What has surprised me most is the importance of building those personal relationships in the beginning of session as well as the strategic planning required at every stage of the legislative process. It is truly like nurturing a child for five months. Each bill needs consistent tending to to make it to the next stage of its life. So, building connections with industry leaders, advocacy groups, and state agencies is really essential for pushing your office’s policy goals. As a result, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with high-level officials and experts I never imagined I would meet.

The most challenging aspect of this experience has been having to balance diverse stakeholder interests in a fast paced policy environment. However, it has allowed me to think of viable solutions quickly. This fellowship has taught me the importance of nurturing professional relationships. Getting legislation to progress requires constant engagement and collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders. Building and maintaining these connections is essential for overcoming any challenges that come up in the process.

Texas’s energy landscape is both dynamic and complex. While the state is experiencing rapid growth in the energy sector, it is still highly vulnerable to those who may resist progress, particularly in the transition to clean energy. The idea of clean energy has been polarized which is disheartening to watch live throughout the session.

This session brought several surprises, particularly with three significant pieces of legislation took off in our office: HB 2618, HB 3511, and HB 5200. Each bill represents a different aspect of Texas’s approach to energy and climate solutions:

• HB 2618: Requires 13 state agencies to publish severe weather plans, enhancing the state’s preparedness for extreme weather events.

• HB 3511: Would allow electric vehicle owners to sell electricity back to the grid, promoting greater flexibility and resilience in our energy system.

• HB 5200: Encourages ERCOT to adopt grid-enhancing technologies and high-performance conductors to reduce transmission congestion and improve grid reliability.

Working in Texas’s political environment has been a very valuable learning experience, but has also changed my perspective of the state. The overall process has taught me that policymaking here is as much about strategy and relationship-building as it is about the actual policies themselves. I have gained an appreciation for the complexities of advancing clean energy initiatives in a state with very diverse interests and priorities.

Throughout this fellowship, I have greatly benefited from the guidance of mentors who have helped me navigate the legislative process. Their insights have taught me the value of persistence, adaptability, and consistent communication in achieving policy goals.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

This summer, I will serve as a Climate Corps Fellow with the Environmental Defense Fund, where I will develop a fleet electrification strategic plan for the City of Austin. My experience with PowerHouse Texas has been very rewarding because I have been able to cultivate relationships with both the City of Austin and the Environmental Defense Fund, which are essential for completing my project.

My experience working at the Texas State Capitol has been extremely eye-opening in terms of the political landscape we are living in. However, it has given me the confidence and skills to pursue a career anywhere within a policy, energy, or climate field. It has also solidified my commitment towards environmental progress and how I would like to continue shaping the future of U.S. energy policy. 

Moving forward, I hope to continue helping others see the potential of adopting clean energy sources and promoting more innovative technologies. My passion for environmental studies still drives me to raise awareness about the urgency of climate change and to help others recognize that its impacts are unbiased. Overall, I will continue to make a meaningful difference in Texas and U.S. energy policy.

“My experience working at the Texas State Capitol has been extremely eye-opening in terms of the political landscape we are living in. However, it has given me the confidence and skills to pursue a career anywhere within a policy, energy, or climate field. “