Jose Aguto

Legislative Secretary, Sustainable Energy and Environment

As the Legislative Secretary on Sustainable Energy and Environment, Jose directs lobbying efforts that reflect and advance the policies of the FCNL community to seek an Earth restored. Major facets of his work include advocacy on the development of clean energy resources and meaningful actions to help peoples here and abroad prepare for and withstand the profound impacts of climate change.

Prior to joining FCNL in February 2012, Jose was privileged to work for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the oldest, largest and most representative intertribal organization in the nation. At NCAI he helped lead efforts that resulted in the inclusion of tribal nations and peoples in several climate initiatives from Congress and the administration; develop and advance legislation tapping the vast energy potential on Indian lands; and create and advance the work of Our Natural Resources, an alliance of intertribal organizations promoting the sustainability of Indian Country’s natural resources, cultural lifeways, and ecological practices.

Prior to joining NCAI in 2008, Jose was a Policy Advisor for the American Indian Environmental Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he helped advance and protect the sovereign authority of Indian tribes over their lands and natural resources. He is a graduate of Brown University and Villanova University School of Law, and a member of the Maryland Bar.