September 18, 2025
Reflection: A Legal Intern Writes About Her Experience at the OEC
My name is Erin Goodburn, and I am one of the Ohio Environmental Council’s (OEC) 2025 legal interns. I am a rising second-year law student at The Ohio State University, and my passions and goals align closely with the OEC’s mission.
The OEC is a team of ambitious environmentalists who deeply care about the communities of Ohio. When I say “communities,” I mean more than just human ones. Yes, many of the communities that the OEC supports include local municipalities, utility ratepayers, voters, people lacking safe drinking water, and students. But its work doesn’t stop there.
The OEC protects communities that are not human at all. The OEC advocates for the endangered mussels in the Big Darby Watershed, defends the trees in the Wayne Valley National Forest, supports the fish in Lake Erie, and safeguards the wildlife surrounding oil and gas fracking sites. These are just a few examples of the ecosystems and species the OEC champions, both through legal tactics and other advocacy strategies.
The OEC’s longstanding leadership and expertise in defending Ohio’s communities is why I wanted to join this team. Over the last ten weeks, I have learned about many challenges facing Ohio communities. My primary focus has been on the Big Darby Watershed, where I’ve researched how local governments can fund long-term conservation efforts.
The Big Darby is one of the most biodiverse places in the Midwest. The creeks support over 100 species of fish and 44 species of mussels. The watershed stretches 557 miles through Central Ohio and touches 10 different jurisdictions in Franklin County alone. Through this project, I’ve come to appreciate just how special this watershed is—and why its protection matters so much.
Working alongside people who are committed to protecting Ohio’s more vulnerable communities has reaffirmed my goal of becoming an environmental lawyer. I am incredibly grateful to the OEC and everyone who makes its work possible. The impact will resonate in Ohio for generations, and I take pride in being a part of it.
