Josh Freed is a foremost authority in climate and energy, pioneering strategies for net-zero emissions and with unrivaled expertise in clean energy innovation and advanced nuclear technology.

For the last 15 years, Josh has led Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program, overseeing the strategy to advance policies for the United States and allies to work together to create and use an independent clean energy system to increase economic prosperity, ensure our security and protect democracy, and limit the impacts of climate change to 2C or less. Under his leadership, the program has become a leading voice in clean energy innovation policy, advocating for the use of all low and zero-carbon technologies to combat climate change.

Josh spearheaded Third Way’s pioneering advocacy for advanced nuclear technology, significantly influencing federal support for nuclear innovation. He has also driven policy and communication efforts to decarbonize the electricity, transportation, and industrial sectors, fostering job creation and economic opportunities. In this capacity, Josh is a go-to resource for senior US, UK, and European policymakers, philanthropies, labor organizations, and business leaders.

Josh has been extensively engaged with the Biden-Harris administration, contributing to the development and implementation of climate and energy strategies. He is adept at discussing a wide range of topics within climate and energy, particularly nuclear and industrial strategy. Additionally, he is widely versed on U.S. elections, issues around countering right-wing populism, and the need for better coordination among center-left political parties.

Josh’s insights on climate, clean energy, and innovation have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, POLITICO, Axios, Vox, The Los Angeles Times, and Wired. He has also appeared on NPR, Fox News, The Weeds, and Political Climate.

Before joining Third Way, Josh held senior positions advising the senior leadership of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as well as members of Congress, including Representatives Rob Andrews and Diana DeGette. Josh holds a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and their dog in Washington, DC's Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

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  • All Topics203
  • Climate and Energy191
  • Messaging and Politics48
  • Nuclear35
  • Climate Research16
  • Politics15
  • Carbon Management12
  • Economy8
  • Advanced Nuclear Energy7
  • Clean Energy Innovation6
  • Clean Energy Finance6
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Third Way in the news
Heatmap
Published March 23, 2025

The IRA Has a Math Problem

Photo of Josh Freed
Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program
Third Way in the news
Grist
Published February 21, 2025

The uncertain future of the Green New Deal

Photo of Josh Freed
Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program
Third Way in the news
Grist
Published January 27, 2025

Joe Biden was America’s first climate president. Did it matter?

Photo of Josh Freed
Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program
Third Way in the news
The Washington Post
Published December 19, 2024

Biden plan would encourage AI data centers on federal lands

Photo of Josh Freed
Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program
Third Way in the news
E&E News
Published November 21, 2024

Trump’s DOE pick scorns renewables, but not all of them

Photo of Josh Freed
Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program

Team

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Deputy Director for Nuclear
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Senior Visiting Fellow
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Senior Communications Advisor
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Senior Philanthropy Officer
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Senior Grants Accountant
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Deputy Director of Learning & Organizational Development
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Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
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Deputy Director of Communications for the Climate & Energy Program
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Office and Facilities Associate
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Executive Vice President for Public Affairs

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