Governor Appoints New Energy Policy Adviser
SALT LAKE CITY (May 24, 2016) – Governor Gary R. Herbert announced the appointment of Dr. Laura Nelson as his new energy policy adviser at the fifth annual Governor’s Utah Energy Development Summit, May 24, 2016.
For the past two years, Dr. Nelson has served as the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED), overseeing the organization’s mission to advance of all forms of responsible energy and minerals production. She will continue her position at OED, while also undertaking her new responsibilities as energy policy adviser.
“As we continue our ten-year strategic energy plan, Dr. Nelson’s expertise will be key to ensuring Utah’s ongoing leadership in providing affordable, reliable and sustainable energy,” Gov. Herbert said. “Laura has a track record of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to deliver innovative market solutions.”
Dr. Nelson has spent more than 20 years working on energy and natural resource issues in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining OED, Dr. Nelson served as the vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Potash Ridge, Corp., the vice president of energy and environmental development at Red Leaf Resources, and as the energy advisor to former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. She also served as the energy policy advisor to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and a technical consultant to the Utah Division of Public Utilities. She holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Utah.
“I’m honored by this opportunity to advance Utah’s energy legacy,” said Dr. Nelson. “Utah is at the heart of several regional and national policy discussions, and it’s my priority as energy adviser to help collaboratively shape the strategic management of our natural resources in order to provide a future filled with opportunities for Utah’s rising generation.”
Dr. Nelson will replace Cody Stewart, who has been acting as both energy policy advisor and policy director to Gov. Herbert since 2012. Stewart will continue his role as the Governor’s policy director. Dr. Nelson will formally assume her new position immediately.
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Governor appoints Bates to the Third District Court
SALT LAKE CITY (May 24, 2016) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has appointed Matthew Bates as a judge to fill a vacancy on the 3rd District Court.
“Matthew’s diversity of experience, paired with a keen intellect and exceptional work ethic, will make him a valuable asset to the 3rd District Court. I have every confidence that he will be an excellent judge” said Gov. Herbert.
Bates joined the Summit County Attorney’s Office in 2011, and is currently the chief prosecutor. Prior to his service in Summit County, he served in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office (2008-2011). Bates served as both a criminal and civil appellate attorney at the Utah Attorney General’s office (2006-2008).
“I am humbled by this appointment and grateful to the Governor for this opportunity,” said Bates. “I have spent much of my career striving to uphold the principles of our state and federal constitutions. If confirmed, I look forward to serving the people of Utah and ensuring that our courts are fair and accessible to all.”
Subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate, Bates will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charlene Barlow.
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UTAH SENATE REQUESTS PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIRD DISTRICT COURT NOMINEE
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee is seeking public comment on Matthew Bates, who was recently appointed to fill an upcoming vacancy in Utah's Third District Court.
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Gov. Herbert statement on joint lawsuit over Obama directive
SALT LAKE CITY (May 25, 2016) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert issued the following statement today regarding a multi-state lawsuit over the recent Department of Education and Department of Justice directive:
“This is another example of President Obama issuing a one-size-fits-all mandate when states and individual schools could best address the issue. Every Utah student should feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect. Local schools can and should work directly with parents and students to find appropriate, individualized solutions. It is unfortunate that the president has chosen to politicize our schools with such an extreme example of federal overreach. I look forward to working with other states to resolve this conflict in a way that respects the privacy of all Utah children.”
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