Laura Nelson serves as Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL’s) Regional Engagement lead in Utah. Nelson provides leadership, collaboration and engagement to advance INL’s vision through partnerships that deliver results in response to regional, industry, and community energy and economic objectives. Nelson has a deep understanding of energy landscapes in Utah and the Western region, having served as the energy advisor to two Utah governors — Jon Huntsman Jr. and Gary Herbert — and through her work on regulatory, public policy and stakeholder engagements.
Nelson is a recognized energy leader and economist with 20-plus years of experience in energy and natural resources, driving clean energy and sustainable solutions. Before joining INL, she served as the vice president of Sustainability and External Affairs for Southwest Gas, a natural gas distribution and energy service company providing service to over 2.3 million customers across three states. As the sustainability officer, she led the Southwest Gas’ sustainable business practices, customer engagement and public policy initiatives.
In her career, Nelson has been driven by creating a sustainable energy future for everyone and served in roles and boards that allowed her to engage on key energy initiatives. She served as the vice president of consulting services at Strategen, the chair of the Western State Energy Board, vice-chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and was a member of the INL Energy, Environment, Science and Technology Strategic Advisory Committee. She has also served as a policy advisor to public utility commissions and other senior level corporate and board positions throughout her career.
Nelson holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Utah and resides in Holladay, Utah, with her husband.
