Published September 05, 2023
By Christine Reed
The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to welcome Esther Wagner to the Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis (CERPA) as a Research Professional.
Established in 2020, CERPA draws upon interdisciplinary energy law, policy, technology, and economic experts to conduct meaningful, high-quality analyses for the benefit of the State of Wyoming, the intermountain west region and the United States.
In her new role, Wagner will be providing guidance on policies governing Wyoming’s legacy energy industries as well as emerging technologies and offering insights on how they can benefit Wyoming.
“I’m very pleased and excited to be here,” says Wagner. “I think this is a profound opportunity to be a voice in the important dialogue occurring to support new energy policies that will benefit the state. In addition to the job, everyone at SER has really made me feel welcome and I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and collaborative team.”
A native of Casper, Wagner has wide-ranging experience navigating energy regulations and providing recommendations to policymakers in support of innovative technologies. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Wyoming, and prior to joining SER, Wager built a career as an energy professional.
Having first worked as an independent consultant and then with Devon Energy administering the community outreach program for their western operations, Wagner spent eight years with the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, first as a Public Lands Specialist and then as the Vice President for Public Lands. Most recently, she served as an energy policy advisor to former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney and as the Manager for Government Affairs at Western Energy Alliance.
In addition to her work, Wagner has continued to interface between industry and government, and advocate for the oil and gas industry on public lands, wildlife, and regulatory matters. She has served on several industry boards and committees in Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico, and is currently a board member of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust.
“I am thrilled that Esther has joined CERPA,” says CERPA Director Kara Fornstrom. “The depth of experience that she brings to the team is critical to informing our research to ensure we are addressing the issues facing Wyoming’s energy sector. She will be a valuable asset to CERPA and the whole state of Wyoming.”
