Governor Names Alan Matheson Environmental Advisor

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Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert has appointed Alan Matheson, Jr., to serve as his senior environmental advisor, filling the vacancy left by the departure of Ted Wilson. Matheson, currently executive director of Envision Utah, will transition into his role in the Governor’s Office October 11.

“With his solid experience on a variety of difficult issues and his no-nonsense focus on the facts, Alan brings an ideal sense of balance and an ability to build consensus,” said the Governor. “His track record is undisputed and his expertise is unparalleled. He’s a great fit.”

Matheson’s motivation for public service is forward-looking. “I’m driven to provide a bright future for our children, where they can get a great job and enjoy Utah’s stunning landscapes, addressing differences with respect and good will. I look forward to working with all interests in Utah to help us create that future,” he said.

As Envision Utah’s executive director, Matheson has facilitated public processes to help communities address development and natural resource challenges in a way consistent with science, economic realities, and public values. Throughout his career, Matheson has organized and managed stakeholder groups, facilitated broad public involvement, and helped bring divided communities together to solve controversial and complex challenges.

Previously, Alan served as the founding director of Trout Unlimited’s Utah Water Project. He was also a partner in a Phoenix law firm, where he specialized in natural resource and water law, and was senior attorney and environmental policy advisor for Arizona’s largest electric utility. Earlier, he worked as a law clerk for a judge on the United States Court of Appeals. Matheson earned a bachelor’s in international relations from Stanford University and a law degree from UCLA School of Law, where he was an editor of the UCLA Law Review.

In the community, Alan serves on the Sandy Planning Commission, Wasatch Front Regional Council, Salt Lake City Energy and Climate Advisory Committee, Rocky Mountain Power Electrical Plan Task Force, and the Governor’s Oil Shale and Tar Sands Advisory Panel.В  He is an official with the Boy Scouts of America, certified BSA canyoneering leader, and youth basketball coach.

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