Dr. Gregory Upton, a leading voice in energy and environmental economics, serving as Interim Director at LSU Energy Institute as well as Executive Director and Associate Research Professor at the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies. His research explores the complex intersections of energy markets, environmental policy, and economic development, with over 40 publications and more than 200 invited presentations to industry, government, and academic audiences.

Dr. Upton’s expertise has informed legislative decision-making at both the state and federal levels, including testimony before the Louisiana Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. His insights are regularly featured in national media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and NPR, and he is a frequent guest on live talk radio.

At LSU, Dr. Upton has taught across the MBA program, Economics, and Environmental Sciences departments, bridging technical rigor with policy relevance. He currently serves as President-Elect of the United States Association for Energy Economics (USAEE) and holds advisory roles with the Center for Legislative Energy & Environmental Research (CLEER) and the National Petroleum Council (NPC).

In Louisiana, Dr. Upton contributes to key state initiatives as a legislatively appointed member of both the Clean Hydrogen Task Force and the Task Force on Local Impacts of Carbon Capture and Sequestration. He was recently recognized as part of the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty Under 40 class of 2024.

Dr. Upton brings to LA-SEER Talk a deep commitment to evidence-based dialogue and collaborative problem-solving at the nexus of energy, environment, and economic resilience.