Laurel Energy & Environmental Strategies LLC
Laurel helps government, business, and non-profits navigate the complex and evolving local, state, and federal energy and environmental landscape and develop pragmatic policies and solutions.
About
Paula Leverett Cobb, Principal
Paula founded Laurel Energy & Environmental Strategies to bring dynamic and practical policies and solutions to life for governments, businesses, and organizations seeking to lead clean energy innovation and economic development for their communities.
Paula brings a seasoned, multi-faceted perspective to project, policy, and strategy development, having worked in the private, public, and non-profit sectors as an attorney, policymaker, and utility leader successfully developing and executing projects and strategies at the local, state, and federal levels. These experiences provide her with critical insights into how governments and organizations function and help inform practical strategies to achieve client objectives.
Prior to founding Laurel, Paula led Clean Air Task Force's Southeast efforts to advocate for the technology and policy changes needed to achieve a zero-emissions, high-energy planet at an affordable cost. Previously, she worked for NextEra Energy as Director of Environmental Services where she led siting, permitting, and compliance teams for nuclear, gas, renewable energy, and reclaimed water resources. Paula also worked as Duke Energy Florida's Environmental Affairs Director. She served two Florida Governors, first as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Environmental Protection, and later, as General Counsel for the South Florida Water Management District. She began her energy and environmental career as an associate attorney at Hopping Green & Sams.
Paula earned a dual degree in law and environmental policy from the University of South Carolina School of Law and Vermont Law School. She lives in Western North Carolina with her family.
Services
Laurel provides a suite of services to help clients navigate complex policy and regulatory frameworks and develop impactful solutions.
Research & Analysis
Dig into complex or emerging topics and help clients understand the landscape to inform goal setting, resource investments, policy or solution development, and decisionmaking.
Policy & Strategy Development
Develop policies or other solutions aligned with client goals, attuned to political dynamics, and tailored to the locality, state, or region in play.
Written Work Products
Generate reports, presentations, educational materials, one-pagers, advocacy resources, online tools, and other documentation.
