Spring Gaines

In her role as research and policy manager, Spring leads efforts at the Center for Planning Excellence to develop and support policy initiatives designed to help Louisiana plan for an energy future that drives economic opportunity and unlocks energy options for residents and businesses in our state.

A native of St. Bernard, LA, Spring obtained her B.S. in marine biology from Nicholls State University and earned her J.D. and LL.M. in environmental law from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Her professional and academic experiences have culminated in strong expertise in environmental, energy, and maritime policy, scientific and legislative research, and scientific and legal writing to state and municipal level strategies and frameworks. Spring has worked with organizations such as Center for Biological Diversity, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Before joining CPEX, she served as a 2022 Knauss Marine Policy Fellow. In her role as a fellow, she worked in the office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) as a legislative assistant. Her portfolio included overseeing energy initiatives, regulations, and legislation for the Northeast Atlantic.

In her spare moments, Spring volunteers for projects like beach clean-ups and tree plantings, explores museums and libraries, and participates in game nights with her twin sister and close friends. While in D.C., she checked off a bucket list goal of taking a nap in the Library of Congress.