Nick Owens – Environmental Leader and Advocate for Responsible Energy Development
With nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of energy infrastructure development and environmental stewardship, Nick has earned a reputation as a thought leader in biodiversity, regulatory policy, and sustainable project design across the globe.

Beginning his journey in environmental science as a regional expert in the Midwest, Nick's early work focused on rare glacial drift hill prairies and freshwater mussel assemblages. His field research contributed valuable data to peer-reviewed journals and critical environmental assessments through programs such as the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Critical Trends Assessment Program.

Throughout his career, Nick has continuously evolved his impact, becoming a prominent voice in regulatory and legislative matters, particularly related to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. His strategic leadership in this space has preserved over $2.9 billion USD in value for major oil and gas companies by aligning environmental responsibility with business interests.

A passionate advocate for innovative conservation, Nick played a foundational role in launching the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative—a pioneering public-private partnership funded initially through Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. This collaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has since catalyzed nearly $12 million USD in on-the-ground conservation across the ecologically sensitive Permian Basin.

Internationally, Nick has extended his expertise through leadership roles such as Chair of the Cross Sector Biodiversity Initiative (CSBI), where he coordinated biodiversity best practices among global trade organizations and financial institutions. As manager of the biodiversity and ecosystem services program for Anadarko’s $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, he led a 20+ person team to guide project design with ecological integrity, discover new species, and implement novel monitoring technologies—all while securing successful project financing.

A committed industry leader, Nick has recently completed his term as Chair of the NEPA Workgroup within the American Petroleum Institute (API), where he helped shape national regulatory strategy amidst sweeping environmental policy changes. His contributions span both offshore and onshore regulatory frameworks, from induced seismicity to marine mammal protection.

An active member of the Academy Board of Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP) for the past eight years, Nick has served on the Certification Review Board, mentored emerging professionals, and contributed to the refinement of certification standards—continuing a legacy of environmental excellence inspired by pioneers like Dr. Richard Kramer.
 

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