“It is a time of growth for electric utilities and it is incredibly exciting.”

As the Environmental Program Manager at Liberty Utilities, Liz Lawton works to ensure that all 1900 miles of electric utility lines are compliant with all environmental laws, making her position so critical following the devastating forest fires in 2018. Her love for the environment and the Tahoe basin inspires her to act above and beyond her job duties, and her dedication to the community is shown through her position as Chair on the Government Affairs Committee for the Tahoe Chamber and her involvement in many community events with the League to Save Lake Tahoe.

Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Liz Lawton! 

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

As the Environmental Program Manager at Liberty Utilities, I am responsible for ensuring compliance with all environmental laws applicable to our 1900 miles of electric utility lines. This includes compliance with TRPA, USFS, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, CEQA, NEPA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, hazardous waste compliance and many others.

The interesting part of my job is not the compliance aspect, but the relationship building and the programs that come out of the compliance we do as a company. Partnering with the state and federal agencies for fire prevention projects is a high priority for me and Liberty Utilities as a whole. It has been an important mission of mine to educate the public agencies that Liberty Utilities has committed $19M in projects specifically geared towards fire prevention, which makes us one of the largest private contributors to the protection of Lake Tahoe.

On a smaller, more personal scale in my role at Liberty Utilities, I am actively coming up with solutions to relocate birds of prey that nest in our power lines to safer nesting platforms with the hopes of installing webcams to the platform for educational and research purposes.

All in all, my job keeps me engaged in the community and inspired to find balance between the environment and humans’ demand for electricity.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

2019 has been a pivotal year for electric utility companies as a result of the devastating fires in 2018. The best part of this year has been the earnestness and eagerness with which every single employee at Liberty Utilities has been motivated to change the way we conduct business. Employees have pushed themselves beyond their normal day-jobs to contribute to the implementation of the fire prevention efforts. Additionally, the partnerships and cooperation of the public agencies has been a critical component for Liberty Utilities to make a difference. It is a time of growth for electric utilities and it is incredibly exciting.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

“If you talk about it, it’s a dream. If you envision it, it’s possible. But if you schedule it, it’s real.” – Tony Robbins

I have always been an action-oriented person and have never bought into the concept of “Tahoe Time.” If I want to do something, whether in my personal life or professionally, I don’t just sit around and talk about it. I go do it. And before long, each one of those actions turns into a lifetime of experiences.

Who is your role model?

Jacqueline Kennedy Onasssis’ legacy is a good reminder for me to exude grace under pressure. As an incredibly passionate person, I need that reminder frequently.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

Tahoe is the perfect place for me to live and work because of the beautiful and inspiring environment we have access to for recreation. The small town community is also very welcoming with people who are just as passionate about Lake Tahoe as I am. Tahoe is my home.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I am currently the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. I have also been actively involved with community events with the League to Save Lake Tahoe, was a founding Board member of the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, and am a mentor in smaller community organizations.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

My favorite thing to do outside of work depends on the season. I recently started mountain bike racing. I backpack, camp, kayak, ski, paddleboard, and go birding. Anything I can enjoy outside is my passion.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds

Maggie’s Peak is my favorite after-work hike, east shore beaches, and Vansickle Bi-State Park for mountain biking.

Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here.