Nancy Ryan

Nancy E. Ryan is an economist with expertise in energy markets and the public health and ecological impacts of energy production. Appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in January 2010, Commissioner Ryan is the CPUC’s lead Commissioner on proceedings developing policies for the Smart Grid and Alternative Fueled Vehicles. She also plays a leading role in shaping California’s efforts to develop renewable energy resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electric sector.

Prior to her appointment Commissioner Ryan served as the CPUC’s Deputy Executive Director for Policy and External Relations. She joined the CPUC in 2006 as Chief Energy Advisor to President Michael R. Peevey and subsequently served as his Chief of Staff.

Commissioner Ryan’s career path has included positions in advocacy, academia and the private sector. Before joining the CPUC she was Senior Economist and Deputy California Director at Environmental Defense Fund, where she led advocacy efforts focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and power plants, curbing air pollution from diesel engines and restoring rivers and watersheds. She has also worked as a consultant in the energy field and for many years taught applied economics courses at UC Berkeley’s Richard and Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy.

Dr. Ryan received her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley and a BA in Economics from Yale University.