Informed by her experience as faculty and Director of the Energy Management program at Western Colorado University, Jessica Laramie has thought deeply about the challenges of educating about the oil and gas industry on college campuses amidst prevailing anti-fossil fuel sentiment.
During this conversation with Andrew and Adam, Jessica — an attorney at Shanor & Franklin with a practice on land, title, transactional, and regulatory matters within the energy industry — addresses how to have challenging conversations about energy when people don’t agree. She recounts instances of working through negativity and bullying from unexpected sources, and the pervasive effects of broader societal issues such as polarization and media influence.
Jessica points out what she calls “passive teaching” of anti-fossil fuel messaging and the need for factual education, open dialogue and understanding to counteract biases. She advocates for increased industry engagement with educational institutions to promote understanding, attract talent, and drive progress in areas like decarbonization and policy development.
Her insights underscore the importance of fostering dialogue, understanding, and industry engagement to address challenges and drive progress in the energy sector.
In this episode, the hosts get Jessica’s thoughts on:
- The evolution and challenges of energy education.
- Bridging the gap between industry experience and academic teaching.
- Addressing climate anxiety and fostering constructive dialogues.
- Innovative approaches to promoting industry engagement and education.
Jessica Laramie Bio
Jessica Laramie is an attorney at Shanor & Franklin, focusing her practice on land, title, transactional, and regulatory matters within the energy industry. Her multifaceted perspective is built upon years of experience with various oil and gas exploration and production companies.
Having previously served as faculty and Director of the Energy Management program at Western Colorado University, Jessica is passionate about energy education. She has taught a variety of energy, oil and gas, and land-management-focused courses including oil and gas law, title, energy law and regulation, property and contracts, federal land management, oil and gas agreements, energy contracts, business law, and strategic negotiations. Jessica also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she developed and taught Oil and Gas Agreements and Contemporary Issues in Oil and Gas.
Jessica grew up in Homer Glen, Illinois, and graduated summa cum laude with undergraduate degrees in History and Politics and Government from Illinois State University. She obtained her Masters in Natural Resources Law and J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She is a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen, the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law (FNREL), the Denver Association of Professional Landmen, and the Colorado Bar Association. She is a graduate of the 2023 EnGen Cohort and an At-Large Board Member of the Energy Leadership Institute. Jessica is a volunteer on the partnership and fundraising committee for Light Up the World and is acting Project Chair for the FNREL Legal Landman’s Handbook, 6th Edition.
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