Spring Gaines

Research and Policy Manager

In her role as Policy Associate, Spring is assisting CPEX in developing and supporting policy initiatives designed to help Louisiana plan for a climate-resilient energy future that drives equity and economic opportunity 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 marine science, marine education, and environmental and animal policy. 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 Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow. In her role as a Fellow, she worked in the office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) as her Animal, Environment, and Clean Energy Legislative Assistant. In this capacity, she worked with developers, terminal operators, non-governmental groups, and federal and state legislators to advance offshore wind efforts in the Northeastern Atlantic, including introducing offshore wind related federal legislation in the House of Representatives. 

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.

Expertise: Animal Policy, Environmental Policy, Energy Policy, Maritime Policy, Scientific and Legislative Research, Scientific and Legal Writing

Email: sgaines@cpex.org