Employee Spotlight: Gretchen Kern, VP of Regulatory and External Affairs at Qube
A Legal Foundation in Environmental Policy
Gretchen's journey in environmental law and policy showcases her dedication to driving meaningful change in emissions management. After earning her law degree from Pepperdine Law and practicing in California, her career path led her to the intersection of law, energy, science, and policy advocacy – a space where she continues to make significant impact.
Building Expertise in Energy and Environment
"I've always wanted to do environmental law," Gretchen shares. Her early career at Pioneer Natural Resources as their international environmental advisor took her around the world, from the offshore blocks of Nigeria to the Sahara Desert in Tunisia. These experiences gave her invaluable insights into global energy operations and environmental challenges.
Policy Leadership and Advocacy
One of Gretchen's proudest achievements has been her leadership in alternative technology advocacy. She spearheaded efforts to streamline the approval process for new emissions detection technologies, working closely with industry groups like the American Petroleum Institute. "No one was talking too much about alternative technology there," she recalls. "I really spearheaded that effort."
Current Role at Qube
As VP of Regulatory and External Affairs, Gretchen brings her passion for environmental progress to Qube. "My favorite thing to do is advocacy in Washington, DC," she explains. Her work involves engaging with regulatory agencies, members of Congress, industry groups, and think tanks,including participation in the prestigious Harvard Methane Roundtable.
Strategic Impact
Gretchen's role involves analyzing complex legislative and regulatory changes and their potential impact on emissions monitoring technology. She works extensively with EPA regulators, Congressional staff, and industry stakeholders to advocate for innovative solutions in emissions detection and quantification.
Driving Industry Evolution
"Alternative technology is still crucial for energy production ," Gretchen emphasizes when discussing current Executive Orders and potential regulatory changes under the new Administration. Her work focuses on ensuring that innovative solutions like Qube's technology continue to play a crucial role in emissions monitoring and compliance frameworks.
Success Through Collaboration
At Qube, Gretchen's effectiveness comes from her ability to work across different sectors and stakeholder groups. She navigates complex technical, legal and regulatory landscapes while building consensus among diverse stakeholders – from technical experts to policymakers.
Advice for Industry Professionals
For those interested in environmental policy and regulatory affairs, Gretchen emphasizes the value of a legal education combined with technical knowledge. "The law degree really –enables you to interpret complex statutes such as the Clean Air Act and Inflation Reduction Act," she advises, noting how understanding both legal frameworks and technical aspects creates a powerful combination in this field.
Looking Forward
In her role at Qube, Gretchen continues to focus on advancing the regulatory, legislative and voluntary frameworks for emissions monitoring technology. Her current priorities include ensuring alternative technologies maintain their place in compliance frameworks while advocating for practical, cost-effective approaches to emissions reduction.
Industry Impact
Through her leadership at Qube, Gretchen prepares the company and its customers for the changes coming out of DC and influences policy and regulatory frameworks that will shape the future of emissions monitoring and control. Her unique ability to bridge technical innovation with legal requirements makes her an invaluable asset in advancing environmental technology solutions.
"When you're reducing methane, you're reducing all the emissions in the gas stream and putting them back in the sales pipe," she explains. "So it's kind of a win-win for industry and the environment." This practical approach to environmental protection characterizes Gretchen's work and her vision for the future of emissions management.