Wayne Owens (December 26 1937 – August 16 2002) was an American politician and attorney who served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Utah’s 2nd congressional district. He held office during two non‑consecutive periods (1973–1975 and 1987–1993) and later served in the Clinton administration as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the United States Department of Energy.
Early life and education
- Birth: December 26 1937, Price, Utah, United States.
- Family background: Son of a local businessman; grew up in a Mormon household.
- Education: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Utah in 1961 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah College of Law in 1964.
Legal career
After admission to the Utah Bar in 1964, Owens practiced law in Provo, Utah. He specialized in corporate and municipal law and served as a city attorney for several municipalities before entering elective politics.
Political career
First congressional term (1973–1975)
- Elected in 1972, defeating incumbent Republican Sherman P. Lloyd.
- Served on the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Committee on Science and Technology.
- Lost re‑election in 1974 to Republican Jim Wright.
Intervening years
- Returned to private legal practice and became involved in energy policy advocacy.
- Served as a senior staff member for the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Return to Congress (1987–1993)
- Re‑elected in 1986, succeeding Republican James V. Hansen.
- Re‑elected for three additional terms, serving until 1993.
- Notable legislative work included sponsorship of bills related to water resource management, land use in the Western United States, and renewable energy development.
- Chaired the House Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Department of Energy (1993–1995)
- Appointed Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations in the U.S. Department of Energy under Secretary Hazel O'Leary.
- Acted as the department’s primary liaison with Congress and state governments, overseeing the implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Later professional activity
After leaving federal service in 1995, Owens joined several public‑policy think tanks and served on the boards of nonprofit organizations focused on environmental stewardship and sustainable development. He also contributed op‑ed pieces on energy and water policy to national newspapers.
Personal life
- Marriage: Married to Bonnie Owens (née Miller) in 1965.
- Children: Two daughters, Karen and Lisa.
- Religion: Practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints.
Death
Wayne Owens died of complications from pancreatic cancer on August 16 2002 in Provo, Utah, at the age of 64.
Legacy
Owens is remembered for his bipartisan approach to natural‑resource legislation and his advocacy for sustainable energy policies in the Western United States. The Wayne Owens Water Conservation Award, established by the Utah Water Users Association, honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to water preservation, reflecting Owens’ legislative focus on water resource issues.