About Roger Léron

After graduating in Law and Political Science at the University of Grenoble, Roger Léron began his career as a research attaché at the Research Centre in Grenoble. In 1977, he was appointed First Deputy Mayor of Valence, a position he held until 1995, and from 1988 to 1993, he served as a Socialist member of the French Parliament, representing the Drôme département. Later, from 2000 to 2006, he became the first president of ACNUSA (the French airport nuisance control authority).

Throughout his career, Roger Léron was dedicated to ecological, economic, and social initiatives, making him a pioneer in the fields of sustainable development and energy. He founded the regional energy agency Rhônalpénergie-Environnement, now AURA-EE, in 1978, leading it from 1992 onward. His forward-thinking approach and collaborative skills were instrumental in the agency’s success and its mission to advance sustainability.

In 1990, Roger Léron played a key role in founding FEDARENE, Europe’s leading network for regional energy and environmental agencies. Committed to building national networks, he also helped establish RARE, the French network of regional energy and environment agencies, and chaired it briefly in 1995.

Roger’s passion for energy and environmental issues was rooted in his belief that local and regional actions not only improve quality of life but also contribute significantly to achieving national and European sustainability goals. He understood that when successful local solutions are shared and replicated, their impact reaches far beyond the original communities.

At FEDARENE, we ensure Roger Léron’s legacy lives on, not just through the Roger Léron Award but also in our everyday operations. His vision of empowering local and regional actors continues to guide our work, as we support energy agencies and local authorities in their efforts to drive sustainable change. By promoting collaboration, sharing knowledge, and recognising innovative solutions, we honour his commitment to a more sustainable Europe.