In-State Water Energy Nexus Retreat

August 3 | St. Paul, MN

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) hosted the second Water Energy Nexus in State Retreat for the state of Minnesota to convene stakeholders from the water and energy sectors to examine how to expand innovative energy practices that some larger water and wastewater plants have already adopted. Participants will gain a broader understanding of the interconnectivity between the policies, programs, funding options and financing strategies that water and wastewater utilities use to implement energy innovations and will explore opportunities for improving technical assistance and workforce development.

Agenda | Presentations 

August 3, 2018

Welcome & Introduction

Background & Determining State Objectives

Speaker:

  • Shannon Lotthammer, Assistant Commissioner, Water Policy/Agriculture Liaison, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Local Perspective & Opportunities for Progress:

Policy:

  • Anna Henderson, Water Advisors, Office of Governor Mark Dayton

Funding & Financing:

  • Jeff Freeman, Executive Director, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority

Technical Assistance:

  • Laura M. Babcock, Director, Minnesota Technical Assistance Program

Workforce development

  • Wade Klingsporn, President, Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association, and Instructor, Vermilion Community College

Lunch & Keynote:

Speakers:

  • Tracy Hodel, Assistant Utilities Director, City of St. Cloud Minnesota
  • Patrick Shea, Public Services Director, City of St. Cloud, Minnesota

Best Practices Presentations & Discussions

Technical Assistance:

  • Clifford P. Haefke, Director, Energy Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago

Policy:

  • Megan Levy, Local Energy Programs Manager, Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation

Funding & Financing:

  • Alice Dasek, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

Workforce Development:

  • Dave Kuzminski, Coordinator, Water and People Program/Water Boot Camp, Hartford Connecticut 

Action Plan & Wrap Up