RSVP

You are cordially invited to the November 21st Western Regional Partnership (WRP) webinar highlighting energy from a state perspective. This webinar will begin at 9 am and conclude by 11 am Pacific.

The WRP Region contains diverse existing energy generation resources, both conventional and alternative, and significant transmission corridors and capacity. Energy planning in the West includes ensuring grid resilience while integrating energy generation, renewable energy resources and transmission systems to reduce costs, achieve public policy goals, and maintain system reliability. Federal, state and tribal entities must work cooperatively across jurisdictional lines to ensure an adequate and stable energy supply exists throughout the WRP Region, especially in times of disaster, and to address intrastate and interstate implications. This webinar will feature presentations by the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah to learn of their current energy-related priorities.

Webinar speakers and bios:

• AZ: Maren Mahoney, Director, Office of Resiliency. Experienced attorney passionate about building an equitable, resilient future for all Arizonans. Trained in systems-level analysis, her expertise is in energy regulation, law, and policy development, analysis, and advocacy. Previously, served as a Policy Advisor at the Arizona Corporation Commission, and managed an energy policy think tank at Arizona State University. Holds a J.D. from New York Law School and M.A. in Sustainability from ASU.
• CA: Jim Bartridge, Senior Program and Policy Specialist, California Energy Commission. Has worked for CEC in a variety of policy and technical positions since 2001. Holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Political Science (Environmental Policy and Public Administration) from the University of Nevada, Reno
• CO: Will Toor, Executive Director, Colorado Energy Office. Served in this position since January 2019. Formerly, Transportation Program Director, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, and served 15 years in local office (Boulder mayor and then county commissioner). Previously chaired the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Holds a BS in Physics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago.
• NV: Dwayne McClinton, Director, Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy. Served in this capacity since February 2023. Proud United States Marine Corps veteran. Serves on the board of the Committee on Regional Electric Power Cooperation (CREPC), Western Interstate Energy Board (WEIB), Western Regional Partnership (WRP), Western Interconnection Regional Advisory Body (WIRAB), and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and 100 Black Men of Las Vegas.  Previously, served as the Sr. Legislative Advisor, Southwest Gas Corporation; Staff Project Manager and Manager of Operations, Granite Services; and Regional Operations Manager, Gamesa North America. 
• NM: Cholla Khoury, Chief of Staff, New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Served in this position since February 2023. Previously served in the state Attorney General's Office in multiple roles including as the State’s Utility Consumer Advocate, Director of the Consumer and Environmental Protection Division and Chief Deputy Attorney General. Bachelor's degree, Briar Cliff University, and J.D. from Drake University.
• UT: Dusty Monks, Interim Director, Utah Office of Energy Development. Over 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. Strong advocate for Utah’s “any of the above” energy policy and is passionate about educating people on the power of energy. Pursues initiatives that enable our modern way of life, supporting industry in its pursuits to provide the reliable energy we need in an affordable and sustainable way.
• WGA: Steven Emmen, Policy Advisor, Western Governors’ Association (WGA). Covers water, energy, air quality, and permitting issues, and worked on Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ Chair initiative, the Heat Beneath Our Feet, examining the development and deployment of geothermal resources throughout the West. Previously, served as a Regional Representative for a U.S. Senator (in Denver metropolitan area), Legislative Aide, Colorado State Senate, and worked in the oil and gas industry. B.A. in History, Colorado State University.

Please email amyduffy@westernregionalpartnership.org with any questions for the presenters to address during the webinar.