Register Now: Confluence is on Apr 30 — Where Water & Energy Come Together

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BizWest Media LLC

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Apr 10, 2026, 3:00:42 PM (2 days ago) Apr 10

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presents

The Conversations Driving Our Region Forward

April 30, 2026

7:30 a.m. - Noon

Aims Community College Welcome Center

4901 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634

BizWest's Confluence event brings together leaders from government, utilities, industry and economic development to examine the issues surrounding water scarcity and energy development in the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado.

This half-day conference will explore how water and energy systems intersect, and what it means for communities, businesses and infrastructure as the region continues to grow.

Join the conversation shaping our region's future and register your seat at Confluence today:

Agenda

7:30 am - Registration & Networking (Breakfast)

8:00 - 8:50 am – Plenary

At the Confluence: Where Water and Energy Futures Meet

Every megawatt has a water footprint, and every gallon delivered requires power. Leaders from utilities, municipalities and industry will discuss how coordinated planning can reduce risk, improve resilience and support economic development.

Moderator: Rich Werner, President & CEO, Upstate Colorado; Brett Cavanaugh, Director of Oil and Gas Energy Department, Weld County; Sean Chambers, Director of Water & Sewer, City of Greeley

9:00 - 9:50 am – Water Session

Colorado River Crisis

Ongoing drought, compact obligations and federal negotiations continue to reshape how Colorado and downstream states share the river. Experts will discuss the latest policy developments, conservation requirements and what the river’s uncertain future means for Northern Colorado communities and agriculture.

Moderator: Scott Franz, Water and Environmental Reporter, KUNC; Fay Hartman, Southwest Conservation Director, American Rivers; Zane Kessler, Director of Government Relations, Colorado River Conservation District; Bart Miller, Healthy Rivers Director, Water Resource Advocates; Amy Ostdiek, Section Chief, Colorado Water Conservation Board; Kyle Whitaker, Water Rights Manager, Northern Water

9:00 - 9:50 am – Energy Session

The Digital Oilfield: Efficiency, Emissions and the Next Phase of Colorado Production

Advanced sensors, real-time monitoring and AI-driven analytics are transforming oil and gas operations across the DJ Basin. Panelists will explore how digital technologies are improving efficiency, reducing emissions, lowering water use and reshaping regulatory compliance.

Moderator: Dan Haley, Executive Director, CRED

10:00 - 10:50 am – Water Session

Building for Thirst: Expanding Water Infrastructure in a Growth Economy

As Northern Colorado adds residents and industry, municipalities and water districts are investing in new storage, treatment and delivery systems. This panel examines how projects are financed — from rate increases to bonds to impact fees — and what that means for businesses and households.

Moderator: Scott Holwick, Partner, Lyons Gaddis; Todd Gaston, Senior Associate and Economics Lead, Westwater Research; Jennifer Gimbel, Senior Water Policy Scholar, CSU Colorado Water Center; Martin Lind, CEO and Owner, The Water Valley Company; Virgil Pierce, Utility and Finance Manager, City of Greeley; Joe Taddeucci, Director of Public Works, City of Boulder

10:00 - 10:50 am – Energy Session

Energy's Changing Rulebook

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, both in Colorado and nationally, from emissions standards to renewable mandates and local permitting authority. This session provides a practical look at how state and local rules are shaping energy development, grid planning and investment decisions.

Moderator: Julie Murphy, Director, Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission; Chad Calvert, Manager, Rockies Government Relations, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.; Lynn Granger, Executive Director, COGA; Shea Kauffman, Director of Land and Business Development, Prairie Resources; Mimi Larsen, OF Counsel, Brownstein

11:00 - 11:50 am – Plenary

"Powering the Cloud" Data Centers Drive Demand for Water, Energy

As data centers expand across Colorado, they are becoming some of the largest consumers of both electricity and water. This session explores how cooling technologies, grid capacity, water sourcing and infrastructure planning intersect — and what it means for municipalities, utilities and economic development leaders.

Moderator: Sandra Hagen Solin, Founder and President, Capitol Solutions; Scott James, Commissioner, Weld County; Grant Tupper, Director of Operations and Business Development, Rocky Mountain Region, Select Water Solutions