2026 Policy Conference Agenda
Powering Our Regional Economy:
The Role of Energy in Building and Supporting Innovation and Opportunity
Join us at our March 19 Policy Conference as we dive into a solution-driven conversation to discuss what infrastructure investments need to look like in Oregon and on the Westside in order to ensure we have meaningful economic growth in the region.
12:30PM – Doors Open
1:25PM – Welcome from WEA Board President, Nina Carlson – Northwest Natural
1:40PM – Program Begins
- Introduction from Emcee: Johnell Bell, Espousal Strategies
- Video: PACIFIC NORTHWEST: An Energy System Under Increasing Strain
1:45PM – Energy Planning: What is the energy system, what do we need to meet needs safely, reliably and affordably?
- Kelly Fukai, NW Gas Association
- Moderator: Melissa Rogers
2:20PM – Case Studies, Power and Innovation
- Case Study #1: Energy and Innovation at Genentech
- Christian Youngerman, Director of Facilities Engineering at Genentech
- Case Study #2: Getting Data Centers right: Policy Opportunities
- Alison Hoagland, Architect and Principal at Mackenzie
- Christopher Binder, Green Building Initiative
- Moderator: Zach Hyder, CEO & Co-Owner, Hubbell Communications
3:15PM – 10-Minute Break
3:25PM – Energy and Business, Meeting the needs
- Site Selector, what we have, what we need to be competitive
- Nick Triska, Business Development, GPI
- Energy Efficiency as an economic and business development tool
- Mike Colgrove, Director, Energy Trust
- Meeting the need in real time
- Stefan Bird, President, BrightNight
- Moderator: Tom Rinehart
4:15PM – 10-Minute Break (Bar Open)
4:25PM – Growing Oregon’s Clean Economy – Clean Tech & Green Jobs and Tying it All Together, Policy Outlook and What’s next
- Andrew Desmond , Oregon Business Council
- Moderator: Johnell Bell
5:15PM – Closing Remarks from City of Hillsboro Mayor, Beach Pace
5:30PM – Welcome to the Reception