Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) Forum was honored to join U.S. Senator John Curtis (R- Utah) during his 4th Annual Conservative Climate Summit.
Bringing together leading energy voices in government, industry, advocacy and academia, the Summit kicked off for a days-long conference in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah.
With hundreds of attendees, the Summit brought together folks all of stripes from the energy world. Focusing on critical issues including wildfire risks, the nation’s growing demand for water and the conservative principles of stewardship, the Summit highlighted Utah’s role in our nation’s energy creation.
CRES Forum’s President and CEO and Senior Vice President also participated on two panels discussing an all-of-the-above approach to American energy dominance.
The event was opened by Senator Curtis, who then moderated a brief interview with Energy Secretary Chris Wright about the future of nuclear, renewable, geothermal and natural gas. Wright was optimistic about the future of energy creation and discussed the Trump Administration’s plans to keep the America ahead of adversarial nations when it comes to investments, business certainty and the global competition for critical minerals.
Following Secretary Wright’s interview, attendees were given the option of attending various panels focused on wildfire and forest health, land and water conservation, reducing emissions through up-and-coming technologies, nuclear, agriculture and manufacturing, permitting reform, and the role of renewables.
CRES Forum President and CEO Heather Reams participated in a panel entitled: “The Future of Conservative Policy,” where she discussed how she sees young people contributing to the conservative climate movement. She stressed the importance of advocacy at all levels, and how the nation will need every possible electron to support our growing energy needs. Reams was joined by Senator Curtis who moderated, Jayson Branch, senior vice president, power supply, at PacifiCorp, Rikki Hrenko-Browning, chief executive officer of the Utah Petroleum Institute, and Sarah Jewett, vice president of strategy of Fervo.
CRES Forum’s Senior Vice President Christina Baworowsky moderated the panel: “Next Gen Technologies.” She was joined by Steve Ryder, Clearway’s Chief Financial Officer, Torus’s Chief Information Security Officer Trent Bond, Whitacker Irvin Jr, chief executive officer of Q Hydrogen and Chance Allen, chief operating officer at Terra CO2.
The Summit’s agenda highlighted the Beehives state’s commitment to leading when it comes to energy production and next-generation technologies. Underscoring the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach, CRES Forum was pleased to work alongside Senator Curtis and leading industry professionals to show that conservatives care about the environment and offer a sensible approach to climate change.