2026 Confluence 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, Upstate Colorado; Brett Cavanagh, Weld County; Sean Chambers, 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, KUNC; Fay Hartman, American Rivers; Zane Kessler, Colorado River Conservation District; Bart Miller, Water Resource Advocates; Amy Ostdiek, Colorado Water Conservation Board; Kyle Whitaker, 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, CRED Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development; Lindsey Apland, Urban Solution Group
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, Lyons Gaddis; Todd Gaston, Westwater Research; Jennifer Gimbel, CSU Colorado Water Center; Martin Lind, The Water Valley Company; Virgil Pierce, City of Greeley; Joe Taddeucci, 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, Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission; Chad Calvert, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.; Lynn Granger, COGA; Shea Kauffman, Prairie Resources; Mimi Larsen, 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, Capitol Solutions; Scott James, Weld County Commissioner; Grant Tupper, Select Water Solutions
Noon – Adjournment
