Senator Reuven Carlyle
Chair, Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee
Reuven Carlyle is a Democratic member of the Washington State Senate, representing the state’s 36th legislative district. A state representative for seven years before his election to the senate in 2016, he has also served as chair of the finance committee and a budget writer. He has passed legislation ensuring open transparency of the value of tax preferences. He now chai...
Reuven Carlyle is a Democratic member of the Washington State Senate, representing the state’s 36th legislative district. A state representative for seven years before his election to the senate in 2016, he has also served as chair of the finance committee and a budget writer. He has passed legislation ensuring open transparency of the value of tax preferences. He now chairs the senate’s Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, for which he has led on climate action such as nationally recognised 100% clean energy legislation, consumer data privacy and net neutrality.
Representative Joe Fitzgibbon
Chair, House Environment & Energy Committee
Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, elected to represent Washington State’s 34th District in 2010, chairs the House Environment & Energy Committee. Fighting climate change is his top legislative priority, and he has sponsored many bills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon pricing, low carbon fuel standards, hydrofluorocarbon phasedowns, and land use reforms. Si...
Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, elected to represent Washington State’s 34th District in 2010, chairs the House Environment & Energy Committee. Fighting climate change is his top legislative priority, and he has sponsored many bills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon pricing, low carbon fuel standards, hydrofluorocarbon phasedowns, and land use reforms. Since 2018 he has been working to enact a low carbon fuel standard in Washington state to incentivize the growth of production of sustainable transportation fuels, including biofuels and electricity, to decarbonize Washington’s most polluting sector, the transportation sector.
Dan Sperling
Board Member, California Air Resources Board & Founding Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis.
Daniel is Distinguished Blue Planet Prize Professor of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science and Policy, and Founding Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis. He holds the transportation seat on the California Air Resources Board and served as Chair of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies in 20...
Daniel is Distinguished Blue Planet Prize Professor of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science and Policy, and Founding Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis. He holds the transportation seat on the California Air Resources Board and served as Chair of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies in 2015-16. He served twice as lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He has authored or co-authored over 250 technical papers and 13 books, is a regular contributor to Forbes and Energy Expert contributor for Wall Street Journal, has been interviewed many times on NPR radio, and in 2009 was featured on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Cory-Ann Wind
Program Manager, Oregon Clean Fuels Program
Cory-Ann Wind works for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality as the Oregon Clean Fuels Program Manager. Cory has worked for ODEQ for over 28 years, the last 11 in fuels, transportation, and climate policy. Cory holds a B.S. in BioResources Engineering from Oregon State University..
Cory-Ann Wind works for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality as the Oregon Clean Fuels Program Manager. Cory has worked for ODEQ for over 28 years, the last 11 in fuels, transportation, and climate policy. Cory holds a B.S. in BioResources Engineering from Oregon State University..
Michael Dowd
Director of the Air and Renewable Energy Division, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Michael oversees the air quality planning, permitting, compliance, monitoring and mobile source programmes, as well as the Small Renewable Energy Permit by Rule programme for the Commonwealth. Prior to becoming Air Director, Michael served as the Department of Environmental Quality’s Enforcement Director. Previously Michael was an attorney in private practice with law firm...
Michael oversees the air quality planning, permitting, compliance, monitoring and mobile source programmes, as well as the Small Renewable Energy Permit by Rule programme for the Commonwealth. Prior to becoming Air Director, Michael served as the Department of Environmental Quality’s Enforcement Director. Previously Michael was an attorney in private practice with law firms in Richmond, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Columbus, Ohio. He is a graduate of Columbia University and holds a J.D., cum laude, from Vermont Law School. He is a recipient of EPA’s Bronze Medal. Michael is on the Board of Directors and co-chair of the Enforcement Committee of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies, the Board of Directors and Past Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association, and on the Executive Committee of the National Council on Electricity Policy.
Harrison Clay
Head of Biogas Energy Transition, Mercuria
Harrison Clay serves as the Head of Biogas in the Energy Transition Group at Mercuria Energy. Prior to Mercuria, Harrison served as President of Clean Energy Renewable Fuels, a biogas production, marketing and distribution company, from its inception through its sale to BP in 2016. Harrison spent four years working in the Environmental Products group at BP in Strategic De...
Harrison Clay serves as the Head of Biogas in the Energy Transition Group at Mercuria Energy. Prior to Mercuria, Harrison served as President of Clean Energy Renewable Fuels, a biogas production, marketing and distribution company, from its inception through its sale to BP in 2016. Harrison spent four years working in the Environmental Products group at BP in Strategic Development.
Jeremy Baines
President, Neste US
Jeremy Baines is President of Neste US. He has a BS in Economics from City University, London, UK and has over 15 years of commercial and leadership experience with Neste in Geneva, London, and Brussels. He relocated to Houston, Texas in August 2016 with his wife and two small children.
As an experienced renewables leader with an approach that combines business develop...
Jeremy Baines is President of Neste US. He has a BS in Economics from City University, London, UK and has over 15 years of commercial and leadership experience with Neste in Geneva, London, and Brussels. He relocated to Houston, Texas in August 2016 with his wife and two small children.
As an experienced renewables leader with an approach that combines business development, technology commercialization, and advocacy, Jeremy is focused on leading change and driving growth. Through experience and study, he has developed extensive knowledge of renewable fuel capabilities, emerging trends, and realities. With a vision and a track record of growth, he seeks to bring this transformative fuel technology into markets throughout the United States – from scale, to partnerships, to implementation. He is excited to supply low-carbon drop-in Neste MY Renewable Diesel to the California and Oregon markets with Neste’s distributor partners. Jeremy is a regular and experienced speaker at many conferences.
Michael Ball
Editor, Argus Air Daily, Argus
Michael Ball is editor of Argus Air Daily, the leading source of pricing, news and analysis for the North American environmental markets. Michael joined Argus in 2003 and has been editor of Air Daily since 2012. He has covered wide range of state and federal environmental issues, including the development of California’s AB 32 legislation, US Environmental Protection Agenc...
Michael Ball is editor of Argus Air Daily, the leading source of pricing, news and analysis for the North American environmental markets. Michael joined Argus in 2003 and has been editor of Air Daily since 2012. He has covered wide range of state and federal environmental issues, including the development of California’s AB 32 legislation, US Environmental Protection Agency regulations such as the Clean Power Plan, and Clean Air Act cases before the US Supreme Court.
John Boesel
CEO and President, CALSTART
John Boesel is the President and Chief Executive of non-profit organization CALSTART, which seeks to promote the development of clean and efficient transport solutions. John joined CALSTART in 1993 as Vice-President of Technology Programs, being promoted to his current role in 2001. John serves on the Advisory Board for the Precourt Energy Efficiency Center at Stanford Uni...
John Boesel is the President and Chief Executive of non-profit organization CALSTART, which seeks to promote the development of clean and efficient transport solutions. John joined CALSTART in 1993 as Vice-President of Technology Programs, being promoted to his current role in 2001. John serves on the Advisory Board for the Precourt Energy Efficiency Center at Stanford University and is a board member of the Clean Vehicle Foundation. He previously worked in the California state legislature as a legislative aide. John graduated from the University of California and has an MBA from the Haas School at University of California, Berkeley.
James Bradbury
Mitigation Program Director, Georgetown Climate Center
As mitigation program director, James oversees the center’s work in reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions through facilitation, convening and analysis. James also manages the Transportation and Climate Initiative, a collaboration between 12 northeast and mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia, which aims to reduce emissions from the transportation sector....
As mitigation program director, James oversees the center’s work in reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions through facilitation, convening and analysis. James also manages the Transportation and Climate Initiative, a collaboration between 12 northeast and mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia, which aims to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. James has more than 12 years’ experience working to advance climate and clean energy policies at the federal and state levels. He previously worked as senior policy adviser at the US Department of Energy, senior associate at the World Resources Institute and as a senior legislative assistant on Capitol Hill for US Representative Jay Inslee. James holds a PhD in geosciences from UMass Amherst, a MS in hydrology from the University of New Hampshire and a BA in geology from Colorado College.
Billy Burns
Senior Vice-President, Fats, Oils and Greases, FCStone Merchant Services
Billy Burns is Senior Vice-President Fats, Oils and Greases at FCStone Merchant Services, the physical trading division of StoneX Group. His primary focus at FCStone Merchant Services is the derivative risk management, physical delivery and execution of biodiesel and renewable diesel feedstocks. Under the StoneX Group umbrella, the FOGs team manages price risk management ...
Billy Burns is Senior Vice-President Fats, Oils and Greases at FCStone Merchant Services, the physical trading division of StoneX Group. His primary focus at FCStone Merchant Services is the derivative risk management, physical delivery and execution of biodiesel and renewable diesel feedstocks. Under the StoneX Group umbrella, the FOGs team manages price risk management and or feedstock procurement for approximately 850mn USG/yr of biodiesel and renewable diesel production. Billy has more than 20 years of trading experience with Seaboard Overseas Trading Group, CSC (formerly Pillsbury). Billy is a frequent speaker at the NIOP, AFOA, IBB and NBB conferences, with a focus on the feedstock forecasting and value creation of feedstocks for the new demand of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Billy has a degree in Agriculture Economics from Kansas State University.
Erin Cooke
Sustainability and Environmental Policy Director, San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Erin is SFO’s first sustainability director, Zero Energy and Resilient Outcomes (ZERO) Committee chair and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Working Group co-chair, where she co-creates, implements and reports on the airport’s strategic, sustainability, zero waste and climate action plans. She also serves on the board of directors for the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, ...
Erin is SFO’s first sustainability director, Zero Energy and Resilient Outcomes (ZERO) Committee chair and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Working Group co-chair, where she co-creates, implements and reports on the airport’s strategic, sustainability, zero waste and climate action plans. She also serves on the board of directors for the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, as co-chair of the ACI-NA International Working Group and SAF Task Group and on the ACI World Environment Standing Committee. Before this, she worked for the City of Cupertino as its first sustainability manager and deputy city manager, drafting and activating the city’s first Climate Action Plan, helping launch a countywide community choice aggregation programme (Silicon Valley Clean Energy), Silicon Valley Collaborative Energy Procurement and Silicon Valley’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. Erin was also a member of climate planning teams at the Conservation Law Foundation, Goddard Institute of Space Studies and National Park Service. Erin is a LEED AP and has an MPA in environmental science and policy from Columbia University.
Anthony Cottone
VP of Carbon Products and Marketing, 1PointFive
Anthony (Tony) Cottone is VP of Carbon Solutions for 1PointFive, a leading industrial-scale Direct Air Capture company, and is responsible for the sales and marketing of carbon removal credits and other carbon products, such as low carbon fuels. Prior to this role, he was Senior Director of Strategy leading strategy development, planning and execution for Oxy Low Carbon Ve...
Anthony (Tony) Cottone is VP of Carbon Solutions for 1PointFive, a leading industrial-scale Direct Air Capture company, and is responsible for the sales and marketing of carbon removal credits and other carbon products, such as low carbon fuels. Prior to this role, he was Senior Director of Strategy leading strategy development, planning and execution for Oxy Low Carbon Ventures. His team was responsible for the financing and funding of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration projects utilising 45Q tax credits and developing creative financial and business models to deploy first-of-their-kind technologies that reduce global emissions. He has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Emory University and an MBA from Columbia University
Jessica Dell
US West Coast Bureau Chief, Argus
Jessica has been with Argus since October 2011. She started in the company’s London office and is currently the US west coast bureau chief, based in San Francisco. She has reported on west coast refined products, biofuels and biomass, low-carbon fuel standard programs and emissions markets. Jessica holds degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Cal...
Jessica has been with Argus since October 2011. She started in the company’s London office and is currently the US west coast bureau chief, based in San Francisco. She has reported on west coast refined products, biofuels and biomass, low-carbon fuel standard programs and emissions markets. Jessica holds degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of California, Berkeley.
Sandra Dunphy
Energy Compliance Services Director, Weaver
Sandra joined Texas-based consulting firm Weaver in 2011 when it acquired LT Hawthorne and Associates, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuels consulting company. Sandra has more than 30 years of experience working with energy companies in North and South America, Europe and Asia and is nationally recognised as a Renewable Identification Number (RIN) expert within t...
Sandra joined Texas-based consulting firm Weaver in 2011 when it acquired LT Hawthorne and Associates, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuels consulting company. Sandra has more than 30 years of experience working with energy companies in North and South America, Europe and Asia and is nationally recognised as a Renewable Identification Number (RIN) expert within the US renewable fuels industry. Sandra specialises in EPA compliance and fuels consulting. The US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee invited Sandra to speak as an expert witness at their hearing on RINs in August 2018. Sandra is a member of the Advanced Biofuels Association and the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Delaware.
Dawn Fenton
Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs, Volvo Group North America
Dawn has been with Volvo Group for nine years and is responsible for federal government relations and California policy issues. Before joining Volvo, she worked for the Diesel Technology Forum and ABB. Dawn has worked in government relations for over 25 years across a range of energy, environment, sustainability, foreign policy and trade issues. She received her MSc in for...
Dawn has been with Volvo Group for nine years and is responsible for federal government relations and California policy issues. Before joining Volvo, she worked for the Diesel Technology Forum and ABB. Dawn has worked in government relations for over 25 years across a range of energy, environment, sustainability, foreign policy and trade issues. She received her MSc in foreign service from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and her BA from Tufts University, Massachusetts.
Joe Gershen
Founder & President, Encore BioRenewables
Joe has been a leading renewables executive since 2001. He was a biodiesel industry pioneer, instrumental in facilitating numerous fleet transitions to America’s first advanced biofuel. As president of a joint venture with McDonald’s supply chain partner, Golden State Foods, Joe created a successful closed-loop solution to recycle their fryer oil into biodiesel used to po...
Joe has been a leading renewables executive since 2001. He was a biodiesel industry pioneer, instrumental in facilitating numerous fleet transitions to America’s first advanced biofuel. As president of a joint venture with McDonald’s supply chain partner, Golden State Foods, Joe created a successful closed-loop solution to recycle their fryer oil into biodiesel used to power their distribution fleets. He is a co-founder and current VP of the California Biodiesel Alliance, the state industry trade association.
As founder and president of Encore BioRenewables, a clean-tech sustainable products company, Joe collaborates with pioneers and technical innovators in the renewables and recycling space to promote a zero waste, carbon-neutral future. He also co-founded Forge Ventures, a clean-tech consultancy focused on successful commercialization of early stage companies. Joe sits on the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program Advisory Committee, regularly works with clients and partners in the energy industry, and has provided business development, supply chain, logistics and CRM solutions for companies in the emerging carbon economy.
Gene Gebolys
Founder, President and CEO, World Energy
Since 1996, Gene has played a pioneering and leading role in building today’s $136bn global biofuels industry. In 1998, he launched World Energy to drive positive change by accelerating the commercialisation of viable alternatives to fossil motor fuels. World Energy has since then worked to drive innovation though collaboration in North America and beyond. World Energy’s m...
Since 1996, Gene has played a pioneering and leading role in building today’s $136bn global biofuels industry. In 1998, he launched World Energy to drive positive change by accelerating the commercialisation of viable alternatives to fossil motor fuels. World Energy has since then worked to drive innovation though collaboration in North America and beyond. World Energy’s mission remains the same today as it was on its first day and Gene’s commitment to the company delivering on it only continues to grow. Gene holds a master’s in public administration from Harvard University and bachelor of science degrees in economics and business management from Ohio State University.
Hannah Goldsmith
Lead Adviser, Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development, California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
Hannah primarily focuses on expanding and accelerating California’s zero-emission vehicle market. She has been driving electric since April 2016, and currently drives a Chevy Bolt EV. Prior to joining GO-Biz, Hannah served as the Deputy Executive Director for the California Electric Transportation Coalition and as a staff attorney for the California Energy Commission. She ...
Hannah primarily focuses on expanding and accelerating California’s zero-emission vehicle market. She has been driving electric since April 2016, and currently drives a Chevy Bolt EV. Prior to joining GO-Biz, Hannah served as the Deputy Executive Director for the California Electric Transportation Coalition and as a staff attorney for the California Energy Commission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Arizona, as well as a master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy, and a J.D. from Vermont Law School.
Justin Goldstein
Vice President, Investment Banking Division, Goldman Sachs
Justin Goldstein has been with Goldman Sachs for 18 years with a focus on public and project finance in the infrastructure and energy sectors in the US. Justin specializes in private projects that qualify for US tax-exempt debt financing, such as solid waste recycling facilities and wastewater treatment facilities. His recent experience successfully raising capital for pro...
Justin Goldstein has been with Goldman Sachs for 18 years with a focus on public and project finance in the infrastructure and energy sectors in the US. Justin specializes in private projects that qualify for US tax-exempt debt financing, such as solid waste recycling facilities and wastewater treatment facilities. His recent experience successfully raising capital for projects in this space include renewable jet and diesel, renewable natural gas, and waste pulp and paper facilities.
More broadly, Justin has provided financing solutions to a wide array of clients including developers, new and established companies, project companies, state governments, state authorities, higher education and health care institutions, counties and municipalities, special districts, public insurance and reinsurance companies, and other governmental issuers.
In addition to the solid waste sector, Justin’s project experience includes public and private financings in a variety of sectors, including power, water storage and treatment, wastewater, toll roads and bridges, airports, and leisure projects such as arenas and convention centers. Justin handles a range of financing transaction types, including tax-exempt and taxable debt, private placements, loans, equity, M&A, and derivatives.
Roxby Hartley, Ph.D.
Senior Regulatory Consultant, Compliance Management Team Lead, EcoEngineers
Dr. Roxby Hartley is the Climate Risk Director at EcoEngineers, a consulting and auditing firm that specializes in low-carbon fuels and decarbonization strategies. He has expertise in biofuel production, carbon capture and sequestration, compliance management, and sustainable program development. He is also an expert on the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
Dr. Roxby Hartley is the Climate Risk Director at EcoEngineers, a consulting and auditing firm that specializes in low-carbon fuels and decarbonization strategies. He has expertise in biofuel production, carbon capture and sequestration, compliance management, and sustainable program development. He is also an expert on the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
Brian D Healy
Director of Global Ethanol Market Development, US Grains Council
Brian oversees the global ethanol programme at the US Grains Council, a non-profit organisation that promotes the use of US barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including ethanol. Before joining the council, he worked for the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) as an economist, conducting global economic and trade policy analysis. He al...
Brian oversees the global ethanol programme at the US Grains Council, a non-profit organisation that promotes the use of US barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including ethanol. Before joining the council, he worked for the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) as an economist, conducting global economic and trade policy analysis. He also served as president of an FAS advisory committee, leading a team that helped improve access to development activities and resources for 300 professionals. Brian has a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from the University of California, Davis, and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Maryland.
Justin Johnson
Partner, MMR, LLC
Justin Johnson joined MMR in 2016, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience working in federal, state, and municipal government in both the United States and Australia, and the respect of both government and business colleagues around the world.
Immediately prior to joining the firm Justin was the Secretary of Administration for the State of Vermont. In additi...
Justin Johnson joined MMR in 2016, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience working in federal, state, and municipal government in both the United States and Australia, and the respect of both government and business colleagues around the world.
Immediately prior to joining the firm Justin was the Secretary of Administration for the State of Vermont. In addition, he has worked for Democratic and Republican Governors in Vermont as Commissioner of Environmental Conservation and Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources.
Justin served on the board of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative for seven years and is a valuable and trusted source of information and advice for national and international clients seeking to navigate the regulations and policies related to carbon pricing.
Justin spent three years as Chief of Staff to a member of the Australian Federal Parliament and as a senior executive at the Mornington Peninsula Shire, a large municipal government in the state of Victoria, Australia. In 2015 he was the winner of the prestigious USEPA Ira Leighton “In Service to States” Award, just the second person to receive this award.
He holds a BA (Journalism) from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Daniel Lieberman
Senior Climate Advisor, Corporate Affairs, Chevron USA
Dan leads Chevron’s US federal legislative and regulatory affairs efforts relating to global climate change. Over the past 20 years, his work has spanned the public and private sectors covering greenhouse gases measurement, regulatory development and compliance strategy, as well as modelling carbon market fundamentals and – in his most recent role before joining Chevron’s ...
Dan leads Chevron’s US federal legislative and regulatory affairs efforts relating to global climate change. Over the past 20 years, his work has spanned the public and private sectors covering greenhouse gases measurement, regulatory development and compliance strategy, as well as modelling carbon market fundamentals and – in his most recent role before joining Chevron’s Corporate Affairs team – leading public affairs for the company’s venture capital arm investing in the future of energy. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brandeis University and an MBA from the George Washington University School of Business.
Michael McAdams
President, Advanced Biofuels Association
Michael has been the President of the Advanced Biofuels Association — a Washington DC-based association of more than 35 advanced biofuels feedstock, production, marketing and distribution companies — since he formed it 14 years ago. He has over 40 years of experience in government and public affairs in both the public and private sectors. He has worked in both the federal ...
Michael has been the President of the Advanced Biofuels Association — a Washington DC-based association of more than 35 advanced biofuels feedstock, production, marketing and distribution companies — since he formed it 14 years ago. He has over 40 years of experience in government and public affairs in both the public and private sectors. He has worked in both the federal legislative and regulatory areas, with specific focus on energy, fuels policy, climate change, air policy and tax. In the private sector, he has worked for a number of advocacy organisations focused on fuels and air policy on behalf of his clients. Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Virginia Tech and J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law.
Charles McConnell
Executive Director, Carbon Management and Energy Sustainability, University of Houston
Charles McConnell is Executive Director, Carbon Management and Energy Sustainability at the University of Houston, where he co-ordinates a campus-wide effort to address marketplace challenges in the energy industry. Prior to joining the university in 2018, Charles was the executive director of the Energy and Environment Initiative at Rice University. He was also served as ...
Charles McConnell is Executive Director, Carbon Management and Energy Sustainability at the University of Houston, where he co-ordinates a campus-wide effort to address marketplace challenges in the energy industry. Prior to joining the university in 2018, Charles was the executive director of the Energy and Environment Initiative at Rice University. He was also served as the Assistant Secretary of Energy in the US Department of Energy from 2011-13 and as Vice-President of Carbon Management at Battelle Energy Technology in Columbus, Ohio. Charles spent the first 32 years of his career with industrial gases company Praxair, serving in a variety of roles, including as the Global VP of Energy and Hydrogen. He currently serves on the US EPA Science Advisory Board and is a board member of the Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation in North Dakota. Charles holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University (1977) and an MBA in finance from Cleveland State University (1984).
Paola Mellow
Executive Director, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Paola Mellow is the Executive Director of the Clean Fuels Standards team at Environment and Climate Change Canada, where she is responsible for developing and implementing the Clean Fuel Standard regulations, a key part of the Government of Canada’s Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
Prior to taking over responsibility for the development of the C...
Paola Mellow is the Executive Director of the Clean Fuels Standards team at Environment and Climate Change Canada, where she is responsible for developing and implementing the Clean Fuel Standard regulations, a key part of the Government of Canada’s Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
Prior to taking over responsibility for the development of the Clean Fuel Standard regulations, Paola has been responsible for developing number of other key climate change policies as Director of the Electricity and Combustion Division, including greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations that will accelerate the phase-out coal-fired electricity in Canada by 2030, regulations for natural gas-fired electricity, and output-based standards for electricity under the federal carbon pricing system.
Paola graduated from the University of Victoria with a Masters degree in Economics, and combines a strong analytical background with people management excellence to advance Environment and Climate Change Canada’s reputation as a world class regulator.
Caroline Midgley
Director of Biofuels and Oleochemicals, Global Data Plc
Caroline Midgley, PhD, is director of oleochemicals and biofuels research at LMC International, a firm providing economic and consulting services for a broad range of industries related to agricultural commodities and their downstream derivatives. Based in Oxford, Caroline is responsible for several research areas that include biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, marine b...
Caroline Midgley, PhD, is director of oleochemicals and biofuels research at LMC International, a firm providing economic and consulting services for a broad range of industries related to agricultural commodities and their downstream derivatives. Based in Oxford, Caroline is responsible for several research areas that include biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, marine biofuels, oleochemicals and glycerine. LMC is now part of Global Data, a leading international provider of data analysis.
Paul Niznik
Manager, Biofuels & Environment, Argus Consulting Services
Paul has over 27 years of experience in biofuels and alternative fuel development. His broad knowledge of biofuel economics – including RFS, RINs and LCFS – has kept refiners, biofuels producers, automakers and government agencies informed of alternative fuels markets and policies. He pioneered biodiesel sales for major oil companies such as Hess, Gulf and Irving Oil, and ...
Paul has over 27 years of experience in biofuels and alternative fuel development. His broad knowledge of biofuel economics – including RFS, RINs and LCFS – has kept refiners, biofuels producers, automakers and government agencies informed of alternative fuels markets and policies. He pioneered biodiesel sales for major oil companies such as Hess, Gulf and Irving Oil, and has consulted for Chevron, US DOE, USDA, Phillips 66, Nissan, Toyota, Hess, Petrobras, the Government of Zimbabwe and UOP Honeywell. Paul is an alumnus of Yale University where he studied astrophysics.
Graham Noyes
Director, Low Carbon Fuels Coalition
Graham Noyes has worked in the low carbon fuels industry for almost 20 years. Graham is the Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition (LCFC), a technology-neutral non-profit dedicated to the support and expansion of low carbon fuel policies. The LCFC is coordinating a national campaign to establish clean fuels programs in multiple states. As part of this camp...
Graham Noyes has worked in the low carbon fuels industry for almost 20 years. Graham is the Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition (LCFC), a technology-neutral non-profit dedicated to the support and expansion of low carbon fuel policies. The LCFC is coordinating a national campaign to establish clean fuels programs in multiple states. As part of this campaign, Graham recently developed a Model Clean Fuels Statute for the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition. Graham is also the Managing Attorney of Noyes Law Corporation. His legal practice focuses on fuel regulations, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction programs, and environmental attributes. Graham represents low carbon fuel producers, project developers, and fuel distributors on state and federal policy campaigns, administrative rule makings, credit generation strategies, and regulatory compliance analysis.
Spencer Reeder
Director of Government Affairs, Audi of America
Spencer Reeder, Director of Government Affairs at Audi of America, is responsible for leading the Audi U.S. public policy voice on zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology, and associated infrastructure. Prior to joining Audi, Reeder worked at Vulcan, Inc. where he served as director of the Climate and Energy Program, and...
Spencer Reeder, Director of Government Affairs at Audi of America, is responsible for leading the Audi U.S. public policy voice on zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology, and associated infrastructure. Prior to joining Audi, Reeder worked at Vulcan, Inc. where he served as director of the Climate and Energy Program, and led Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s global philanthropic investments in climate, energy, and transportation-related issues, including the Smart City Challenge, developed and implemented in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Reeder was also a lead author on the 2014 U.S. National Climate Assessment.
Vincent Regnault
Director Gas Supply and Development of Renewable Gases
Vincent Regnault has been director of gas supply and development of renewable gases at Energir since July 2020. He leads the firm’s natural gas and renewable natural gas supply strategies – the latter being a key part of its plan for the global energy transition – as well as the development and implementation of Energir's positioning in the emerging hydrogen sector.
Fro...
Vincent Regnault has been director of gas supply and development of renewable gases at Energir since July 2020. He leads the firm’s natural gas and renewable natural gas supply strategies – the latter being a key part of its plan for the global energy transition – as well as the development and implementation of Energir's positioning in the emerging hydrogen sector.
From November 2014 to July 2020, Vincent was Energir’s director of gas transport and supply, and in the preceding six years was a lawyer in the firm’s legal affairs department, representing Energir before various Canadian energy boards and courts. Vincent also sits on the board of directors and the executive committee of Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline and on the management committee of Portland Natural Gas Transmission System.
Jacqueline Reigle
Editor, Biofuels, Argus
Jacqueline Reigle has been with Argus since October 2016. She is editor of Argus Americas Biofuels and manages the company's biofuels coverage for North America, including price assessments for ethanol, biodiesel and RIN credits. Jacqueline has also covered crude oil markets in the US west coast and Latin America. Prior to joining Argus, Jacqueline worked in transfer prici...
Jacqueline Reigle has been with Argus since October 2016. She is editor of Argus Americas Biofuels and manages the company's biofuels coverage for North America, including price assessments for ethanol, biodiesel and RIN credits. Jacqueline has also covered crude oil markets in the US west coast and Latin America. Prior to joining Argus, Jacqueline worked in transfer pricing, analyzing intercompany transactions for companies in industries such as oil and gas. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Duke University.
Michael Rensing
Director, Low Carbon Fuels, British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
Michael Rensing is the Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Branch of the Environment Ministry. He moved to the Ministry of Energy and Mines in 2007 to develop policies and legislation for renewable and low-carbon fuels after joining the British Columbia public service in September 2003 to work in the Air Protection Section of the Ministry of Environment. Michael has a PhD in ...
Michael Rensing is the Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Branch of the Environment Ministry. He moved to the Ministry of Energy and Mines in 2007 to develop policies and legislation for renewable and low-carbon fuels after joining the British Columbia public service in September 2003 to work in the Air Protection Section of the Ministry of Environment. Michael has a PhD in physics from the University of Victoria in British Columbia.
Shailesh Sahay
Senior Regulatory Counsel, POET
Mr. Sahay is Senior Regulatory Counsel at POET, LLC, the world’s largest biofuels producer. He takes pride in POET’s mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. At POET, Mr. Sahay has led some of the largest regulatory and litigation initiatives affecting the biofuels in...
Mr. Sahay is Senior Regulatory Counsel at POET, LLC, the world’s largest biofuels producer. He takes pride in POET’s mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. At POET, Mr. Sahay has led some of the largest regulatory and litigation initiatives affecting the biofuels industry, including the development of the recent EPA rulemaking enabling year-round E15 sales, defense of the Renewable Fuel Standards, and elimination of European tariffs on American ethanol. He also leads the company’s legal work in several other areas, such as regulatory compliance and international trade. Mr. Sahay serves in leadership positions for trade associations and non-profits, including as a Board Member and Secretary of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition and on the Leadership Council of the Environmental Law Institute.
Harry Simpson
President and CEO, Crimson Renewable Energy
Harry Simpson is the founder and President & CEO of Crimson Renewable Energy Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries SeQuential Biodiesel, LLC and Sequential Environmental Services, LLC. Harry has led Crimson through business and capital formation, plant construction and expansions, and acquisitions to its current position as California and Oregon’s largest producer of biodiese...
Harry Simpson is the founder and President & CEO of Crimson Renewable Energy Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries SeQuential Biodiesel, LLC and Sequential Environmental Services, LLC. Harry has led Crimson through business and capital formation, plant construction and expansions, and acquisitions to its current position as California and Oregon’s largest producer of biodiesel and one of the largest used cooking oil collectors on the West Coast. Currently, Harry also serves on the Governing Board and Executive Committee of Clean Fuels Alliance America, the Biomass-based Diesel industry’s national trade association. Harry was also a co-founder of the California Advanced Biodiesel Alliance, a state trade association representing stakeholders in the Biomass-based Diesel value chain. Prior to founding Crimson, Harry served in a variety of senior executive capacities at venture capital backed technology companies and in interbank foreign exchange derivatives trading. Harry is a Chicago native and a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington.
Ian Thomson
President, Advanced Biofuels Canada
Ian Thomson is President of Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC), the national trade association for advanced biofuel producers and developers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Its members are Canadian companies that are global leaders in commercial production of a range of synthetic fuels and advanced biofuels from sustainable feedstocks, with more than 14bn litres o...
Ian Thomson is President of Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC), the national trade association for advanced biofuel producers and developers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Its members are Canadian companies that are global leaders in commercial production of a range of synthetic fuels and advanced biofuels from sustainable feedstocks, with more than 14bn litres of installed annual capacity worldwide. ABFC members include Canada’s leading technology innovators, which are actively developing new clean liquid fuels production and distribution assets in Canada. ABFC has provided over 15 years of guidance in Canadian federal and provincial fuels, carbon pricing, and climate policy. Ian currently chairs a federal advocacy coalition of non-fossil clean fuel trade associations and NGOs focused on an effective federal Clean Fuel Standard.
Julie Tighe
President, New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)
Julie oversees policy, development and communications at NYLCV, which helped persuade the state of New York to implement the US’ most progressive climate law. She also helped secure increased state funding for water infrastructure and New York City funding for parks and open spaces. Julie served for 11 years with New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation, w...
Julie oversees policy, development and communications at NYLCV, which helped persuade the state of New York to implement the US’ most progressive climate law. She also helped secure increased state funding for water infrastructure and New York City funding for parks and open spaces. Julie served for 11 years with New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation, where as Chief of Staff she was instrumental in advancing reform of brownfield clean-up works and a primary negotiator for the $2.5bn clean water infrastructure Act and the US’ most comprehensive electronics recycling law.
Sam Wade
Director of State Regulatory Affairs, RNG Coalition
Sam Wade serves as the Director of State Regulatory Affairs at the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas. Previously Mr. Wade worked as Chief of the Transportation Fuels Branch at the Californian Air Resources Board, where he oversaw the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program for four years.
In other roles at CARB, Mr. Wade served as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, d...
Sam Wade serves as the Director of State Regulatory Affairs at the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas. Previously Mr. Wade worked as Chief of the Transportation Fuels Branch at the Californian Air Resources Board, where he oversaw the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program for four years.
In other roles at CARB, Mr. Wade served as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, developed the Cap-and-Trade rule, and authored portions of California’s first Greenhouse Gas Scoping Plan. He’s also worked in energy policy at Pacific Gas and Electric and with a bioenergy/biochar start-up.
Sam holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. Davis, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii, and an M.P.A in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University.”