Upcoming events to be announced
Power Talks

February 24, Moderator: Kathleen Araujo, Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute
March 3, Moderator: Kathleen Araujo, Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute
April 27, Moderator: John Gardner, Emeritus Professor, Engineering, Boise State
May 4, 2022, Moderator: Kathleen Araujo, Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute
May 19, Co-hosted with the Idaho Chapter of the CleanTech Alliance, Moderators: Kathy Araujo, Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute; and Paul Cooperider, Lean, Idaho Chapter of the Clean Tech Alliance
Session 1: Changing Conditions in the Natural-Built Environment for Energy, Water and Related Infrastructure
Session 2: Industry and Workforce Potential for Carbon Neutral Energy
June 2nd, Moderator: Kathleen Araujo, Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute
June 15, Moderator, Kathleen Araujo, Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute
Power Talk – Green and Sustainable Cities, September 8th
Companion Event – The 10th Anniversary Energy Policy Conference (virtual)
“From Disruption to Megatrends in Energy”, October 14-15, 2021.
Companion Event – Former Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz in a fireside chat
A Regional Approach to Low Carbon Energy Transition in the U.S.
October 14
Power Talk – IPCC Science and Energy: A Discussion with Scientist and Lead Author of 5 Major IPCC reports, Bill Moomaw, October 28th
U.S. Nuclear Energy in 2021, November 10th
Part 1 – Power Talk: Small Modular Reactor Development in the West
Part 2 – Power Talk: Policy and Directions for Nuclear Waste Management in the US
Companion Event – Transitions to Net Zero Carbon Systems: Domestic and International Strategies in Policy and Infrastructure Change, Santa Fe Institute, November 3, 2021 (virtual)
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor,
Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Companion Event – U.S. Science, Technology and Policy Imperatives for Methane: Applicability for Renewable Natural Gas, AICHE 3rd Renewable Gas Summit, December 14th, 2021 (virtual)
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor,
Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor,
Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Center for Technology, Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering (virtual)
July 21, 2021
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, CAES Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor,
Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Grand Challenges series
MIT (virtual)
June 16, 2021
Legal and Environmental Considerations for Small Modular Reactors
June 2, 2021
Moderator: Tara Righetti, Professor of Law, University of Wyoming College of Law and School or Energy Resources. Panel:
Todd Allen, Professor of Nuclear Engineering, The University of Michigan
Aaron Weston, Esquire, Researcher, Idaho National Laboratory
Temple Stoellinger, Esquire, Professor of Law, University of Wyoming, Haub School of the Environment and School of Law;
John Kotek, Sr. Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute.
Wednesday, June 2
The RTOGov research initiative is hosting a conversation with three leading energy market scholars and a top practitioner from the clean tech industry about decisions that affect the cost and type of electricity that powers American homes and businesses.
CAES Energy Policy Institute Director Kathleen Araújo moderates this 2-part event which begins with U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson discussing energy-related priorities, followed by a panel discussion of federal energy policy as it relates to Idaho and the region with public and private sector experts.
Oil and the Oil Industry in an Age of Decarbonization
Richard Sears, Stanford University, February 17
Richard Sears, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Energy Resources Engineering at Stanford University, a National Associate of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and a licensed Professional Geoscientist; Formerly Shell Oil Company and Royal Dutch Shell, Scientific and Management roles; Chief Scientist of the National Oil Spill Commission; and co-author of the Commission’s Chief Counsel’s Report on Deepwater Horizon spill; National Academy of Engineering
The New CEQ NEPA Regulations in 2021: Potential Changes and Implications for Energy
Temple Stoellinger, University of Wyoming, March 24
Temple Stoellinger, Assistant Professor at the University of Wyoming, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, and the College of Law; Co-Director of the Center for Law and Energy Resources in the Rockies; Formerly Natural Resource Attorney for the Wyoming County Commissioners Association; Formerly Natural Resource Analyst and advisor to Shell, International B.V. and Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal
Planning and Policy across Natural Gas and Power Markets
Seth Blumsack, Pennsylvania State University
April 14
Dr. Seth Blumsack, Professor of Energy and Environmental Economics and International Affairs at Pennsylvania State University
Public Opinion and Nuclear Power in U.S. History for Defense and Energy Purposes
April 28
Dr. Sarah Robey, Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in History, Idaho State University
Hydropower in the Northwest: Decisions on Energy Resilience & Salmon with the Lower Snake River Dams, Session 2.0
May 5
Don Sampson, Chief , Walla Walla Tribe, Head Climate Change program, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, and Spokesperson, Northwest Tribal Salmon Alliance.
Congressman Mike Simpsonn, House of Representatives for Idaho’s Second Congressional District
Monica Hubbard, Assistant Professor, Boise State University’s Department of Public Policy and Administration
Kurt Miller, Executive Director, Northwest RiverPartners
Energy Resilience in Idaho: The Dynamics of Energy Planning
May 19
Veronika Vazhnik, CAES Energy Fellow, Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program
Dr. Kathleen Araujo, Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy University of Michigan, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Colloquia,
December 4th
Explore the topic of energy in the developing world by discussing Switch On with Documentary Film-maker Scott Tinker and EPI Director Kathy Araújo. The film can be watched via web SwitchOn.org. Dr. Scott Tinker is Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, the State Geologist of Texas, a professor holding the Allday Endowed Chair in the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin and is a Documentary Film-maker. Dr. Araújo is Director of the CAES Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy at Boise State University. This event will be entirely virtual (freely accessible film web link plus discussion via Zoom).
Geothermal Energy: Development Prospects & Jobs
Roy Mink, Kathy Araújo, Jeff Tester, Travis McLing, and Will Pettitt
October 30
Dr. Roy Mink, Principal, Mink GeoHydro Inc; Former Director of Geothermal Technologies Program for U.S. Department of Energy
Dr. Araújo, Director of the CAES Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy, Boise State University
Dr. Tester,Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University
Dr. Travis McLing, Energy and Water Lead and Research Scientist, Idaho National Laboratory and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies
Mr. William Pettitt, Executive Director of the Geothermal Resources Council.
Mr. Fred Huette, Senior Policy Associate, Northwest Energy Coalition
Mr. Ted Sorenson, Owner, Sorenson Engineering; Vice Chair of the Small Hydro Council, National Hydropower Association
Dr. Tom Ptak, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Idaho
Mr. Chase Christen, Graduate Student in Mechanical Engineering, Boise State University
Ms. Brianna Pitcock, Graduate Student in Public Policy and Administration, Boise State University.
Mr. Kipp Coddington, Director, Center for Energy Regulation & Policy; Director, Energy Policy & Economics at the School of Energy Resources, University of Wyoming.
Market Rules for Energy Storage
Dr. Stephanie Lenhart
Senior Research Associate and Assistant Research Professor
Irving Institute for Energy and Society, Dartmouth College: New Energy Speaker Series (virtual)
September 8th
Energy Transition and Policy Outlook: The United States
Dr. Kathleen Araújo
Director and Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Center for Technology, Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering (virtual)
September 8th
Energy Transition and Policy Outlook: Europe
Dr. Kathleen Araújo
Director and Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Center for Technology, Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering (virtual – part 2)
September 8th
Power Talk series
Dr. Stephanie Lenhart, Senior EPI Researcher
July 16
Across the United States, seven regional organizations manage wholesale electricity markets. These nonprofit organizations sit at the interface between federal and state authority and are governed through independent boards and stakeholder engagement. Among these organizations, the Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) has a unique governance design that is currently under review. This talk highlights potential opportunities and challenges for state regulatory participation with this rapidly expanding market.
Dr. Stephanie Lenhart, Senior EPI Researcher
Panel, Wholesale Markets Summit (virtual)
American Public Power Association
July 14
Co-Hosts Kathy Araújo and Kipp Coddington talk with Marc Chupka of the U.S. Energy Storage Association, John Kotek of the Nuclear Energy Institute, Terry Jester of Solpad, Elise Hunter of Grid Alternatives, and others in this online, half-day Zoom workshop. Sponsored by the CAES Energy Policy Institute, this event is designed for people who are interested in energy policy, in how energy policy informs research, and in collaborative opportunities that bridge research and policy.
Energy Policy, Jobs and Industry Conditions during COVID 19 and Economic Challenge
Moderator: Kathy Araújo
Marc Chupka, Vice President of Research and Programs, U.S.Energy Storage Association
Elise Hunter, Policy and Regulatory Affairs Director for Grid Alternatives
Terry Jester, CEO of Solpad
John Kotek, Vice President of Policy Development and Public Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute
(A) Advanced decarbonization
(B) Nuclear development
(C) Smarter grids and electricity markets
Power Talk series
John Chatburn, State of Idaho, Office of Energy and Mineral Resources
Steve Burgos, Public Works, City of Boise
April 8th
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Santa Fe Institute
February 27
Decarbonization of the Power Grid Workshop
February 26-28
A CAES delegation discussed energy with members of federal agencies and industry.
Washington DC
February 12-14
EPI-CAES collaborators highlight ongoing energy projects and initiatives at the Idaho Capitol.
Boise, Idaho
February 5
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Location: Community Library
Kecthum, ID
December 17th
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
November 8th
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Location: Boston University
Integrating Electric Mobility Systems with the Grid Infrastructure
Sloan Foundation Workshop, Boston, MA
November 6th
A tour of Boise’s historic and currently used geothermal sites is offered
by a team of geothermal experts, historians and Idaho National Laboratory.
An energy-optimized bus operated by the INL shuttles the group
from a historic pump house and Warm Springs-heated homes,
to the only geothermally-heated Capitol in the US and a family-run
greenhouse heated by geothermal energy.
September 29th
Location: Boise State University, Student Union Building
Trueblood Room
September 29th
Bodovino, 404 South 8th Street, Boise, Idaho
September 29th
“Energy Decision-Making in Times of Disruptive Change”
Boise Centre, 850 W Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
September 29th through October 1st
Visit Conference Website
“Energy Jobs and Innovation Hubs in Energy Transitions,” Keynote
Dr. Kathleen Araujo, Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Panel: “The Role of the Science Enterprise and Innovation in Energy Transitions”
Moderator: Kathleen Araujo, Boise State University
John Russell, University of Idaho
JoAnn Lighty, Boise State University, Engineering
Heidi Jarvis, Idaho Technology Council
Ray Stark, Chamber of Commerce
Nic Miller, Boise State University, Venture College
Boise Centre, 850 W. Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
August 27th
Western Energy Conference
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Sun Valley Forum, Sun Valley, ID
July 24th
Dr. Stephanie Lenhart and Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Senior Researcher and Director, Energy Policy Institute
Mandela Fellows Program
Location: Boise State University
July 8th
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
Lecture, CAES/Idaho National Lab
iCorps Lite Program
Power Talk series
Co-sponsored by:
CAES Energy Policy Institute,
CAES Energy Efficiency Research Institute and
The Andrus Center for Public Policy
Capitol Hill Testimony
Noel Bakhtian, Director, Center for Advanced Energy Studies
2362 B Rayburn Bldg, Washington DC
March 7th
Dr. Kathleen Araujo
Director, Energy Policy Institute and Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems, Innovation and Policy
MSMSE Seminar Series, Spring 2019
Location: Micron School of Material Science and Engineering
February 8th