Newhouse Hosts Central Washington Energy Summit Featuring State Legislators, Industry Leaders

Press Release
For Immediate Release: May 11, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

Moses Lake, Washington - Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) hosted dozens of energy leaders, state legislators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of energy in Washington State. With panels focusing on nuclear, hydropower, and the Lower Snake River Dams, participants and speakers talked about the importance of meeting rising energy demand and what it will take to get there responsibly.

The Energy Summit was kicked off with Welcome Remarks & the Pledge of Allegiance from Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, President, Big Bend Community College.

Following Dr. Tweedy's remarks, the Summit had its first panel titled, "Impact of the Climate Commitment Act."

Todd Myers, vice president for research at the Washington Policy Center moderated and panelists included:

• State Representative Alex Ybarra, Washington's 13th Legislative District
• State Representative Tom Dent, Washington's 13th Legislative District,
• State Representative Stephanie Barnard, Washington's 8th Legislative District
• State Senator Matt Boehnke, Washington's 8th Legislative District

The next panel was "The Future of Nuclear in Washington State."

State Representative Stephanie Barnard of Washington's 8th Legislative District moderated and panelists included:

• Tracy Yount, Strategy & Portfolio Development Manager, Energy Northwest
• Corey Hines, Director, Nuclear Science Center, Washington State University
• Sara Decker, Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs, X-Energy

The next panel, "The Importance of the Columbia River System to Our Way of Life" was moderated by Kurt Miller, CEO and Executive Director, Northwest Public Power Association with panelists:

• Molly Simpson, Commissioner and President of the Board, Douglas County PUD
• Larry Schaapman Commissioner and President of the Board, Grant County PUD
• Kelly Allen Commissioner and President of the Board, Chelan County PUD
• Sheri Nelson Executive Director, Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Congressman Newhouse presented keynote remarks focusing on the state of energy in Central Washington. Newhouse stressed the importance of the Fourth District's energy potential and how the nation must meet this moment regarding artificial intelligence.

Following Congressman Newhouse's address, the next panel focused on Central Washington's dams called: "Defending Our Lower Snake River Dams."

Katie Paxon, Legislative Assistant for Rep. Dan Newhouse moderated, and panelists included:

• Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers
• Clark Mather Executive Director, Northwest River Partners
• Neil Maunu, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association
• Scott Simms, CEO and Executive Director, Public Power Council

The final panel of the Summit centered on Moses Lake called "Development and the Need for More Energy."

Katie Paxon again moderated and panelists included:

• Rosendo Alvarado, Moses Lake Plant Manager, Sila Nanotechnologies
• Nicholas Flanders, CEO, twelve
• Andy Lapsa, CEO, Stoke Space
• Dustin Swartz, Mayor, City of Moses Lake