Rep. Dan Newhouse hosted an energy summit in Moses Lake, Washington on May 11, bringing together dozens of energy leaders, state legislators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of energy in the state.
The event focused on addressing rising energy demand and exploring responsible solutions for meeting those needs. Panels covered topics such as nuclear power, hydropower, the Lower Snake River Dams, and development in Moses Lake. The summit aimed to facilitate dialogue among policymakers and industry experts about critical infrastructure and policy decisions that will shape Central Washington’s energy landscape.
Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, President of Big Bend Community College, opened the event with welcome remarks and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The first panel addressed the impact of the Climate Commitment Act and was moderated by Todd Myers from the Washington Policy Center. Panelists included State Representatives Alex Ybarra, Tom Dent, Stephanie Barnard, and State Senator Matt Boehnke.
A subsequent panel discussed “The Future of Nuclear in Washington State,” moderated by Representative Barnard with participants from Energy Northwest, Washington State University’s Nuclear Science Center, and X-Energy. Another session titled “The Importance of the Columbia River System to Our Way of Life” featured public utility commissioners from Douglas County PUD, Grant County PUD, Chelan County PUD as well as Sheri Nelson from the Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Congressman Newhouse delivered keynote remarks highlighting Central Washington’s potential for meeting national energy needs amid developments like artificial intelligence. Following his address was a panel on defending Lower Snake River Dams with representatives from agricultural associations and regional waterway organizations.
The final discussion centered on Moses Lake’s growth called “Development and the Need for More Energy,” featuring local business leaders including Rosendo Alvarado (Sila Nanotechnologies), Nicholas Flanders (twelve), Andy Lapsa (Stoke Space), and Mayor Dustin Swartz.
Dan Newhouse is currently serving in Congress representing Washington’s 4th district since 2015 after replacing Doc Hastings; he previously served in the state House between 2003-2009 according to Biographical Directory of U.S. Congress. Newhouse was born in Sunnyside in 1955 where he still resides according to Biographical Directory of U.S. Congress, graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1977 according to Biographical Directory of U.S. Congress.
