Governor's energy development summit kicks off in Salt Lake City

Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s stated vision to make Utah a leader in affordable, reliable and sustainable energy will be the topic of discussion as the fifth annual Governor’s Utah Energy Development Summit kicks off Tuesday.

Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s stated vision to make Utah a leader in affordable, reliable and sustainable energy will be the topic of discussion as the fifth annual Governor’s Utah Energy Development Summit kicks off Tuesday.

“Responsible energy production is integral to our economic and environmental success,” Herbert said. “This annual event continues to provide a collaborative platform for industry and government, while Utahns become more educated on development in the innovative energy sector.”

The two-day conference and trade show will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City Tuesday and Wednesday. It features more than 75 speakers, a dozen breakout sessions and an exhibit area filled with energy equipment and alternative transportation vehicles. The summit is expected to draw 1,200 attendees, making it the largest event of its kind in the Intermountain West, according to the governor’s office.

The conference will begin with a keynote address by Eileen Robertson, chairwoman of the Brian D. Robertson Memorial Solar Schools Fund. She will honor the legacy of her late husband, the co-founder of SunEdison. A special panel will follow titled “Leading Through Energy Transitions,” which will explore how five women business leaders have effectively navigated periods of low commodity prices and regulatory challenges.

Wednesday begins with remarks by Crystal C. Maggalet, chairman and CEO of FJ Management Inc., whose family businesses include Maverik, Big West Oil and TAB, an industrial loan bank.

Crescent Point Energy president and CEO Scott Saxberg will join Herbert to discuss the company’s investment activities in Utah, including its recent announcement of 4,000 proposed new wells in the Uinta Basin. They will offer insights into what may lie ahead for the oil and gas industry and address their respective approaches to providing leadership through challenging times.

In the afternoon, the senior vice president of Edison Electric Institute, Philip D. Moeller, will examine how companies are focused on identifying innovative solutions and business opportunities to better serve customers.

Multiple breakout sessions will take place throughout the day, covering a range of energy and minerals issues, including innovations for safety and efficiency in extractive industries, Washington’s escalating flow of environmental regulations and next-generation energy management technologies.

“Utah continues to be a national leader in responsible energy and minerals production due to the foresight of Gov. Herbert half a decade ago,” said Laura Nelson, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Development. “We’re proud to once again host a summit dedicated to engaging with a range of stakeholders in order to advance wise policy options and innovative market solutions for these key industries.”

The Governor’s Office of Energy Development will mark its fifth anniversary at the event.