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Water Power Week in Washington, D.C. (March 31 – April 2, 2025) brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators to discuss the future of water power while keeping attendees abreast of the latest updates from Capitol Hill.
Every Water Power Week, NHA secures an excellent roster of speakers, who share insight about water power’s biggest topic areas. This year’s lineup includes three U.S. legislators, two Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) commissioners, and three top energy journalists, who are helping shape the national conversation around water power.
Learn more about the speakers by clicking on their names below:
U.S. Legislators
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
FERC
National Journalists
U.S. LEGISLATORS
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
As Alaska’s senior U.S. Senator, Lisa Murkowski has been a longtime advocate for hydropower. She has supported legislation aimed at streamlining hydropower permitting, expanding renewable energy research, and improving energy infrastructure resilience.
Senator Murkowski played a key role in crafting the Energy Act of 2020, which modernized federal energy policy and included provisions to advance hydropower as a clean and reliable energy source. Additionally, she has also pushed for investment in Alaska’s rural energy systems, recognizing hydropower’s potential to reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel in remote communities.
Through her leadership on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Murkowski has worked to secure funding for federal research on water power technologies and grid integration.
Representative Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska)
Representative Adrian Smith has consistently supported policies that promote energy security and economic opportunities in rural America. Nebraska benefits from his advocacy for infrastructure investment and regulatory reforms aimed at fostering energy production.
Representative Smith has backed legislation to improve the licensing process for small hydropower projects and has worked with the Congressional Western Caucus to highlight hydropower’s role in water management, agriculture, and electricity generation. His work on the Ways and Means Committee also involves trade policies that impact energy exports, including those related to water power technology.
Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon)
Hailing from Oregon, the nation’s fourth largest hydropower producer, Representative Suzanne Bonamici has been a vocal supporter of policies that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of hydro while also championing marine energy development. Representative Bonamici has worked on initiatives to integrate hydropower with other renewable energy sources and has advocated for research funding to improve fish passage and environmental stewardship at hydroelectric projects.
Through her role on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Representative Bonamici has supported advancements in marine energy, including wave and tidal power. Additionally, as co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus, she has highlighted the importance of responsible water resource management.
FERC COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner David Rosner
David Rosner, who recently became a FERC Commissioner in June 2024, has over 15 years of experience in energy policy, market design, and regulatory affairs. His background includes extensive work on energy storage, electric transmission, offshore wind, and fuel security, both as an industry analyst at FERC and as a policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). His expertise in grid modernization and renewable energy integration makes him a key figure in shaping the regulatory framework governing U.S. energy markets.
Commissioner Lindsey See
Lindsey See joined FERC in June 2024, following her tenure as West Virginia’s Solicitor General. With a strong background in administrative and energy law, See has litigated major regulatory cases at both state and federal levels, including appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court. Her experience leading multi-state legal coalitions on energy policy, combined with her private sector practice in appellate law, positions her as an influential regulator overseeing the evolving energy landscape.
NATIONAL JOURNALISTS
Nick Sobczyk (Axios)
As an energy and climate policy reporter for Axios, Nick Sobczyk provides in-depth coverage of Congressional developments, regulatory changes, and the implementation of major energy policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. His reporting bridges the gap between legislative decision-making and industry impact, offering insights into federal energy strategies.
Nico Portuondo (E&E News)
A seasoned journalist with a background in political and environmental reporting, Nico Portuondo focuses on Congressional energy policy. His work at E&E News delves into the technical and political dimensions of federal energy legislation, offering detailed analysis of regulatory trends and industry implications.
Rachel Frazin (The Hill)
Covering energy and environmental policy for The Hill, Rachel Frazin has reported extensively on climate initiatives, energy markets, and environmental regulations. Her coverage spans legislative battles over energy policy, fuel pricing trends, and the intersection of economic and environmental concerns.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the notable speakers at this year’s Water Power Week, click HERE.
To see the full list of presenters, click HERE.
To register for Water Power Week, click HERE.
