OUR PURPOSE
The Institute for Western Energy (formerly known as Colorado Energy & Water Institute) is an organization dedicated to addressing the intricate relationship between energy and water. Focused on collaboration and partnerships, the Institute explores sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by the intersection of energy production, water resources, population growth, and the impacts of climate change in the West. Through its initiatives, the Institute aims to foster a deeper understanding of these complex dynamics and promote the development of environmentally responsible and efficient practices in the management of energy and water resources.
The Institute for Western Energy (formerly known as Colorado Energy & Water Institute) was founded in 2017 to bring together a diverse community of North American industry, policy, nonprofit and academic leaders in an intentionally intimate setting to engage in a meaningful conversation about our energy and water future. With the foundation of our successful inaugural event in 2017, the Western Energy & Water Forum, The Institute for Western Energy has expanded to offer additional events and seminars to provide participants an opportunity to add to the dialogue, engage with one another and experience nature.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brian Murray
IWE Director and Director of the Duke University Energy Initiative
Thad Kurowski
IWE Director and former Western States Policy Lead at Tesla
Dahvi Wilson
IWE Director and Owner at Sitting Clean
Joe Milczewski
IWE Director and VP of State Government Affairs at Occidental Petroleum
Kathleen Staks
IWE Director and Executive Director of Western Freedom
Lincoln Davies
IWE Director and Professor at Utah University - SJ Quinney College of Law
Chris Hansen
Founder and
Executive Director
Gena Buhler
Founder and
Director of Operations
In Memory of
Larry Holdren
Founder and Former Executive Director