Expert Speakers

Robert AndersonDirector of Energy Compliance Services, Weaver

Robert Anderson has served as a Director at for Weaver’s Energy Compliance Services practice since February 2025. Robert brings over 17 years of experience in design, implementation and enforcement of EPA fuel compliance requirements. He has worked with a wide range of government and industry stakeholders to promote sustainable fuel practices and compliance. His background includes leading the EPA’s efforts to expand biofuels production, developing low-carbon intensity fuels and facilitating the use of E15 in gasoline vehicles. He has also authored significant rulemaking and led numerous initiatives that advanced regulatory efficiency and environmental stewardship. Prior to joining Weaver, Robert was the team leader for the Fuels Compliance Policy Branch at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in which he led a team responsible for implementing and overseeing the EPA’s national fuels programs, addressing thousands of compliance inquiries annually and spearheading significant regulatory reforms. Robert played a key role in streamlining the EPA’s fuel quality programs and developing EPA’s RFS regulatory requirements from 2014-2025.

Kathy BergrenDirector of Federal Government Relations, Gevo, Inc.

Kathy Bergren is Director of Federal Government Relations for Gevo, Inc., where she manages day-to-day operations to shape federal policy outcomes. Prior to joining Gevo in 2023, Bergren led biofuels advocacy for the National Corn Growers Association as Director of Public Policy for Renewable Fuels for six years, representing the nation’s corn farmers and NCGA’s affiliated state organizations. Bergren also has 13 years of experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, including as the Legislative Director/Policy Advisor for a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Financial Services Committees, working on a Farm Bill, financial regulatory reform, trade, and the federal budget. She holds a graduate degree in Public Policy from George Mason University and an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Communications from the University of Kentucky. 

Bergren was raised on her family’s row crop farms, first in north Iowa and later in central Kentucky. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband Eric and two daughters.

Tom BrooksGeneral Manager & COO - Western Dubuque Biodiesel

Tom Brooks was born in 1960 in a small town in KY, the son of a row crop & livestock farmer. Tom accepted scholarships to attend Texas AM. Tom was commissioned a 2 nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force in 1984 as an Air Weapons Officer with a degree in sciences. Tom currently serves as the General Manager/COO of Western Dubuque Biodiesel (WDB). Western Dubuque Biodiesel is a 45-million-gallon production facility located in Farley, Iowa. It is owned by 557 local Iowa investors. Tom has served as their GM/COO for the past 18.75 years. He currently serves as Chairman of Sustainable Biofuel Refineries (SABR), was past (President) of the IRFA (Iowa Renewable Fuels Board), past (President) of the IBB (Iowa Biodiesel Board), and also served as a Clean Fuels Alliance America past Governing Board Member, Tom serves at the leisure of WDB investors while maintaining his position is one of stewardship of people, products, and profits that he has been entrusted.

Dawn CaldwellExecutive Director at Renewable Fuels Nebraska

Dawn Caldwell was born and raised on a diversified farm near Guide Rock, Nebraska and earned a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1994. After a few years working in the University of Nebraska Extension system, she began a career in livestock nutrition, first with Deshler Grain and Feed and then Aurora Cooperative. While at Aurora Cooperative, Dawn spent 10 years as a Livestock Specialist, 5 years as Corporate Communications Manager, and 6 years as Head of Government Affairs before moving on to be the Executive Director at Renewable Fuels Nebraska. Dawn has served on a number of state and national boards and enjoys promoting all aspects of Nebraska Agriculture while serving as the Executive Director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska. Dawn and her husband, Matt ranch and farm in North Central Kansas and South Central Nebraska; they have two grown children and three grandchildren.

Yi ChenCAMIRO Senior Analyst, Forecasting - OPIS, A Dow Jones Company

Yi Chen is a Senior Research Analyst at OPIS, focusing on clean fuel programs across North America. She specializes in credit price forecasting and market research, leveraging her expertise in environmental market analysis, including fundamentals, trading dynamics, policy interactions, and climate finance. Yi holds a Master’s degree in Carbon Finance from the University of Edinburgh Business School and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.

Geoff CooperPresident & CEO - Renewable Fuels Association

Since October 2018, Geoff Cooper has been President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Collectively representing the majority of U.S. ethanol industry leaders and supporters, RFA is working to drive expanded demand for American-made renewable fuels and bio-products worldwide.

Previously he served as RFA Executive Vice President, where in addition to overseeing market analysis and policy research, he provided regulatory support and strategic planning for the association and its members. Geoff has also focused on issues related to lifecycle analysis, sustainability, and ethanol co-products.

He has served as an appointed member of the California Air Resources Board’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program Advisory Panel, as well as the Oregon Clean Fuels Program Rulemaking Advisory Committee. Geoff was also appointed to the Midwest Governors Association’s (MGA) Advanced Transportation Fuels Advisory Group, as well as MGA’s Low Carbon Fuels Policy Advisory Group. He also serves on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Agricultural Advisory Committee and was named to the U.N. Expert Roundtable on Biofuels & Food by the Commissioner for Human Rights. He has testified on behalf of RFA before state and federal legislative and regulatory bodies.

Geoff has discussed ethanol, energy, and agricultural issues on CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business News, and National Public Radio, and has been quoted by the Associated Press, Reuters, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and numerous other print and online media outlets. He received the ethanol industry’s prestigious “High Octane Award” in 2017 and has twice been selected as one of “Top 100 People in the Bioeconomy” by the readers of Biofuels Digest. Geoff also has been recognized multiple times as one of the nation’s top lobbyists by the prestigious The Hill publication. 

Prior to joining RFA, Geoff served as Director of Ethanol Programs for the National Corn Growers Association. In this role, he led research and promotional efforts to increase the production and use of corn-based ethanol. Previously, Geoff served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, specializing in bulk petroleum supply and logistics.

A Wyoming native, Geoff graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He earned his master’s degree at Webster University in St. Louis.

Rich CooperVP, Business Development, NW Natural Resources

Mr. Cooper has over 25 years’ experience in project development and finance, with a focus on renewable natural gas (RNG) over the last decade.  He has a successful track record of developing projects in both the landfill and dairy RNG sectors. Prior to joining NWNR, he worked for DTE Vantage where he was involved in a variety of project development and finance activities, including raising over $3 billion in tax equity financing from institutional investors.  Mr. Cooper began his career working for Bechtel Enterprises in Singapore, developing and financing private infrastructure projects.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil), a Master of Science in Engineering (Environmental) from Stanford University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Andy DvoracekVice President of Business Development – Amp Americas

Andy Dvoracek is Vice President of Business Development at Amp Americas, where he leads the origination and development of biogas projects and RNG marketing. He has more than 15 years of experience in renewable energy, spanning agricultural and industrial wastewater, methane avoidance, coal mine methane, and biogas upgrading. His background includes roles in project development, plant operations, due diligence, emissions trading, and M&A.

Before joining Amp in 2018, Andy was Vice President of Development at Camco, managing carbon assets and biogas investments across North America. He also held senior roles at Element Markets, Greenhouse Gas Services, and EcoSecurities.

Andy holds a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science from Saint John’s University (MN) and an MPA in Environmental Policy and Management from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. He also served two years in El Salvador with the U.S. Peace Corps.

Erin DonnetteRegional Director of US Sustainability - The Boeing Company

Erin Donnette is the Regional Director of US Sustainability for The Boeing Company, with a special focus on sustainable aviation fuels. She previously served as Government Relations Manager based in Sacramento, where she acted as the Company’s liaison to the Legislature and regulatory entities.

Prior to joining Boeing, Donnette served as Director of Government Relations for World Energy, a renewable fuel producer based in Southern California. During her tenure she was able to secure the company $10 million in CAEATFA tax credits, helped to reinstate the federal Biodiesel Tax Credit, and successfully negotiated a PLA with the California State Building Trades.

Previously, Donnette served in the California State Assembly as Chief of Staff to former Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, Capitol Director for Assemblyman Brian Maienschein, and as staff for several other members. During her tenure in the legislature, she personally ushered over 50 bills to signature on behalf of her Assembly members.

Kurt KovarikVice President, Federal Affairs at Clean Fuels Alliance America

Kurt serves as Vice President, Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America, leading members in advocating federal policies that support the industry’s growth. Since joining Clean Fuels Alliance America, Kurt has helped the industry secure a long-term extension of the biodiesel tax incentive, preserve important protections against unfair international trade and ensure the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard program.

Prior to joining Clean Fuels Alliance America, Kurt worked for more than 20 years in the office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), leading efforts on the Renewable Fuel Standard, the biodiesel tax incentive and increased use of clean fuels. An Iowa native, Kurt graduated from Luther College with a degree in political science.

Susan LaffertyPartner, Holland & Knight

Susan Lafferty is an attorney at Holland & Knight’s Washington, D.C., office, specializing in energy and environmental law. She advises clients in the petroleum, biofuels, and energy trading sectors on regulatory and policy issues, particularly around climate change programs like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS), and carbon offset markets. A recognized leader in energy transition, she also supports clients with green marketing compliance as part of the firm’s Greenwashing Mitigation Team. Her expertise spans a wide range of commodities, including fuels, metals, and agricultural products. She has led responses to enforcement actions by the EPA and other agencies and helps clients manage environmental risks, establish trading desks, and implement compliance programs. Her team has been honored by Environmental Finance for excellence in North American markets and renewable energy certificates.

Andrew LipowPresident, Lipow Oil Associates

Andrew Lipow is the President of Lipow Oil Associates, a consulting firm which he founded in May 2004. Lipow Oil Associates specializes in both the oil markets and renewable fuels industries. He provides expertise in crude oil and petroleum product trading opportunities and provides insight into the RFS, RINs, and LCFS programs. Mr. Lipow gained refining and trading experience during his career at Vitol, Basis Petroleum, J. Aron and Amoco and has provided consulting services to biofuel trade groups. He is a frequent guest on Fox Business News, CNBC and Bloomberg Canada, and has appeared on the nightly newscasts of the major networks. He is frequently cited by industry trade publications as well as The Wall Street Journal and Reuters for comments regarding recent news events.

Paul MachielePresident, Fuel Policy Advisors, LLC

Paul is an independent consultant providing strategic, policy, and technical advice to a range of clients on state, national, and international fuel policies.  After 39 years, he retired at the end of 2024 from EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality where he directed and executed technically, legally, and politically complex projects of national impact, including over 20 Federal regulations for nearly all mobile sources including vehicles, engines, equipment, gasoline and diesel fuel quality, and most recently renewable fuels.  He is a trusted engineer and policy maker having worked with people across EPA, other agencies, industry, environmental and consumer organizations, states and other governments.  He has been a frequent advisor to political appointees on fuel policies impacting the environment and the economy.

Michael McAdamsPresident, Advanced Biofuels Association

Michael McAdams serves as President of the Advanced Biofuels Association, a Washington-D.C. based association of more than 40 advanced biofuels feedstock, production, marketing, and distribution companies. Mr. McAdams formed the Association in 2007 and has acted as its lead representative since, building on more than 40 years of experience in government and public affairs focused on energy, fuels policy, climate change, air policy and tax. In the private sector, Mr. McAdams worked for BP for more than 14 years and on Capitol Hill, including as legislative director to Congressman Ralph Hall (R-TX). A leading voice in the renewable fuels field, Mr. McAdams has testified numerous times before Congress and federal agencies, speaks regularly at industry and academic conferences, and authors a twice-monthly column in Real Clear Energy.

David McCulloughPartner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman

David McCullough is a partner in the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.  For the past 15 years, he has been a leading lawyer in the production and trade of renewable fuels and the implementation of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and state low carbon fuel standards.  He represents clients on a range of transactions driven by the ongoing transition to a low carbon economy, including the development and acquisition of renewable natural gas facilities, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel refineries, advanced recycling facilities, hydrogen production facilities, carbon capture projects and reforestation projects.  For each of the past four years, he has been recognized as having a leading practice in the area of climate change law by Chambers and Partners.

Thomas MillerRegulatory Affairs Senior Manager - BP Products North America Inc.

Tom has been working for BP since 2001. He spent his early career working in BP’s supply and trading group where he first got involved in biofuels, even before RFS was in place. Following a global assignment reorganizing BP’s downstream business, Tom spent a decade developing strategies and projects for BP’s downstream business in North America from crude to customer.

In his current role as Regulatory Affairs Senior Manager, Tom spends much of his time influencing public policy to accelerate the energy transition and enable growth opportunities for bp. He is an active participant in trade organizations such as the Advanced Biofuels Association and American Petroleum Institute where he holds leadership roles.

Tom grew up in South Dakota where his parents were both educators. He has degrees in Electrical Engineering and Religious Studies from Rice University in Houston. Tom lives near Chicago with his wife and two young boys.

Sam WadeDirector of Public Policy - Renewable Natural Gas Coalition

Sam Wade serves as the Vice President of Public Policy at the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition. Previously Mr. Wade worked as Chief of the Transportation Fuels Branch at the Californian Air Resources Board, where he oversaw the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program for four years. In other roles at CARB, Mr. Wade served as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, developed the Cap-and-Trade rule, and authored portions of California’s first Greenhouse Gas Scoping Plan. He’s also worked in energy policy at Pacific Gas and Electric and with a bioenergy/biochar start-up. Sam holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. Davis, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii, and an M.P.A in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University.

Geoff MoodySenior Vice President of Government Relations & Policy at the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers' (AFPM)

Geoff Moody serves as the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers’ (AFPM) Senior Vice President of Government Relations & Policy. Geoff leads AFPM’s federal and state advocacy on issues impacting the refining and petrochemical industries, including fuels, environmental regulation, trade, transportation and infrastructure, chemicals management, and tax policy. Geoff started his career on Capitol Hill and has spent more than 15 years working in various policy and energy and environmental advocacy roles. He holds his law degree from the George Mason University School of Law.

Sean NewsumManaging Director, Environmental Affairs - Airlines for America (A4A)

Sean Newsum is Managing Director for Environmental Affairs at Airlines for America (A4A), where he leads the A4A work to support the US airline industry on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and other environmental issues. Sean joined A4A after an extensive career at Boeing, with the last 12 years focused on aviation’s environmental strategy, including amongst other responsibilities leading Boeing’s SAF program that focused on partnering and collaboration to catalyze the availability of SAF for the aviation industry. He has been an active member in various industry groups including serving on the board of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) and Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA), serving as Vice Chair of the Environment committee at Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), and a designated observer to the ICAO Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP).

Patrick NewkumetSenior Journalist - OPIS, a Dow Jones Company

Patrick Newkumet is a senior journalist with Oil Price Information Service, a Dow Jones Company. He has worked on OPIS’ biofuels team since 2019, covering policy and litigation related to the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) —alongside the markets that serve them.

Evelyn OlsonCAMIRO Low Carbon Fuels Analyst, Policy - OPIS, A Dow Jones Company

Evelyn Olson is a dedicated policy analyst and researcher with a passion for energy and environmental issues. She specializes in navigating the intricate landscape of regulations and legislation within the energy sector. Currently, at OPIS, Evelyn diligently monitors and tracks policies related to the biofuels market, including the Renewable Fuel Standard, keeping stakeholders informed and compliant. Prior to her role as a Regulatory Case Manager at SoCalGas, she served as a Government Affairs Analyst for the Long Beach City Manager’s Office. In this capacity, she effectively analyzed legislative initiatives that directly impacted the city and its constituents. Evelyn holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Southern California, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Geography/Environmental Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.  

Josh PedrickLow-Carbon Markets Trader - Neste US, Inc

Josh Pedrick trades compliance carbon credits – RINs and LCFS – for renewable fuel producer Neste, as well as monetizing the Clean Fuel Production Credit. With a keen understanding of the market and regulatory frameworks that drive the biomass-based diesel sector, Josh carefully watches the supply, demand, and economic factors influencing the renewable diesel and SAF markets.

Monte ShawExecutive Director - Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

Mr. Shaw has worked on behalf of the biofuels industry for 25 years, serving as the Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) since 2005. Working with a team of three colleagues to pursue IRFA’s mission of fostering the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry, Mr. Shaw is responsible for the management, policy and political agenda, and trade efforts of IRFA.

Previously, Mr. Shaw spent nearly six years as Director of Communications for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) in Washington, DC. He began his career by working for the campaigns and official offices of numerous candidates and elected officials, including Steve Forbes, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, U.S. Senator Bob Dole, and U.S. Rep. Jim Lightfoot. Mr. Shaw was raised on a corn and soybean farm just outside of the southwest Iowa town of Shenandoah, where he still helps his father and brother bring in the harvest. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. He currently resides in West Des Moines with his wife Tina, daughter Eden, son Max, and rescue dog Jackson.

Jenny SpeckPartner – Vinson & Elkins

Jenny Speck advises clients on the qualification for and the monetization of energy transition tax incentives. She has worked on a range of energy transition projects, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, combined heat and power, biogas property, carbon capture, hydrogen and clean fuel credit projects.

She has firsthand knowledge of the carbon capture industry, having served as the senior manager of tax and regulatory compliance at Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC from April 2022 through October 2023. At Navigator, Jenny led all aspects of tax qualification, utilization and reporting compliance for federal income energy tax credits and served as Navigator’s sole liaison with the US Department of Energy. She was recruited and served as an independent Merit Reviewer of the Department of Energy loan program for carbon capture and storage demonstration projects.

Jenny also provides tax advice on traditional purchase agreements, including the sale and purchase of tax credits, joint ventures, financings and other general transactional work.

Greg StaitiCompliance Director - Montana Renewables

Greg Staiti is an attorney and compliance expert who has served the petroleum and renewable fuels sector for nearly two decades, advising on obligations, opportunities and strategies associated with a wide range of federal- and state-level renewable and low carbon fuel programs. Greg is Compliance Director for Montana Renewables, a leading producer of renewable diesel and SAF based in Great Falls, Montana, where he oversees the company’s compliance and federal legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts. Greg has been a regular speaker at this event each year, during which time he was a leader in Weaver and Tidwell’s energy compliance consulting practice.

Mark C. TaltyCounsel - Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Mark C. Talty, a member of the firm’s Environmental & Natural Resources practice, spent almost a decade working in the Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Drawing upon his invaluable government experience, Mark brings a unique perspective and critical insight to help clients navigate through ever-evolving environmental laws and regulations.

Prior to joining Pillsbury, Mark served as a senior attorney in the EPA’s Office of General Counsel where he focused on complex legal issues relating to the federal rulemaking process and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), including Chevron and Kisor deference, the nondelegation doctrine, the major questions doctrine, the APA’s exceptions to notice and comment rulemaking, and reviewability of final agency actions.

During his time at the EPA, Mark counseled program staff and senior leadership in the development of regulations and policies with agency-wide scope and significant external impact across each of the Agency’s substantive statutes. He also worked with the Department of Justice, including the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), to review and edit briefs in challenges to EPA actions and in high-profile litigation with EPA equities.

In addition to his service at the EPA, Mark previously served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Maryland Attorney General. In this role, he represented the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Critical Area Commission in litigation before administrative boards and Maryland state courts, as well as advised on enforcement and compliance requirements of environmental land-use and natural resource laws.

Tim UrbanSenior Principal, Bracewell LLP

Tim Urban leads the Bracewell tax policy practice out of the firm’s Washington, DC-based Policy Resolution Group. He is an experienced tax lobbyist who has advocated for clients on every major tax bill introduced in Congress over the past 20 years. He represents companies on business tax issues, extension of temporary tax provisions, and federal tax policies affecting the energy sector. Drawing on his work on the House Ways and Means tax-writing committee and two decades at a “Big Four” accounting firm’s tax policy group, Tim represents companies on business tax issues, extension of temporary tax provisions, and federal tax policies affecting the energy sector. Regarding federal energy tax policy, he has represented and advised companies on tax policy issues affecting conventional energy companies, such as the 45Q credit for carbon capture and storage (CCS); production credits for hydrogen and for electricity produced from renewable resources (including solar, wind, and hydropower); investment incentives for purchases of renewable energy plant property (hydrogen storage, energy storage, and biogas equipment, for example), and production and blending tax credits for clean fuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel, cellulosic ethanol, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), renewable natural gas, and methanol.

Brian WernerExecutive Director, MN Bio-Fuels

Brian Werner was appointed Executive Director of MN Bio-Fuels in September 2022. 

A native of Marshall, MN, Mr. Werner’s prior experience includes working for Sen. Amy Klobuchar as Deputy Legislative Director/Senior Legislative Assistant for renewable energy and agriculture. Throughout that time, he supported the Senator’s work to protect mandatory funding for Farm Bill energy title programs, maintain stability in the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard, provide economic relief for biofuel producers negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and secure federal investment in biofuel infrastructure. 

Mr. Werner also spent time on Capitol Hill in the offices of former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota and Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-7th District). He received his BA from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Public Administration from American University in Washington, D.C.