AI, Climate Change, and Energy Demand

About This Event

The Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment and the Institute for Informatics and Applied Science will co-host a public panel discussion of the challenges and opportunities of addressing climate change in an era of rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence. Is it possible to meet our decarbonization and renewable energy goals while satisfying the intense energy demands of AI data centers?  Can we have responsible AI and address the climate crisis?

About the Speakers:  

Joshua Basofin works to advance clean energy policies in Oregon, including implementation of HB 2021, the state’s groundbreaking clean energy law. Joshua also works in coalitions to identify clean energy pathways for industry, seek consensus on siting and permitting of renewable energy facilities, and extend the benefits of our clean energy transition to rural parts of Oregon. Joshua has held many roles in the environmental field. He began his career working in conservation with a focus on freshwater fisheries, marine protected areas, deserts, and wetlands. He spent several years as a sustainability advisor for businesses. Joshua also served as the first Director of Climate Action for Parliament of the World’s Religions, the oldest interfaith organization in the US. Joshua is particularly interested in the intersections within the environmental movement where coalitions of advocates, businesses, faiths, and communities can be created. Joshua holds a BA in English and Environmental Studies and a JD with a concentration in environmental law. In his free time, Joshua enjoys backpacking, kayaking, cooking, gardening, and volunteering with organizations focused on sustainable food and access to nature.

Brian Rybarik is Chair of the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission and a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' Electricity and Critical Infrastructure Committees, Committee of State Representatives for the Western Resource Adequacy Program, and Federal and State Current Issues Collaborative. Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Rybarik to serve on the Washington State Office of the Chief Information Officer Technology Services Board. Before the commission, Rybarik held various leadership roles at Microsoft, including leading a team focused on protecting the rights of people in Microsoft’s supply chains. He also served as chief of staff for Microsoft’s corporate sustainability team and was part of Microsoft’s data center energy team. Rybarik has also been the vice president of policy for the Clean Grid Alliance and deputy general counsel at MidAmerican Energy Company. He started his legal career in private practice at the law firm Michael Best and has also worked in the Wisconsin Legislature. Rybarik earned his bachelor’s and law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Paul Dietz is a Senior Manager in Forecasting and Market Analytics with Grant County Public Utility District. Dietz brings deep expertise in energy economics, market analytics, computer modeling, and financial risk management. He has held leadership roles at major utilities including Evergy, Xcel Energy, NRG Energy, and Grant County PUD. As a certified Financial Risk Manager, he excels at navigating the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the electric utility industry, a sector he feels will continue to experience unprecedented growth and change well into the next decade.