2025 Water for Texas Conference: Full Schedule

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8:30am CST

The Water-Energy Nexus: Balancing Water Needs with Hydrogen Production

Wednesday January 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CST

Water is used in all phases of energy production and electricity generation, and hydrogen is expected to play a vital role in the future of energy systems. Texas is well positioned to lead the nation in hydrogen development with federal funding spurring new hydrogen plants in water-stressed areas of the state. Panelists will discuss hydrogen production's impacts on water resources and systems.

Speakers

Emily Beagle

Research Associate, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Emily Beagle is a research associate in the Webber Energy Group at the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently working on energy policy and pathways to decarbonization of the global energy system with a focus on the deployment and use of hydrogen to reduce emissions in... Read More →

Jason Coleman, P.E.

General Manager, High Plains Underground Water Conservation District #1

Jason has worked in groundwater management for more than 25 years and has served as manager of the High Plains Water District since 2013. He is supported by an elected board of directors and excellent staff at the organization. Jason has a bachelor of science in agricultural engineering... Read More →

Margaret Cook, Ph.D.

Deputy Director of Climate, Equity, and Resilience, Houston Advanced Research Center

Dr. Margaret Cook is the deputy director of climate, equity, and resilience at Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC). In this role, she develops and manages HARC’s climate equity initiative and supports community engagement and community benefits priorities within HARC projects... Read More →

Wednesday January 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CST
Room 103, Meeting Level 1

Breakout Session, Business of Water: Integrating Industry Insights

9:45am CST

Dr. Ecosystem: Improving Health and Providing Benefits

Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Room 103, Meeting Level 1

(1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)

Ecosystem restoration projects can improve the health of watersheds and provide measurable benefits to communities, even as development and population growth put a strain on natural resources and the environment. This panel of experts will explore the broad ways ecosystem services and collaborations bring value to Texas and the economy.

Speakers

Matthew Berg

Chief Executive Officer and Principal Scientist, Simfero

Dr. Matthew Berg leads Simfero, a science-based research and strategy firm. For more than 20 years, he has worked on diverse water issues across public, private, and academic sectors. Matthew has briefed U.S. Congress delegations, had his work cited in reports guiding key legislation... Read More →

Vanessa Puig-Williams

Senior Director of Climate Resilient Water Systems, Environmental Defense Fund

Vanessa Puig-Williams is a senior director on the climate resilient water systems team at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), where she leads EDF’s efforts to advance sustainable groundwater management across the southwest. Before joining EDF, Vanessa served as executive director... Read More →

Karl Flocke

Water Resources Program Leader, Texas A&M Forest Service

Karl Flocke serves as the water resources and ecosystem services program leader for the Texas A&M Forest Service. In this capacity, he and his team promote healthy forest and woodland ecosystems and the countless benefits that they provide. He has a bachelor of science in renewable... Read More →

Sam Marie Hermitte

Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of Water Science and Conservation, Texas Water Development Board

Sam Marie Hermitte’s responsibilities at the Texas Water Development Board include legislative implementation, drought policy, flood priority research projects, strategic planning, and such special initiatives as the development of the Texas Water Data Hub and TexasFlood.org. Additionally... Read More →

Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Room 103, Meeting Level 1

Breakout Session, Science, Technology, and Data: Revolutionizing Water Management and Collaboration