Julie Lucas

Hosted by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA), this solar and energy storage conference brings together installers, developers, manufacturers, distributors, financiers, engineers, utilities, job trainers, trade unions, nonprofits, government agencies, state officials, regulators, and legislators. Program themes include: - “Regulatory Roadmap: The Role of the MN Public Utilities Commission in Minnesota's Carbon-Free Future,” featuring Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Chair Katie Sieben and Commissioner Audrey Partridge. - “Inside the Solar C-Suite: CEOs Talk Trends, Turbulence, and Tomorrow,” addressing shifting policies, evolving markets, supply chain challenges, changing customer demands, business uncertainty, and long-term strategy. - “Securing the Supply Chain: Minnesota's Role in America's Clean Energy Minerals — A Bipartisan Conversation,” examining Minnesota's critical mineral resources, domestic supply chains, economic development, clean energy, and responsible resource development. Participants include Julie Lucas of MiningMinnesota and Minnesota lawmakers Spencer Igo and David Gottfried, moderated by Sarah Whebbe of MnSEIA. - “Across the Aisle: What Passed, What Stalled, What's Next? A Bipartisan Recap of the 2026 Legislative Session,” covering energy policies that advanced, proposals that fell short, and issues likely to shape the next legislative session. The closing keynote features Athena Hollins, Dave Baker, and Jennifer McEwen, moderated by David Moberg of MnSEIA. The program also includes the 2026 MnSEIA Awards, recognizing contributions to Minnesota's solar industry in project development, diversity, equity and inclusion, policy leadership, advocacy, membership, and lifetime achievement.