ABC Board Election 2024

Alan Johnson entered the renewable energy space in 2009 as a member of the Quasar Energy Group (originally Schmack BioEnergy) where his role included Business Development, Project Mgt, Engineering Manager and Engineer of Record. During his tenure at Quasar, the company built over 10 digester projects ranging in size from 50 wet tons per day to 3,000 wet tons per day normally with combined biomass (WWTP biosolids and food waste, dairy manure and food waste, food waste only, dairy manure only, etc.). The biogas was either converted to electrical power for onsite use and export to the grid or RNG for direct injection into interstate pipelines.

In 2020, Mr. Johnson shifted his focus to a business development role at the back end of the digesters and landfills with the purification of biogas and landfill gas. Initially with Xebec and currently with Sysadvance North America, Mr. Johnson assists project developers, investors, obligated parties, and others with understanding the benefits of using Pressure Swing Adsorption technology for the gas clean-up step to create RNG revenue from the projects they are interested in.

Mr. Johnson is a frequent speaker at trade organization conferences, has been an active member of the ABC board of directors over the last several years and is proud to be part of the American Biogas Council.

Along with RNG, Mr. Johnson began to promote the merits of “digestate” as a natural crop nutrient and soil enrichment material and has continued to advocate that digestate and it’s ability to offset traditional fertilizer, improve soil tilth and soil carbon need to be the “next big thing” for ABC. We are beginning to see “product” not “problem” beginning to catch fire within the Council, and this is beginning to transcend into the marketplace.

As a member of the Board of Directors, I would continue to play an active role as a board member and general member of the ABC and would continue to be an objective member of the body, supporting all that we do as an organization.

I would be pleased to serve on the ABC Board of directors and look forward to your support.

As a member of the Board of Directors, I would continue to play an active role as a board member and general member of the ABC and would continue to be an objective member of the body, supporting all that we do as an organization.

Having more than 15 years of experience in this market, I feel that I have been around since “the beginning”. A decade ago, ABC was a fledgling organization working on establishing a presence while working in tandem with “BioCycle”. During these many years, I have been part of everything that has gone on in our industry. I understand anaerobic digestion having lived it for a decade, I have worked through the 1603 ITC during the Obama administration and am now working with IRA/ITC. I have made electricity and exported it into the regulated space the states of Ohio, New York, Massachusetts and Maine. I have made RNG and injected it into the Kinder-Morgan interstate pipelines in Arizona. I have beneficially applied biosolids, Class B and Class A, and non-regulated food waste and dairy waste digestate on fields in Ohio, Arizona, New York, Massachusetts and Maine. I have spent weekends cleaning up after a “foaming incident” at a digester. I understand “not in my back yard” and the issues associated with negative social media.

Along with RNG, Mr. Johnson began to promote the merits of “digestate” as a natural crop nutrient and soil enrichment material and has continued to advocate that digestate and it’s ability to offset traditional fertilizer, improve soil tilth and soil carbon need to be the “next big thing” for ABC. We are beginning to see “product” not “problem” beginning to catch fire within the Council, and this is beginning to transcend into the marketplace.

All this is to say that I understand the industry in the broadest of terms and will bring this understanding and experience to what I can offer the ABC as a Board of Directors member.

Andrew Wedel, P.E. is the Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Settje Agri-Services and Engineering where he is responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of all aspects of manure system design related to anaerobic digestion systems including feedstock quantification/characterization, project feasibility, pre-treatment/thickening, long-distance pipeline conveyance, sand-manure separation systems, bedding recovery, and digestate processing.  In addition to performing these services for dairy clients, Andrew is actively involved in developing AD technologies and feedlot manure management systems for beef cattle feedyards.

Andrew has consulted on and designed manure systems in conjunction with anaerobic digestion plants worldwide and on some of the longest operating dairy digesters in the U.S.  In addition, Andrew was instrumental in developing successful strategies for handling sand-laden manure as well as sand-manure separation technologies.

Andrew is a Professional Engineer (PE) and he holds an M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from University of Delaware.  Other professional activities include PE exam development in the agricultural discipline as a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and teaching university courses in environmental engineering.  Andrew serves the American Biogas Council by teaching continuing education sessions and training modules intended to train investors, designers, and operators of anaerobic digestion systems.  As a consummate supporter of animal agriculture and how animal ag interacts with society, Andrew is also the co-host of the bi-weekly Sustaining the Herd podcast, which focuses on a wide range of sustainability related topics that affect us all.

Andrew Wedel, P.E. is an agricultural engineer with thirty years of experience designing all aspects of manure management systems.  Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in expanding anaerobic digester (AD) adoption and biogas production on dairy farms by designing systems to successfully integrate ADs with an individual farm’s management strategies.  Specifically, Andrew was instrumental developing strategies for handling sand-laden dairy manure and sand-manure separation systems as AD pre-treatment.  Based in Pennsylvania, Andrew is the Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Settje Agri-Services and Engineering headquartered in Raymond, Nebraska. 

If elected to the ABC Board, I will focus on three particular areas, each of which will contribute to wider-scale adoption of AD and the production of biogas.  First, I will continue to participate as an instructor and help to grow the ABC continuing education events like the Developer Bootcamps and the substrate characterization course.  We need more well-trained people in our industry and I believe I can help get them to where they need to be technically.  Second, as part of my day-to-day duties, I will continue working to develop AD systems for beef cattle feedyards.  At present, feedyards are a massive untapped source of manure for ADs and the production of biogas.  Lastly, I will use my extensive industry contacts to encourage and promote participation in ABC to producers—that is, the dairy, beef, and swine producers who provide AD feedstock and who are often partners in executing projects.

Ben Sheff holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. His experience with anaerobic digestion (AD) began at a young age with summer site visits and later, work at multiple dairy farms, meat processing plants, and landfills throughout the Midwestern United States. Once out of college, he officially began his renewable energy focused career at a newly built AD to energy system in Scotland as a field engineer for UTS Biogastechnic GmbH. It was here that he commissioned his first digester system, fed by food and composting waste.

Upon his return from work in the European Union, he turned his focus to renewable natural gas (RNG). He began working with RNG upgrade technologies, including general AD and RNG plant operations and maintenance (O&M). Over the next decade he held positions in RNG and AD that took him all over North America. These job titles included AD Lab Technician, on-site AD Engineering Consultant, on-site Plant Manager, Commissioning Engineer, and Product Engineer. He currently holds the position of Senior Pipeline Engineer with Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, MO.

I have been engaged in the biogas industry for over 17 years, starting as a field engineer and plant operator. I worked my way through the ranks, holding positions as a lab technician, plant manager, and on-site consulting engineer. During this time, I was a part of both anaerobic digestion (AD) and renewable natural gas (RNG) upgrade system design teams and directed/implemented site improvements. I also spent 5 years as a commissioning engineer for both AD systems and RNG upgrade technology. In addition to my professional career, I have been working with the ABC and their operator training program, allowing me to give my AD/RNG operations and engineering knowledge back to the industry, something I have always been passionate about.  

With my enthusiasm for teaching and my belief in the importance of renewable energy, the ABC has been a great outlet for me. It has allowed me to educate operators, managers, and project developers on the realities of commissioning, start-up, and long-term operations of biogas facilities, ranging from landfills to food waste and dairy manure digesters. I am always focused on making the projects safer and steering project developers towards the best outcomes available. I see these efforts as vital to better position the industry in what can sometimes be a hostile environment. Lastly, I want to be able to bring my years of on-site operations and engineering experience to the board, to help advocate for a side of the industry that is not always as well represented.

In summary, when elected to this at-large board seat, I will apply all my energy to champion the biogas industry. I understand the significant responsibilities this selection by the membership of the ABC requires and I stand ready to go to work.

Brad Pleima is the President of EcoEngineers, a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm with an exclusive focus on the energy transition. Brad sets the strategic goals for Eco, with expertise from more than 20 years of leadership in the renewable emerging and engineering industry. He has provided advisory services to more than 300 renewable energy production facilities and supported construction of more than $4 billion in anaerobic digester and renewable natural gas (RNG) projects nationwide. Brad has a civil engineering degree from Iowa State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in five states.

I’m excited for the opportunity to continue serve ABC for another term.  I have really enjoyed my 4 years on the board and the “big tent” nature of ABC and the focus on all things biogas.  My goal is to continue to help ABC monitor carbon markets, biogas opportunities, trends in the industry and markets, and to leverage EcoEngineers’ experience as a third party advisor, consultant, and auditor in the renewable energy and decarbonization industry for the benefit of ABC and its members.

Craig Frear is Director of Research and Technology for Regenis, a Washington state company specializing in anaerobic digestion and nutrient/water treatment of dairy manure and co-digestion substrates, providing EPC, construction management,  O&M, and consulting services to projects. Prior to his Regenis position, Craig was an Assistant Professor at Washington State University, managing one of the nation’s more prolific teams providing research and extension activities within the field of value-added and environmentally beneficial use of manure and other organic waste streams, focusing in particular on anaerobic digestion, value-added biochemical recovery from waste, and development of bio-refinery principles for rural and urban communities.  In addition to his research, Dr. Frear is the author of 100 peer-reviewed publications and holds five patents. Craig holds a PhD in Engineering Science from Washington State University, a MA in Educational Administration from Columbia University, and BA in Chemistry and Theology from St. Olaf College.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my service to the ABC Board of Directors these last several years and gladly offer my services for another term . I believe I have served the Board well in two key areas of importance to ABC. First, as a small trade organization, with limited staffing, ABC is only able to cut as large a swath of influence as it has, due to the hard work of its members and in particular its Board of Directors. Thanks to the understanding of my employer, I have been allowed to not just attend meetings and serve as a voting Board Member, but to serve on the Executive Committee, spend considerable time serving as co-chair on committees and assist in many initiatives that require considerable hours of donated time. Second, across the course of a year, numerous topics arise requiring immediate ABC response to policy/technical issues. When those issues arise, I have formed a nice partnership with the ABC staff, providing technical review/expertise and writing whenever necessary. While other Board Members fill important gaps in financing, business, legal acumen, to name a few, my academic and engineering training affords a much-needed attribute to the Board. That, along with a willingness and ability to devote time and effort outside of my main job, makes me a valuable member of the ABC team. I look forward to supporting ABC and this industry in any capacity I can.

Derek Hundert is a results-driven creative problem solver. He is also the President of PlanET Biogas in North America, a pioneer of Anaerobic Digestion and Renewable Natural Gas technology since 1998 with 870+ Anaerobic Digestion systems and 150+ AD to RNG Plants operating worldwide. At PlanET, Derek takes on a broad scope of responsibilities, from vision setting to P&L accountability for all of PlanET’s operating companies in North America. He plays a pivotal role in driving PlanET’s mission forward and encouraging a positive and supportive work culture.  Fostering a collaborative environment, Derek was instrumental in driving market expansion across the US and advancing PlanET’s world class technology to a growing market in an effort to amplify its impact and drive innovation. Thanks to these endeavors, PlanET has nearly 50 projects in construction or operation utilizing both food waste and manure across the US and Canada.  

Prior to joining PlanET in 2012, Derek worked in the Oil & Gas Sector for Imperial Oil, working in Project Management and Delivery of both Upstream and Downstream assets.  Derek holds a combined Business & Engineering Degree from McMaster University.

I have been supporting this industry for over 12 years and have been a member of the ABC for over 10.  I have extensive experience, and a deep understanding of what these projects need to be successful.  I am ready to actively contribute to the future growth of our industry by listening, collaborating, advocating and ensuring the decisions we make, serve the biogas community’s best interests.

Donald Chahbazpour is currently the Director of Policy and Regulatory Strategy – Future of Heat at National Grid. Don is leading company’s efforts to implement gas decarbonization and reduce methane emissions through policy, strategy and technology. The group is also responsible for engaging stakeholders to raise awareness regarding the potential of renewable natural gas and hydrogen, and how the gas network can enable the energy transition.

Before his current position, Don was the Director of Climate Change Compliance. His previous positions at National Grid include Corporate Strategy, M&A and Energy Procurement. Prior to National Grid, Don was working for a startup energy technology company focusing on emerging distributed generation technologies and related regulatory issues.

Don has a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a Bachelor’s with honors in Mechanical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology.  

Collaborate with ABC family to engage external stakeholders to educate them about the role of biogas in addressing climate change and enhancing energy security. Specifically, I will represent the perspective of natural gas utilities advocating for advancing policies to decarbonize the gas network by using RNG for direct use in buildings for heat. I would be delighted to represent the organization externally and directly engage advocates that have initiated a campaign to mislead regulators and policymakers about the beneficial use of biogas and the overall benefits that this industry can provide to the overall economy and environment.  

Gus is one of four partners, Chief Innovation Officer, and the Director of Bioenergy Services for Cavanaugh & Associates, P.A.; a consulting firm that cultivates stewardship of our natural resources through innovation.  Gus is a passionate advocate for the beneficial reuse of water, carbon, nutrients, and all of our natural resources consumed in modern life.  Although his efforts in harvesting energy and valuable co-products from organic wastes span globally in the agricultural, food processing, and municipal sectors, he is most excited about the fervent opportunities for bioenergy development in the rural areas within the United States.  Gus serves as the Principal Designer and Project Manager for numerous biogas projects across the U.S., including the first three bioenergy projects in North Carolina to put renewable natural gas onto the pipeline.  Gus earned a B.S. in Biological & Agricultural Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1997, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in several states.

The U.S. biogas industry has a very bright future, and we will face many very important challenges in the near term.  Our efforts to educate, communicate, and innovate have never been more critical.  As many in the U.S. are interpreting the goals to decarbonize our energy sector to mean “zero carbon-based energy”, it is imperative that we escalate our leadership in U.S. energy policy, and become trusted advisors to policy-makers, regulators, and the American public.  For over 25 years, I have helped farmers, project developers, utilities, investors, lenders, municipalities, landfills, and industrial facilities implement biogas systems through innovative applications and confidence-building approaches.  You will find none more passionate about the future of the biogas industry in the U.S. than me, and if given the chance to serve our Council, will invest in the strengthening of our industry for all of us.

Inspired by his personal experiences with lack of energy access and security in India, Ivor Castelino joined Bloom Energy in 2010. More on his story on this Bloom Energy Video.

Ivor has had various roles at Bloom including structured finance, sales, and business development. He developed Bloom’s leasing program to allow customers to procure Bloom technology without any upfront capital, generating ~$1B in sales. He was instrumental in the deployment of the first ever fuel cell projects running on landfill gas and dairy biogas. One of these projects currently holds the record for the lowest Carbon Intensity score ever recorded in California’s LCFS program and was featured in a BBC documentary.

Ivor currently heads Bloom Energy’s Waste to Energy and carbon capture business development efforts. He sits on the Board of the American Biogas Council, the largest industry association for the biogas industry.

 Ivor graduated with a Bachelors in Engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (India) and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of California – Berkeley. He resides in California with his wife, two kids and his farm animals.

Thank you for considering me for re-election to the ABC Board of Directors. It has been an honor to be on the Board the last two years and I look forward to serving you again.

As I illustrated in my Waste to Riches blog, I am passionate about the tremendous opportunities in leveraging waste to achieve universal energy access and decarbonization. I will continue to bring this passion along with my expertise in business and project development, structured finance, and policy to grow the end use markets for biogas.

Going into 2025, the ABC has its work cut out to ensure the regulatory climate for biogas is not only maintained but improved. Moreover, with significant electricity growth forecasted in the US, driven by AI data center demand among other things, our industry has a time sensitive opportunity to be a key source of 24×7 clean electricity to serve this new demand.

Having launched the first landfill and dairy biogas to electricity projects using fuel cells, I will bring valuable insights to the ABC to advocate for the right regulatory frameworks at the Federal and State level to enable biogas to play a much bigger role in electricity.

There is nearly 20 Gigawatt of biogas potential yet to be tapped. Let’s Go!

Jacob Stern graduated from Kansas State University in 2008 with a BS in Chemical Engineering. As Montrose Environmental Group’s (MEG) VP of Product Delivery, he has grown the operations and team from 7+ full-time engineers to 30+ team members in three years. His team encompasses business development, engineering, procurement, project managers, field engineers, commissioning, and operations team members. MEG delivers multi-discipline engineering and EPC services to the biogas industry. Before his current role, he worked in Operations and Capital Projects for Archer Daniels Midland and Koch Ag and Energy Solutions. Jacob uses his extensive experience in project development and execution, international supply chain management, international operations and risk management, operations excellence, plant maintenance, preventative maintenance, and business and engineering planning to deliver best in class results for MEG’s clients.

If elected to the American Biogas Council’s (ABC) Board of Directors, I would look to contribute practical, tactical know-how in the delivery of biogas projects while advocating for the continued growth of the biogas industry. My experiences within the agricultural, chemical, and renewable energy industries have taught me that excellence in practice and execution of projects can create long-term value while reducing GHG emissions. I would do this by seeking and sharing knowledge on technical and strategic improvement opportunities in the development and execution of biogas projects, such as:

• Engineering planning and contracting
• Engineering process and deliverables standardization
• Constructability, commissioning, and startup
• Supply chain optimization
• Effective vendor management

Continuous improvements in these arenas will drive additional growth within the industry when scale, speed, and quality demands ramp up from their current expectations.

On the Board of Directors, I will ensure that my organization’s strategic vision for Biogas best supports and accelerates the ABC’s objectives concerning technology, regulations, and advocacy of practices that support low-carbon energy. In addition, I would collaborate directly with other board members on emerging topics such as the co-direction of agricultural feedstocks, CO2 utilization, and plant utilization metrics.

Jessica Linville-LeRoy, Ph.D., E.I., CEM has over 15 years’ experience converting organic waste streams into renewable energy, fuels, and chemicals. She currently is a Sr. Bioenergy and Bioprocess Engineer at Tetra Tech focused on generating and converting biogas from livestock manure, food waste, industrial waste, and landfill gas to RNG.  She provides project management for projects that include engineering, permitting, procurement, construction management, commissioning, turnover, and operations on both greenfield and brownfield projects.  Her leadership is key in effectively helping clients execute projects.

She has optimized numerous anaerobic digesters including the complete turnaround of a 2.4M gallon heated, covered lagoon digester treating mixed industrial and other high-strength wastewater.  This project included the conversion of fats oils and grease (FOG) to biogas. She has also managed a $1.2M digester rebuild project. Her current portfolio consists of providing technical expertise and support to biogas upgrading projects across North America.

She has a diverse research background ranging from in depth microbiology to large scale anaerobic digestion development which has given her the ability to evaluate a wide array of technologies. She has run two startup companies giving her an in deep understanding of the business. She has a record of publications and presentations for audiences of both academics and non-experts. She has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee.

She has been a member of the American Biogas Council (ABC) through her various employment positions since 2013. She has served one term on the Board of Directors (2020) and has been an instructor of the ABC Digester Operator School since 2020.

I have a market leading technical background that I will use to advance the ABC and the industry. If elected to the Board of Directors, I will elevate my involvement in the ABC Digester Operator School by improving current modules or developing new ones based on student feedback.

I will strategize on how to accelerate the shift towards anaerobic digestion of all feedstock types. I will help direct this understanding through community discussions, webinars or in-person training so that the industry can become more profitable through increased tipping fees and biogas production.

I will be involved in the Policy Committee to spearhead additional focus to anaerobic digestion. Current policy puts non-traditional digesters at a significant disadvantage but offers a large growth area for the biogas industry.

In addition, I will be involved with the Digestate Committee so that the community can realize more value from the digestate that it produces. With current events highlighting the need for domestically produced, renewable fertilizers (i.e., renewable ammonia), I believe this is another large growth opportunity for the community.

Jon Curry is a seasoned consultant and leader in the renewable energy sector, with a deep focus on biogas and RNG. As the founder of a consultancy specializing in operational optimization and efficiencies for renewable energy projects, Jon has been instrumental in the success of numerous AD plants across the U.S. His work spans the full lifecycle of projects, from origination and development to execution and operations, ensuring technical, financial, and regulatory feasibility.

Jon has contributed to the development and ongoing success of key biogas projects in New York, Wisconsin, Colorado, South Dakota, Idaho, and Washington. His expertise includes due diligence, project feasibility and development, maintenance program management, and advanced system transitions, such as converting electric-generation facilities to RNG platforms. He holds multiple certifications in artificial intelligence and is passionate about leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiencies in renewable energy. Jon is actively involved with ABC, the RNG Coalition, and AIChE, and he is pursuing an MBA and MS in Finance at Auburn University. His unique background combines technical expertise, financial acumen, and strategic leadership, making him a triple threat in the renewable energy space.

I am honored to be nominated for the ABC Board of Directors. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy, particularly in biogas, I bring a blend of technical expertise, financial analysis, and operational insight that I believe would be valuable to the Board. My professional journey has centered on maximizing the impact of biogas projects, from ensuring their financial viability to overseeing their successful execution and long-term operations.

If elected, I will focus on driving the integration of artificial intelligence into the renewable energy space, unlocking new levels of industry efficiencies and innovation. I am also committed to advancing policies that support biogas growth, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging emerging technologies to optimize project outcomes. My goal is to help grow the biogas industry while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my knowledge, skills, and passion to the ABC Board and help shape the future of our industry.

Lauren is President/CEO and a Partner of CH4 Biogas, a leader in bringing proven, clean energy biogas and renewable natural gas solutions to the United States. At CH4, Lauren has a wide range of responsibilities, including managing corporate strategy and operations. Lauren is leading the CH4 Biogas focus on working with the agricultural and food & beverages sectors to provide environmental waste and renewable energy solutions. Over more than a decade, Lauren led financing and business development for the company on its growth trajectory. As a result of those efforts, CH4 Biogas has multiple operating biogas facilities and several facilities in development with attention on future projects in the Northeast and Midwest. In her role, Lauren has also been very involved with the development of the industry through policy by helping to build awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of anaerobic digestion.

Prior to joining CH4 Biogas, Lauren spent over fifteen years in sales and strategy roles for industrial and environmental companies. The bulk of this time was spent in sales and marketing for General Electric and strategy consulting with McKinsey & Co. Lauren has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Harvard College in Environmental Science and Public Policy, where she graduated magna cum laude. 

Elected in 2024, Lauren is the current Treasurer of the ABC Board. Under her guidance, ABC established its first Audit Committee and initiated its first financial audit.  She has been focused on helping to set the stage for corporate governance structures and financial acumen to support ABC’s growth and leadership in the industry.  Lauren would like to complete the work that commenced in 2024 by reviewing the audit and working with the Board, Audit Committee, and Executive Committee to define guidelines and best financial practices going forward for ABC.

Outside of this specific expertise and overall, Lauren brings experience in building and shaping the biogas industry.  As a pioneer in the space, she has navigated with success the many challenges of new development and inaugural markets.  With her background in operations and finance, both as an investor and entrepreneur, Lauren brings a breadth of experience, know-how and an extensive global network.   She understands how to build and run the many facets of business, tools that she has brought and will continue to bring to ABC as it enters a new phase of growth.  It’s an exciting time to be in biogas and renewable natural gas with many opportunities and ABC is poised to continue its trajectory as a leader and influencer of the industry!

Matt Shumway is the Director of Business Development at Mainspring Energy, a manufacturer of the Mainspring Linear Generator. Matt was hired in early 2022 to lead sales and partnership efforts for Mainspring in the biogas space. Since joining, Matt has worked with biogas producers to provide greater value to their biogas & RNG projects by focusing on key values important to developers and resource owners. Matt has worked on biogas installations at landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and dairy hubs with many more biogas projects contracted and in development.

Prior to Mainspring, Matt was involved in commercial and business development roles at Chevron for 9 years. He was one of the early members that developed and operationalized Chevron’s investments into RNG and CNG. He holds BA and MBA degrees from BYU in Provo, UT.

As a member of the ABC Board of Directors, I will dedicate my time and efforts to the continued worthy advancement of waste-to-energy projects and the values of biogas in the circular economy. I have been involved in climate and carbon markets for 10 years and see few pathways as vital to the creation of firm, clean, 24/7 renewable power & fuels as waste-to-energy. Over my decade of involvement, I have worked on carbon credit markets, RNG investments, the selling of RNG to CNG stations & CNG fleets, and the deployment of linear generators for both biogas-to-electricity applications & powering RNG facilities. I work closely with policy and regulatory teams in both DC and Sacramento to ensure fair advocacy happens for the biogas sector. As someone representing a company that works on projects across multiple uses of biogas (power, RNG, H2 production, SAF production), I’m a firm believer that ABC needs to continue to lean forward in advocacy for current and future applications of biogas.

Mr. Cooper leads business development activities at NW Natural Renewables (“NWNR”).

NWNR is part of the NW Natural Holding Company which, through its subsidiaries, has been doing business for over 165 years.  NWNR is investing in renewable energy and the transition to a decarbonized future, through the production and supply of low-carbon fuels such as renewable natural gas (“RNG”).

Prior to joining NWNR, Cooper spent 20 years at DTE Vantage in a variety of roles, including developing dairy and landfill-based RNG projects. Prior to his work in RNG, he spent several years raising third-party equity, debt and tax equity for DTE Vantage projects.  Before joining DTE, he was a manager with Bechtel Enterprises based in Singapore.

Cooper earned a B.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Environmental & Water Resources Engineering from Stanford University.  After serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal from 1994-1996, he returned to the U.S. and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

I have over 25 years of project development and finance experience across a range of energy assets and infrastructure.  Since 2016, my work has focused exclusively on renewable natural gas projects using landfill gas, dairy digesters and/or food waste.   I have substantial experience with a variety of RNG markets (e.g., compliance, utility, voluntary) and experience working with policy-makers in DC and Sacramento.   

I believe that my years of RNG experience, working for utility-affiliated companies, and across a variety of biogas feedstocks will position me well to serve ABC and its members, supporting industry growth, and helping promote ABC’s advocacy on behalf of its members.  My experience may be particularly valuable as biogas demand, historically driven by the transportation sector, continues expansion and growth in non-transportation areas, including utilities.

Scott Coulombe, Director of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) at ARCO/Murray, is a seasoned development and construction executive with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His extensive expertise lies in the RNG and power industries, where he has a proven track record of success in sales and project development for over 10 years by working on over 300 RNG origination, development, and construction projects in the U.S. He has also served on many advisory boards at the RNG Coalition and committees of American Biogas Council. Scott’s passion is in originating and structuring projects, strategy, and negotiating mutually beneficial contracts. He excels in performing preconstruction services and is adept at assembling and managing teams to design, build, own, and operate projects through various delivery methodologies and strategies. His specialties include leadership, strategic partnering, contract negotiation, real estate research, value engineering, high-value deal-making, and innovation in contract approaches. Scott’s priority is driving innovation and value in the RNG space, ensuring the success and growth of every project he undertakes.

Scott’s deep-rooted expertise in the RNG sector, combined with his proven leadership in project origination and development, makes him an outstanding candidate. Over a decade, Scott has been pivotal in over 300 RNG projects across the U.S., demonstrating his commitment to advancing the industry. His experience on advisory boards and within the American Biogas Council’s committees reflects his dedication to the biogas community. Scott brings a unique ability to strategize, negotiate high-value contracts, and foster innovation, all aligning with the Council’s mission and goals.

Steffen Bots is a highly skilled diagnostic engineer and former Head of the Tribology Department at OELCHECK. His extensive experience includes analyzing a wide range of applications and lubricants, evaluating/ preparing laboratory results, and providing expert technical advice. Steffen’s in-depth understanding of lubricant performance and its changes during use enables him to tackle complex tribological challenges with both chemists and mechanical engineers. He is also a dedicated thought leader, sharing his expertise through articles and presentations at international conferences and seminars.

I have 20+ years of experience in the operational aspects of the biogas industry that is related to lubrication. Currently I serve already at the board of STLE (www.stle.org ) and I am also a member of the Executive Committee there, This means I am well aware of all the formal processes and requirements. My focus in the board would be operation, reliability and training.     

Todd has 25 years’ experience working with renewable energy projects, focusing on biofuels, biogas, RNG, Waste to Energy, Sustainability and value-added agriculture. Todd works with developers, technology providers, infrastructure funds, venture and private equity firms, lenders, engineers, construction companies and others involved in successfully completing projects. Todd is a member of the American Biogas Council and has been a frequent presenter for the ABC on issues related to the IRA’s impact on financing biogas projects. Todd also understands the business and technical issues related to biogas and RNG projects which makes providing sound legal advice tailored to your situation efficient and effective.

Todd Taylor is a Minneapolis-based attorney and co-founder of Avisen Legal, PA.  Todd has been an active member of ABC for over five years, including frequently speaking and moderating at ABC events, sponsoring ABC events and working with many ABC members.  With over 25 years of experience, Todd specializes in renewable energy and sustainability project development and financing, working extensively on RNG, biofuels, and sustainability initiatives across the U.S..  Todd has been active with ABC and his clients as a proponent of the Inflation Reduction Act, including ITC for RNG, 45Z PTC and e-RINs.

Todd is passionate about helping developers, investors and lenders develop and finance RNG and sustainability projects. He also enjoys working with entrepreneurs and technology-focused companies, guiding them through startup, growth, and acquisition phases. Todd’s dedication to his clients is driven by his belief that expertise combined with passion is the best way to serve them.

Todd would bring this expertise and passion to ABC’s board and is excited for the opportunity to expand his service to ABC and its members.

Thomas Murray currently serves as the Vice President of Decarbonization Technology for Vermont Gas Systems (VGS), overseeing the company’s efforts to procure and develop RNG supply. Tom has been a forerunner in the RNG industry, leading the company’s RNG  initiatives, which include becoming the first gas utility in the nation to offer a voluntary RNG program (2018) and to blend RNG into its base supply (5% in 2025).  Tom has served on the Board for the American Biogas Council, where he is driving the national effort to incorporate RNG into the supply portfolio of the nation’s gas utilities.  He also serves on the American Gas Association’s Climate and Sustainability Committee (past Chairman) and Chairs the Northeast Gas Associations Climate and Energy Committee.  Prior to joining Vermont Gas, Tom was appointed by Governor Douglas to serve as the state of Vermont’s CIO and the Commissioner of Information and Innovation. He has also served as the state’s Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development. Tom grew up in Montpelier, VT, graduated from Western New England University (BS/BA) and Champlain College (MS).

It has been an honor to serve on the ABC Board, I am a passionate advocate for the Biogas industry and the growing opportunity presented by Renewable Natural Gas.  As a board member, I am striving to strengthen the organization and to build more momentum within the gas utility sector to allow timely, low-cost interconnections.  At VGS we are selling RNG to voluntary customers and blending RNG in our base supply with a goal of 20% RNG by 2030. The industry faces an inflection point, where policy support at the state and federal level can provide an opportunity for even greater acceleration of growth. In 2023, the Vermont legislature passed a Clean Heat Standard that specifically includes RNG as a result of VGS’s advocacy.  This policy will open the door for RNG use in the thermal sector, creating more credibility for RNG as a decarbonization tool.  It would be my pleasure to continue to serve on the ABC board in meeting these challenges and achieving the industry’s full potential.