CNCounty News

Podcast: Rural counties fuel energy development

Olmsted County, Minn. Commissioner David Senjem. Photo by Charlie Ban

David Senjem’s opinion on renewable energy changed on an international exchange trip to Germany, and when he took office as an Olmsted County, Minn. commissioner, he wanted to make sure counties were positioned to be ready to participate in energy development. He’s now an advisor to NACo’s Rural Energy Academy, which helps rural county leaders navigate development and siting of wind, solar, battery storage and data centers and whether they are right for their residents, economies and natural resources. He and NACo Program Manager Blake Gardiner join the County News Podcast to share what resources and learning opportunities are available to counties preparing for energy production.

Related News

2172287638
Advocacy

White House issues Executive Order addressing barriers to housing construction

White House issues Executive Order addressing barriers to housing construction 

1646522124
Advocacy

U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee takes up reauthorization of EPA Brownfields program

U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee takes up reauthorization of EPA Brownfields program

bike
Press Release

NACo launches 2026 Rural Energy Academy Cohort to support county decision-making on new energy projects

NACo announces the launch of the 2026 Rural Energy Academy technical assistance cohort.