Office of Energy - Staff Contacts

The Office of Energy (OE) is responsible for coordinating the DNR´s review of all proposed energy and utility projects in the state. We provide project management within DNR, acting as the main point of contact for project applicants, the Public Service Commission (PSC), other DNR programs, and affected stakeholders. We provide statewide guidance and consistent application of the regulatory processes established by statutes and rules. We provide a corps of experienced natural resource experts who also understand the specifics of energy and utility projects.

While our primary mission is to coordinate the regulatory review for siting utility projects, we also serve all DNR programs by developing guidance and information on natural resources issues as they relate to the broader planning and infrastructure development efforts for Wisconsin’s energy future.

Who are we?

Dave Siebert
Director
(608) 264-6048
Reports directly to the Administrator for the Division of Enforcement and Science and is responsible for managing the Office and making staff work assignments. Dave is the DNR Liaison to the PSC and acts as the main contact point for applicants, the PSC, and for DNR staff.

Steve Ugoretz
Lead Analyst
(608) 266-6673
Office expert on the energy industry as well as PSC and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) processes. Steve is responsible for staying current on legislation, planning, and other trends in the industry and providing related support to the Director. Steve acts as our liaison to the Department of Administration Division of Energy as well as other important state and national working groups on issues critical to energy projects. Steve is routinely the project manager on power generation projects, coordinating involvement of OE staff as well as key regional and central office specialists. He coordinates DNR´s involvement in the WEPA process for these projects. S teve is the DNR´s primary contact for all proposed wind farm and other renewable energy projects.

Linda Talbot, Cheryl Laatsch and Ben Callan
Wetland & Waterway Permitting
Linda Talbot - (608) 266-8148
Cheryl Laatsch - (608) 264-8943
Benjamin Callan - (608) 266-3524
Responsible for all waterway and wetland permitting on all energy and utility projects statewide. Linda and Ben work with project managers, PSC, and applicants in early project corridor and routing discussions. They assure that applications related to wetland and waterway crossings are complete, and they are responsible for Chapter 30 and Water Quality Certification decisions on all utility and energy projects statewide. Linda and Ben coordinate with Regional Water Management Specialists (WMS) to assure that local knowledge on specific waterbodies and wetlands is part of the permit decision.

Shari Koslowsky
Endangered Resources Specialist
(608) 261-4382
Responsible for the Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) review for all utility projects statewide. Shari coordinates with the applicant and PSC (or FERC) to assure that up-to-date accurate information is provided regarding endangered and threatened species and habitats. Shari acts as the liaison to the Bureau of Endangered Resources assuring that all Office decisions are consistent with state statutes and rules relative to incidental take and that the best information from DNR experts is brought to project planning, construction and operations. Shari works closely with applicants and the PSC on new data sharing agreements to facilitate efficiency in the review of new project corridors, routes, and right-of-ways.

Jeff Schimpff
Project Manager
(608) 267-7853
Responsible for overseeing the DNR involvement in complex projects including pipelines and electric transmission lines. Jeff coordinates the Department’s review efforts and acts as the DNR point of contact for PSC and project applicants. He works with Regional Environmental Analysis (EA) staff to bring in the knowledge of local specialists and managers as DNR provides input into the project review.

Jim Bertolacini
Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Permits
(608) 264-8971
Responsible for erosion control and stormwater permitting on all energy and utility projects statewide. Jim assures that applicantions submited are complete and coordinates with Regional Stormwater Management Specialists to assure that NR 216 construction site erosion control issues are adequately addressed during project planning, design and construction.

Jim Pardee
Project Manager & WEPA Coordinator
(608) 266-0426
Responsible for overseeing the DNR involvement in complex projects including power plants and electric transmission lines. Jim coordinates the Department’s review efforts and acts as the DNR point of contact for PSC and project applicants. He works with Regional Environmental Analysis (EA) staff to bring in the knowledge of local specialists and managers as DNR provides input into the project review. Jim also coordinates DNR’s involvement in the WEPA process for projects.

Other Support Staff
Attorneys Michael Cain and Tom Steidl Provide primary support to the Office on key legal matters. The Air Management program is not within the Office but maintains a strong and important affiliation as air permits are critical approvals for most power plant projects. OE also coordinates with key staff in other DNR programs including the wastewater, solid waste, watershed, fisheries, and wildlife programs.

Regional Environmental Analysis Staff
Work closely with OE on energy and utility projects. In most cases, the OE project manager will team up with Regional EA staff to coordinate DNR involvement in projects from early planning through permitting. EA staff have and will continue to play an important role in coordinating the involvement of DNR specialists and managers in the PSC regulatory process for projects.

For more information on DNR's Office of Energy please contact:
Dave Siebert
(608) 264-6048