Olmsted County's Senjem steps up as NACo Vice Chair for energy policy

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Olmsted County Commissioner David Senjem has been appointed Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committees.

This announcement came from NACo President Judge J.D. Clark during the annual meeting in Philadelphia.

Senjem’s new role elevates him from Vice Chair of the Energy Subcommittee to a leadership position on the full steering committee. The committee, which includes over 130 county representatives nationwide, develops NACo policy recommendations on environmental and energy issues for the federal government. Senjem also joins NACo’s Resilient Counties Innovation Council.

“The appointment is an obvious honor,” said Commissioner Senjem. “I was not necessarily aspiring for a higher level of responsibility within the steering committee, but when you are picked by the national president, on the recommendation of your committee peers, it is humbling.”

As Vice Chair, Senjem will work with Committee Chair Supervisor Mike Turner of Loudoun County, Virginia, focusing on policy development and monthly virtual education meetings. He may testify before congressional committees or advocate for NACo policies on Capitol Hill.

Senjem says his priorities include promoting clean energy and environmental sustainability, aligning with Olmsted County’s mission.

“We have but one earth and it must support generations of life until there is no more,” he said. “It is imperative, I believe, for each generation to do our part in ensuring that Mother Earth is healthy and happy for centuries to come. To do this, the committee relies on a wide range of expertise at the government level, the university level, and from not-for-profit environmental organizations and experts to develop policy.”