Published March 18, 2025
By Christine Reed
The University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER) has added four new members to its Energy Resources Council (ERC).
The ERC plays a vital role in advising SER on its research priorities, educational programs and outreach initiatives. The council is composed of leaders from industry, government, academia and the community. The council represents a broad range of perspectives on energy issues, helping provide direction on SER priorities.
Bill Miller, executive vice president of the Anschutz Corp., and Peter Gottfried, president of Natural Systems Analysts Inc., both were appointed by Gov. Mark Gordon and confirmed by the Wyoming Senate. Both bring extensive experience and unique perspectives to the council, enhancing its capacity to guide SER’s objectives in addressing critical energy challenges.
Miller, a Wyoming native now living in Denver, Colo., is a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in the energy industry. His extensive background in oil and gas, land work, renewable energy, finance and navigating federal regulations will be invaluable as SER navigates serving Wyoming in the complex energy landscape. Miller’s understanding of market dynamics, technological advancements, policy considerations and Wyoming energy will provide critical insights to the ERC.
A long-term resident of Dubois, Gottfried is an environmental scientist and GIS expert with more than 47 years of experience in the field. Throughout his career, he has cultivated expertise in environmental assessments, habitat analyses and GIS mapping for various projects, including those related to energy development. His understanding of environmental science and GIS technology will be crucial in guiding SER’s research and outreach efforts, particularly in ensuring responsible resource development and environmental stewardship.
“We are honored to welcome Bill Miller and Peter Gottfried to the Energy Resources Council,” says Cindy Crane, chair of the ERC. “Their combined expertise and dedication to Wyoming’s energy future will play a key role in shaping SER’s strategic direction. Bill’s industry knowledge and Peter’s scientific and technical acumen will complement the existing strengths of the council and enhance our ability to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector.”
Miller and Gottfried’s appointments come as SER acknowledges the invaluable contributions of outgoing ERC members Vello Kuuskraa, from Arlington, Va., and Carl Bauer, from Pittsburgh, Pa. Kuuskraa and Bauer have served on the council for many years, providing exceptional leadership and guidance during a period of significant change in the energy industry.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Vello and Carl for their years of dedicated service to the Energy Resources Council,” Krutka says. “Their insights and commitment have been invaluable to SER’s success, and we have deeply enjoyed their engagement and support.”
In addition to the governor-appointed positions, the ERC is statutorily required to include representatives of the Wyoming Legislature to ensure that SER’s work is relevant, impactful and aligned with the needs of Wyoming and the nation. Serving a minimum of a two-year term, one member comes from the Wyoming Senate, appointed by the president of the Senate, and the other from the House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker of the House.
New to the ERC, beginning in 2025, are Sen. Ed Cooper and Rep. Scott Heiner to succeed Sen. Jim Anderson, of Casper, and Rep. Don Burkhart Jr., from Rawlins.
Representing District 20, Cooper has deep roots in both the energy and agricultural sectors in Wyoming. Hailing from Ten Sleep, he started his own oil and gas consulting firm in 1972 and owns Cooper Land and Livestock, a company rooted in farming and cattle operations. Cooper was elected to the Legislature in 2021 and is now in his second term. Among several other committees, he serves on the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee.
Representing District 18, Heiner, from Green River, is the House majority leader and chair of the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee. An engineer by trade, Heiner enjoyed a long career in the oil and gas industry before moving into public service as an elected official in Wyoming’s citizen legislature in 2021.
“Wyoming’s legislators understand energy, and it is a privilege to have our legislators contribute their time and counsel to SER through serving on the ERC,” Krutka says. “We have benefited greatly from the dedication and expertise of members in the past — including Sen. Anderson and Rep. Burkhart — and look forward to the continued engagement from Rep. Heiner and Sen. Cooper to inform important decisions for Wyoming’s energy industries.”
The newest members to the ERC will ensure that SER continues to benefit from the expertise and guidance of experienced leaders as it tackles complex energy challenges and drives innovation, Krutka adds.
SER remains committed to its mission of advancing energy-driven economic development for Wyoming by conducting world-class research, providing cutting-edge education and engaging in meaningful outreach with local stakeholders and beyond.
