Matt Frank

Wisconsin is positioning itself to be a leader in the development of energy technology, research and the green economy. The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) campus is right in the thick of the action, says Matt Frank, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Frank will speak about the how the water-rich state is evolving into a national energy leader when he gives a free lecture on Thursday, Nov. 5 at UWM.

Sponsored by the UWM College of Engineering & Applied Science, the lecture, “Wisconsin’s Future: Energy, Climate Change and Water,” will be held at 9:45 a.m. in the Union Wisconsin Room.

Since his appointment two years ago, Frank has helped Gov. Jim Doyle achieve significant conservation milestones, including passage of the Great Lakes Compact and enacting legislation that will significantly reduce mercury and other hazardous pollutants in the environment.

He is also leading efforts to address invasive species, non-point pollution of lakes and streams, and water conservation.

Frank is a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming, which provides a blueprint for Wisconsin to be a national leader in clean and renewable energy, energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction.

He also is a member of the Governor’s Energy Independence Cabinet, promoting statewide energy conservation and the development of clean and renewable energy through state agency collaboration and local partnerships.

Prior to becoming secretary at the DNR, Secretary Frank spent 22 years as an assistant attorney general at the Wisconsin Department of Justice. He is a graduate of Carleton College and received a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1981.