The Center for Research in Energy and Environment will host a seminar featuring John Hoke, director of the Water Protection Program at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The talk, “Missouri’s Water Protection Program: Updates on Emerging Issues and PFAS,” will be held 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in Room 318 Butler-Carlton Civil Engineering Hall.
With over 20 years of water-quality protection experience, Hoke will discuss recent developments in the department’s efforts to safeguard water resources. His presentation will cover emerging contaminants, as well as strategic infrastructure initiatives related to power generation, artificial intelligence, data centers and critical mineral production. The department emphasizes balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and is adopting new tools and techniques to navigate complex regulatory challenges.