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Energy Assurance: Creating a Resilient Electric Grid Webinar
 This webinar explored the threats to the energy system and looked at state efforts to improve the resilience and reliability of that system. Case studies using examples from Hurricane Sandy were also discussed. More
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Renewable Energy Integration Challenges: How States are Managing the Rapid Growth of Renewable Energy Webinar
 Learn more about renewable energy integration challenges and how states are managing the rapid growth of renewable energy by listening to this April 25 webinar. More
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Abundant Energy Efficiency: State Legislatures Magazine
 Investments in efficiency can be attractive, even in a tough economy. Utilities save money because they don’t have to build new plants, and consumers save because they use less energy. This article explores efficiency and state efforts to extract more of it. More
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Publications, Meetings, News and More
 NCSL tracks a wide range of energy-related issues. On this page you will find energy publications, legislative summaries, meeting presentations, upcoming events and news. More
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States Take the Lead on Regulating Hydraulic Fracturing: Overview of 2012 State
 This new report provides an overview of state legislative activities on hydraulic fracturing in 2012 . More
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Energy Bill Tracking
 The NCSL Energy and Environment Legislation Tracking Database features bills relating to climate change, energy efficiency, energy security, financing energy projects, fossil energy, green jobs, renewable energy and alternative transportation fuels. More
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NCSL tracks a wide range of issues and at any one time some topics are of particular interest to legislators and legislative staff. On this page you will find lists of publications, legislative summaries, meeting presentations, news and more.
Energy Program Overview
Energy plays a crucial role in the world economy and of America's way of life. Fluctuating energy costs, rising demand, supply concerns, technological advances, and environmental considerations are changing the way we use energy and how we think about our future energy situation. State legislatures are shaping America's energy future through policies that influence energy sources, costs and technologies.
Services
NCSL's Energy Program staff are experienced in the technical and policy aspects of energy and provide a unique and balanced perspective on state energy issues. The Energy Program tracks state action and stays current on the most pressing energy issues and developing technologies, offering:
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Expert briefings on important energy topics and related policies for committee hearings;
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Analysis of state policies and insight into the most effective policy options;
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Informative, objective energy policy publications;
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Access to expertise in all energy areas through NCSL's comprehensive network of energy experts from state and federal government, academic institutions and industry.
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In-depth reports and long-term assistance upon request.
Areas of Focus
The Energy Program works on the full range of energy issues that are important to states, including:
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Energy Infrastructure & Reliability topics address efficient, reliable and affordable electricity, with a focus on transmission, energy planning and pipeline safety.
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Renewable Energy includes wind, hydro, solar, geothermal, biomass, wave energy and other resources that can act as a sustained, clean energy supply.
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Energy Efficiency encompasses policies, practices and technologies that help consumers use less energy or consume it more efficiently while performing everyday activities.
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Fossil Fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal can help meet growing energy demands.
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Transportation Energy spans gasoline, diesel, and the alternative fuel sources that power our transportation infrastructure.
Committees and Staff
The Energy Program also staffs and supplies research and analysis as requested to the NCSL Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee. This committee has jurisdiction over state and federal agriculture and rural development legislation, regulations and policies; natural resources legislation, regulations and policies; and energy and electric utilities legislation, regulation and policies. The committee educates Congress and federal agencies about state concerns regarding these issues. In addition, it serves as a forum for legislators and legislative staff to learn about and share information about options being considered in other states The committee is staffed by Glen Andersen and Melissa Savage in the NCSL Denver office, and Tamra Spielvogel and Lee Posey in the NCSL Washington DC office.
Contact
NCSL Program Staff:
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Energy Sources and Delivery
Energy Infrastructure and Reliability
View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page.
The nation’s electric grid is a complex system connecting thousands of power plants through a web of transmission and distribution lines. Production of electricity must meet demand, and take into account potential failures and fluctuations based on the season, time of day and variation in renewable power generation. Growing energy demand and the development of new energy sources are putting pressure on existing transmission system, requiring large investments to replace outdated and overloaded systems that prevent efficient delivery of electricity and reduce reliability. Distributed energy and smart grid technologies are drastically changing how electricity is delivered, and states play a critical role in ensuring that their policies enable efficient, reliable and affordable electricity.
And here are some of the highlighted resources and publications avaialable:
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Renewable Energy
View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page.
Renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and ocean technologies, play an increasingly important role in providing energy to power today’s modern economy. As renewable energy technologies’ share of the energy mix grows, lawmakers are seeking innovative ways to meet these challenges while continuing to harvest the Earth’s inexhaustible resources.
Here are some of the highlighted issues on the website:
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Energy Efficiency
View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page.
America’s homes, factories, and commercial buildings hold an energy source of vast potential waiting to be tapped – energy efficiency. Lighting retrofits, building energy codes, and high-efficiency equipment are just a few of the many ways that families and businesses can save energy and money. Lawmakers are exploring policies and programs to reduce upfront costs and overcome market barriers to energy efficiency.
Here are some of the highlighted issues on the website:
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Transportation Energy
View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page.
The transportation sector accounts for over one-quarter of total energy use in the United States. Most energy for transportation is provided by petroleum in the form of gasoline and diesel fuel. Alternative fuels such as ethanol, natural gas, biodiesel, hydrogen, and electricity are providing an increasing share of transportation energy, while improvements in engine technology and vehicle design are leading to higher efficiency and greater performance. Though gasoline and diesel continue to be the dominant transportation fuel, innovations in technology and policy promise to offer a more diverse set of transportation options for the future.
Here are some of the highlighted issues on the website:
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Federal Issues
View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page.
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Here are some of the highlighted issues on the website:
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Other Issues
View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page.
The transportation sector accounts for over one-quarter of total energy use in the United States. Most energy for transportation is provided by petroleum in the form of gasoline and diesel fuel. Alternative fuels such as ethanol, natural gas, biodiesel, hydrogen, and electricity are providing an increasing share of transportation energy, while improvements in engine technology and vehicle design are leading to higher efficiency and greater performance. Though gasoline and diesel continue to be the dominant transportation fuel, innovations in technology and policy promise to offer a more diverse set of transportation options for the future.
Here are some of the highlighted issues on the website:
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Tribal Energy
View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page.
Many tribes are evaluating and developing energy resources, reducing energy consumption through efficiency, and pursuing energy projects that promote economic development. Tribes are also measuring infrastructure needs and costs associated with electrification of their lands and homes, which result in tremendous economic development and energy security opportunities for tribes and surrounding communities. NCSL supports the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy’s (IE) efforts to build tribal energy capacity through its Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group (ICEIWG), and other educational and training opportunities.
Here are some of the highlighted issues on the website:
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Issues & Resources
Find the NCSLstaff member who handles the issue in which you are interested.
NCSLprovides access to current state and federal legislation and a comprehensive list of state documents, including state statutes, constitutions, legislative audits and research reports.
Members
As legislators and legislative staff, you are part of the nation's largest, most influential and only bipartisan organization of state legislators and staff.Learn about the resources NCSL has for you.
NCSL offers an array of services for legislative staff. Find out what's available.
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