Energy Overview
Energy is the lifeblood of the world economy and of America's way of life. Fuel costs, dependence on imported resources and environmental considerations are changing the way we use energy and how we think about our future energy supply. State legislatures are shaping America's energy future through policies that influence energy costs and technologies.
NCSL focuses on the major energy topics facing states today, and information about each is available on this Web site. These issues reflect the energy priorities in many states.
Energy Efficiency is becoming increasingly critical in many states. With recent rises in energy costs, states and businesses are seeing more of their budgets going towards energy. Energy efficiency and Renewable Energy means cleaner and cheaper energy that usually pays for itself in energy savings, and provides numerous economic and environmental benefits.
Climate Change has risen to the top of the agenda in many states, which are leading the way in a host of innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many lawmakers are concerned about the potential economic and environmental effects that a changing climate may produce, and are looking to address the issue while promoting a healthy economy.
The NCSL Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Energy meets three times each year and develops policy guidance for NCSL on energy issues. It also serves as a forum for legislators to share information on energy policy.
NCSL Advisory Council On Energy (ACE) guides the Energy Program by planning its activities, reviewing draft publications and performing overall planning for NCSL's energy-related activities.
NCSL offers a wide variety of resources to state lawmakers, and has worked to provide information for many legislatures creating energy policy. One of the most important resources available to state legislatures is a suite of non-partisan consulting services and analysis. NCSL is available to provide legislators with information on activity in other states and insight into specific policy approaches. NCSL offers briefings to state legislative committees and can provide in-depth consulting services. Many of the briefings and issue summaries are available on the web site.
NCSL Resources on energy issues include publications and slide presentations. Many of the presentations come from nationwide experts who present at NCSL meetings.
NCSL Energy Program staff include Kate Marks, Energy Program Director and Glen
Andersen, Energy Program Principal. Please contact us by phone at (303) 364-7700, or by email. |
