NCSL’s Task Force on Energy Supply met in Denver, July 30-31, 2022. The Task Force meeting began with a day of tours to four different energy-related sites in the Denver area. The meeting continued July 31 with a day of topical sessions.
The Task Force on Energy Supply brings together legislators to examine critical energy issues that policymakers face as they shape energy policies to build a reliable, affordable and resilient national energy system. The task force, created in 2009, consists of legislators and legislative staff with experience and an interest in developing and analyzing state energy policy.
July 30, 2022
Energy-related tours.
July 31, 2022
Welcome and Introductions
- Sen. Dave Koehler, Illinois (co-chair)
- Aaron Ray, associate director for energy, NCSL
Department of Defense Mission Sustainment Tools and Resources
Wind and solar energy development is increasing rapidly across the country, and can interfere with military test, training, and operational capabilities. The Department of Defense (DoD)’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) protects these military missions by helping remove or avoid land-use conflicts near installations and addressing regulatory restrictions that inhibit military activities. The DoD Siting Clearinghouse works to protect DoD mission capabilities by collaborating with DoD Components, energy developers, and communities to prevent, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts on military testing, training, and operations.
Speakers:
- Kristin Thomasgard, program director, Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, Office of the Secretary of Defense | Presentation
Transmission Planning for a Cleaner, More Reliable Electric Grid
The nation’s bulk power grid requires substantial investment to enhance system reliability and enable a transition to a cleaner resource mix. These investments include updates to existing transmission infrastructure and a significant build-out of new transmission projects to ease grid congestion and move power from new renewable energy facilities. Federal and state policies have limited the expansion of these facilities, though a renewed focus on unlocking the regulatory bottleneck has emerged. This session explored initiatives underway to reimagine the nation’s transmission network and unlock the benefits of a 21st Century power grid.
Speakers:
- Debra Lew, associate director, Energy Systems Integration Group | Presentation
- Adria Brooks, transmission engineer, Electricity Delivery Division – Office of Electricity, U.S. Department of Energy | Presentation
- Kimberly Harriman, senior vice president, state government affairs and corporate communications, AVANGRID, Inc. | Presentation
Energy Infrastructure Decommissioning and Recycling: Considerations for State Legislatures
Renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines, solar photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle batteries, are being deployed rapidly. With rapid deployment comes questions about the decommissioning of renewable energy sites and the recycling of various components. Policymakers are considering how to manage the eventual decommissioning, reuse, recycling, and disposal of this infrastructure. This session explored the technological opportunities for reuse and recycling and the policy options state legislatures are considering.
Speakers:
- Colleen Smith, director of government affairs, Invenergy | Presentation
- Dwight Clark, chief compliance officer, We Recycle Solar | Presentation
- Kim Eckert, chief financial officer, American Battery Technology Company | Presentation
Electrification, Efficiency, and Reducing Waste: Pathways to Decarbonization
As the nation’s production and use of energy undergoes a transition, states and industries are exploring options to reduce emissions associated with building energy use. Various technologies and policy options exist to improve efficiency and reduce emissions through building electrification, district energy, and reducing emissions associated with the continued use of natural gas. This session explored some of these options and how state legislatures around the country are working with the private sector to electrify buildings, improve efficiency, and reduce emissions associated with natural gas use.
Speakers:
- Colorado Sen. Chris Hansen | Presentation
- Virginia Sen. Scott Surovell | Presentation
- Nathan Hill, head of Energy Policy, Amazon