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Wednesday, August 28, 2019
The National Conference of State Legislatures recently hosted the Natural Gas Policy Institute to explore a range of policy issues related to natural gas. This day-and-a-half meeting took place Aug. 28-29, 2019 at the AC Hotel in Chicago, Ill.
Natural gas usage continues to increase and is, therefore, playing a larger role in state energy systems and economies. State legislators are critical to shaping policies that address a broad range of natural gas-related challenges and opportunities. The Natural Gas Policy Institute provided legislators with the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time exploring the economic and regulatory issues related to the production, distribution and end use of natural gas resources.
The North American Natural Gas Revolution
This session examined the driving forces behind the natural gas revolution in the U.S. and investigated the short and long-term outlook for supply and consumption. The presenters also explored how these developments are affecting the energy mix, electricity prices and the economy.
- Steve Nalley, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Energy Information Administration | Presentation
- Daniel Raimi, Senior Research Associate, Resources for the Future | Presentation
Pipeline Infrastructure
This session examined major pipeline projects and examined efforts from state policymakers, federal agencies, and the natural gas industry to address challenges related to siting, permitting and financing upgrades to pipeline infrastructure.
- Jeff Wright, President, Brown, Williams, Moorhead & Quinn, Inc. | Presentation
- Andrew Hesselbach, Vice President - Construction, Peoples Gas | Presentation
- Toby Mack, President & CEO, Energy Equipment & Infrastructure Alliance | Presentation
Natural Gas-Electric Harmonization
The growing use of natural gas for electricity generation has stretched pipeline capacity, causing competition between the electricity generation and heating markets. This session discussed how policymakers, electric utilities and natural gas industries are working to address this challenge. Supply fluctuations, access issues, and ways to reduce reliability risks were also discussed.
- Jay Balasbas, Commissioner, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission | No Presentation
- Mark Leskowitz, Vice President for Fuel Procurement, American Electric Power | Presentation
- Dan Lapato, Senior Director of State Affairs, American Gas Association | Presentation
The Resiliency Case
Much discussion has taken place in recent years over fuel security and the role of natural gas in emergency scenarios. This session addressed some of the false narratives and explore what grid operators are doing to ensure reliability.
- Moderator: Diane Burman, Commissioner, New York Public Service Commission
- Fritz Hirst, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, North American Electric Reliability Corporation | Presentation
- Dan Kirschner, Executive Director, Northwest Gas Association | Presentation
Methane Leak Detection
This session discussed state policies regarding methane emissions from the natural gas sector, along with the technologies and initiatives that the industry is putting in place.
- Moderator: Ethan Kimbrel, Commissioner, Illinois Commerce Commission
- Kristine Wiley, Research & Development Director, GTI | Presentation
- Jim Rutherford, Senior Vice President for Products, Heath Consultants | Presentation