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:

• Expert briefings on important energy topics and related policies for committee hearings;  
• Analysis of state policies and insight into the most effective policy options;
• Informative, objective energy policy publications;
• Access to expertise in all energy areas through NCSL's comprehensive network of energy experts from state and federal government, academic institutions and industry.
• 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.

• Energy Sources and Delivery addresses natural gas, coal, oil, nuclear energy, and the generation, transmission, distribution and regulation of electricity.
• Renewable Energy includes wind, hydro, solar, geothermal, biomass, wave energy and other resources that can act as a sustained, clean energy supply.
• Energy Efficiency encompasses policies, practices and technologies that help consumers use less energy or consume it more efficiently while performing everyday activities.
• 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 Agriculture and Energy 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.

NCSL Energy Program staff include:

• Glen Andersen, Energy Program Director
• Julia Verdi, Policy Associate
• Jacquelyn Pless, Research Analyst II