The Legislative Energy Horizon Institute is designed to educate state legislators on the North American energy infrastructure and delivery system. High turnover in state legislative bodies decreases the institutional knowledge concerning complex energy issues in states and provincial legislatures. Legislators who develop state energy policy often lack a comprehensive understanding of how energy infrastructure operates. The complex issues associated with electricity, natural gas, and petroleum infrastructure; regulation governing this infrastructure; and interdependencies are just some of the ares that legislators must understand to make responsible and informed policy decisions.

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) partnered with the University of Idaho and the Department of Energy to create the initiative.
Course Objectives
  • Gain a concrete understanding of the electric grid and how it operates
  • Learn how the various energy sectors interface to produce and deliver energy
  • Examine the rules and regulation of electric, natural gas and petroleum infrastructure
  • Understand the regulatory, financial and planning challenges associated with building new energy infrastructure
  • Apply technical knowledge to implement informed and effective energy policy
  • Understand the relationship between climate and energy
 Major Topics

  • North American fuel mix: coal, gas, nuclear, petroleum, hydroelectric and renewables
  • Energy alternatives and limitations
  • Imported versus exported sources
  • Annual energy use by sector
  • State policy options and implications
  • Federal policy and regulation
  • Financing and markets

Sponsors

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