The 1st Annual Energy Policy Institute Summit was successfully held March 12th - 13th, 2009 at Boise State University, in the Stueckle Sky Center. The overall purpose of the Summit was to identify a number of research projects to help policy makers and energy leaders formulate and decide on effective energy policy needed by the state and region. The agenda was divided into two days. On day one, we welcomed a group of highly knowledgeable and qualified speakers to address Idaho's energy issues from different perspectives based on their respective fields of expertise. Speakers ranged from legislators, to lawyers, to utility experts. The first day of the Summit was open to anyone with an interest in energy issues including students and the general public. Day two was reserved for faculty of CAES institutions and other specially invited guests to develop project teams and research ideas that could be beneficial in the development of energy policy. Researchers wishing to participate on a project team attended both days of the summit.

 

Summit Précis

Energy in Action
2009 1st Annual Energy Policy Institute Summit

The 2009 1st Annual Energy Policy Institute Summit was held this past March 12th and 13th at the Stueckle Sky Center at Boise State University. Attendance exceeded expectations, gathering 114 of some of Idaho’s most influential and knowledgeable policymakers, scholars, and energy experts from around the state.

The March 12th opening day events began with an introduction by Dr. John Freemuth. Dr. Freemuth is the Director of the Energy Policy Institute and a leader in the field of environmental policy. Dr. Freemuth’s introduction was followed by keynote speaker Admiral John Grossenbacher, Director of the Idaho National Laboratory. Admiral Grossenbacher’s remarks addressed the ever changing world of energy policy, his philosophy on how citizens, researchers, and policymakers can all play an effective role in energy policy, and what role he foresees the Idaho National Laboratory playing in the future. Admiral Grossenbacher took a number of questions following his remarks which set the tone and level of engagement for the next two days.

Admiral Grossenbacher addresses the participants on energy policy	Senator Kelly and Representative Anderson describe energy as a non-partisan issue

Following the keynote address, the first presentation was given by co-presenters Representative Eric Anderson and Senator Kate Kelly from the Idaho Legislature. Their presentation titled, Future Energy Challenges from a State Perspective, addressed the current situation in Idaho regarding funding and policy choices by elected officials. They were able to discuss policy decision-making philosophy as well as some of the constraints that affect legislative decision-making. They also provided insight into some of the bills related to energy policy being discussed in the current legislative session.

The next presentation was given by Constance White. Ms. White is the Director of the Western Renewable Energy Information System (WREGIS). WREGIS provides a renewable energy tracking system for the region covered by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council. Her presentation titled Identification of Renewables and the Challenges of Variable Resources discussed many issues and constraints of different energy sources depending on the region and scenario of use.

 

Constance White discusses the monitoring practices of WREGIS	Dr. Benson relates how the Utah Transit Authority could be implemented in Idaho

 

The third presentation was given by Dr. Jerry Benson, Chief Operating Officer of the Utah Transit Authority. His presentation was titled, Policy Nexus of Energy and Transportation: Challenges and Rewards. Dr. Benson discussed a history of Utah’s experience in implementing mass transit. His message centered on the need to reform transportation policy so that it aligns realistically to our current and future energy situation.

Betsy Bridge of the Idaho Conservation League provided a view on energy policy from an environmental perspective. Betsy Bridge is responsible for promoting the development of energy efficiency programs and renewable energy resources through her responsibilities at the Idaho Conservation League. Her presentation, Energy Challenges from an Environmental Perspective, discussed environmental issues relating to various forms of energy generation and how these might be addressed.

 

Betsy Bridge answers concerns regarding energy development and the environment	Richard Walje describes ways that Rocky Mountain Power provides energy to their Western clients

 

Richard Walje, President of Rocky Mountain Power, provided an industry perspective on energy policy. Rocky Mountain Power serves over 1,000,000 customers in several Western states through a variety of electricity generation options. Mr. Walje was able to address the role Rocky Mountain Power plays in overall electricity generation in the region and the numerous renewable energy projects they currently have underway. He was further able to provide concrete examples of how energy policy affects industry and their output and generation decisions.

The final presentation before lunch was given by Marsha Smith, a Commissioner with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. She discussed the role of regulation in managing energy generation and consumption. She was further able to elaborate on the direction Idaho may be taking in its energy generation future and what is feasible in Idaho’s current situation.

 

Commissioner Smith elaborates on the challenges public officials will face in regulating energy development and generation in the future	Harold Blackman describes the many innovations and projects currently underway at CAES institutions

 

Harold Blackman, Director of CAES, was the featured lunch time speaker. His presentation focused on the role of CAES and how this Summit and the many endeavors currently underway are helping to form CAES into a premier research center formed by four institutions, Idaho State University, University of Idaho, Boise State University, and the Idaho National Laboratory, in partnership with other public and private entities.

Paul Kjellander, Director of the Idaho Office of Energy Resources (OER), was the final presenter of the day. As an agency head with the responsibility to coordinate and develop policy regarding energy development, Mr. Kjellander was able to discuss the current energy situation in Idaho and where he sees Idaho’s energy future heading. Topics discussed ranged from the current banning of coal fire power plants in Idaho, to the affect the stimulus package will have on energy development.

 

Paul Kjellander addresses a question on Idaho's energy development	Panelists address summit participants' questions

Finally, Summit attendees were treated to a panel discussion that included Admiral John Grossenbacher, Jerry Benson, Constance White, Richard Walje, and Jim Wertnz of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Moderated by John Freemuth, the panel answered questions from members of the audience helping them to understand the breadth of issues and challenges facing Idaho from their unique perspectives.

Day two of the event featured a workshop intended to develop a number of energy policy research ideas and teams that could address issues and challenges discussed during the previous day. It was attended by 41 researchers and specially invited energy experts from Boise State University, Idaho Office of Energy Resources, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho

 

One of the 7 breakout groups discusses possible energy policy research projects	A breakout group presents their research idea to the group for comments and feedback

 

Utilizing a team of expert facilitators, 13 energy policy research ideas and corresponding teams of researchers were identified willing to take them to the next step. Examples of research include:

• Evaluation of national or other state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS’s) on Idaho;
• Development of tools and models used for the evaluation of existing, new, and novel energy processes;
• Evaluation of existing state and federal statutes regarding carbon management;
• Studies to analyze the governance structures needed to effectively manage integration of water and energy.

The workshop and summit provided an excellent opportunity for faculty members of CAES institutions and other interested participants to get to know one another. It exemplifies the mission and diverse nature of CAES and its capabilities and to provide research that can benefit Idaho and the nation’s energy future.

 

Summit Presentations

(pdf format)

Energy Policy	Harold S. Blackman
Idaho’s Energy Security	Betsy Bridge
Changing the Way America Moves	Jerry R. Benson
Challenges in Regulatory Energy Policy	Marsha Smith
Renewables: Challenges of Variable Resources	Constance White
Challenges from an Electricity Industry Perspective	Richard Walje