David Solan Named New Director of Energy Policy Institute

David Solan, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Policy and Administration, has been named the new director of the Energy Policy Institute and an associate director of the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, Vice President for Research Mark Rudin announced today.

Solan assumes his new position on Monday. He will be responsible for directing and managing all EPI programs, including applied research and education. He also will work with the Idaho National Laboratory and with Idaho universities affiliated with CAES to advance the programs of EPI.

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1st Annual Energy Policy Institute Summit

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.

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EPI Studies Effects of Civic Deliberation on Public's Opinion of Energy Alternatives

Idaho currently gets 50% of all the energy it consumes from outside of the state. Over the past couple of years, three plans for coal-fired and nuclear power plants have been submitted. However, the coal-fired power plant application and one of the nuclear power plant proposals were later retracted. In the mean time, the Treasure Valley has turned down large economic development opportunities due to insufficient electricity capacity (Dey, K., Idaho Statesman, December 17th, 2007). The goal of this study is to determine the public's opinion on different energy alternatives after becoming informed on their merits. Results of the study can be used by policy-makers in the state to help inform them in charting Idaho’s energy future. 

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EPI and CAES Participate in Strategic Energy Alliance

The Energy Policy Institute, along with other members of CAES, is participating in the Governor’s Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance. The goal of the Alliance is to enable the development of a sound energy portfolio for Idaho that includes diverse energy resources and production methods, that provides the highest value to the citizens of Idaho, that ensures quality stewardship of environmental resources, and that functions as an effective, secure, and stable energy system. The Idaho Office of Energy Resources, with Paul Kjellander as the lead administrator of the agency, is directing this very important initiative for the state.

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