The Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University has wrapped up its first 2017 Clean Energy Legislative Academy, held July 18-21, 2017, in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Twenty-four Democratic and Republican state legislators from 15 states attended the academy. Many of them are chairs or co-chairs of legislative energy committees in their states. The conference keynote speakers included former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr., the Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy; Anne Pramaggiore, CEO of ComEd; Larry Ward of the Michigan Conservative Clean Energy Initiative; and Mark Fleming of the North Carolina Conservative Clean Energy Network.

It starts with the states

“The most activity on energy policy in America is at the state level,” Ritter said. “The states are where the positive action is, and will be for some time to come. It was a gratifying experience to bring a bi-partisan group of legislators together over three days for a deep dive on how they can work to advance a clean energy agenda in their respective states. The legislators were energized and enthused at the conclusion of the academy.”

The mission of the Clean Energy Legislative Academy is to assist legislators in identifying gaps in clean energy legislation and policies in their states. Legislators should come away with a better understanding of what can be achieved in their state regarding a clean energy agenda. They’re also provided with tools necessary to pass clean energy legislation in a future session.

About CNEE

The Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University was founded by by Ritter in 2011. Ritter and a team of energy and environmental policy experts work directly with governors, legislators, regulators, companies, and stakeholders to provide technical and strategic assistance for creating policies that facilitate America’s transition to a clean energy economy.