The Coalition for a Secure Energy Future continues to expand its reach across Minnesota and North Dakota to share the importance for policies that include a diverse energy strategy. Co-Chairs Mike Beard and Loren Solberg as well as Minnesota Director Joel Johnson have been key thought leaders sharing our message with policymakers and stakeholders. Steve Van Dyke, of the Lignite Energy Council, has also been sharing the message at several stops in North Dakota.
The Coalition team also recently held an informational session for Minnesota legislators and staff with leaders from President Donald Trump’s transition team. Thomas Pyle, President of the American Energy Alliance, who served as the transition lead for the Department of Energy met with a group of 30 legislators. Pyle gave an overview for the attendees on the transition process as well as what specific energy initiatives can be expected to be implemented in the next 18 to 24 months.
Throughout 2016, the team at Secure Energy Future, traveled Minnesota to hold a series of ‘Energy 101 Sessions’ with political candidates, local electric cooperative members, municipal utility officials, and local city leaders. The presentation, which can be viewed on the website, focused on how electricity is generated, the differences between Minnesota utilities, and what the future will look like for electricity generation in the Midwest.
Capitalizing on a successful 2016 effort, the team will be adding sessions to the 2017 calendar including northwestern Minnesota and events in the southeast portion of the state. Each meeting will be held in legislative districts or regions that have newly elected officials. The purpose of these events will be to help new legislators meet their constituents who are well-educated and have a wealth of knowledge on the topic of energy. Considering the complexity of energy policy, an ongoing discussion with policymakers and key constituents is vital to ensure policies that protect reliability and affordability now and into the future remain part of the conversation. It’s these grassroots meetings that set the Coalition apart from other previous efforts to move energy policy forward.
If you’re interested in participating in an upcoming ‘Energy 101 Session’ please email our team at info@secureenergyfuture.org and we will be in touch with information on how you can be a part of shaping our energy future.