MGA

America’s Smartland

We provide comprehensive solutions and support to help you reach new heights. Periodically, the MGA will host an America’s Smartland initiative to bring together state staff, relevant stake-holders, and policy experts to discuss pressing regional issues, share experiences, and brainstorm solutions to issues of importance in the region. These initiatives can take several forms including a series, discussion or best practice. Past efforts can be found below.


A Smartland Discussion

In 2023, the MGA hosted a series of webinars to highlight state energy programs and initiatives.

Wisconsin

October 10 [Virtual]

Speakers:

Maria Redmond, Director of Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy

Illinois

September 25 [Virtual]

Jim Zolnierek, Illinois Commerce Commission – Energy Efficiency and Storage

Megha Lakhchaura , Illinois EV Officer

Kate McCormick, Illinois Commerce Commission – Renewable Siting

In 2021, the MGA hosted a series of webinars to explore advancements in the energy sector to help ensure energy needs are met and the grid of the future is reliable, resilient, and secure.

The FERC ANOPR and What it Means for the Midwest

August 17 [Virtual]

Speakers:

  • Chairman Dan Scripps, Michigan PSC
  • Nina Plausin, ITC
  • Eric Vanderberg, FERC

Moderator: Larry Gasteiger, WIRES

Goals for Carbon Reduction and Reimagining Fossil Fuels Through Carbon Capture

August 12 [Virtual]

Speakers:

  • Reice Haase, North Dakota Office of the Governor
  • John Harju, Energy & Environment Research Center
  • Wade Boeshans, Summit Carbon Solutions
  • John Weeda, North Dakota Transmission Authority
Topology Optimization

June 1 [Virtual]

Speakers:

  • Pablo Ruiz, PhD, The Brattle Group 
  • Hannes Pfeifenberger, The Brattle Group

Moderator: Marcus Hawkins, OMS

State Energy Policies & Implications for Voluntary Renewable Energy Buyers

April 28 [Virtual]

Speakers:

  • Evelyn Robinson, PJM
  • Brian Rybarik, Microsoft
  • Megan Villarreal, Nestlé
  • Moderator: Alli Gold Roberts, Ceres
State Energy Planning:How to Prioritize Energy Efficiency 

February 11 [Virtual]

Speakers:

  • Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, State of Wisconsin
  • Barb Meisenheimer, Missouri Division of Energy
  • John Seryak, PE,  Go Sustainable Energy
  • Moderator: Stacey Paradis, MEEA

America’s Smartland Series

An American Smartland Series to bring together state staff, relevant stake-holders, and policy experts to discuss pressing regional issues, share experiences, and brainstorm solutions to issues of importance in the region. Typically, the MGA holds several webinars or calls with state staff to gain a solid understanding of the concern or need, and then host a day-long meeting on the specific topic to provide states the opportunity to discuss the issue in-person and connect with relevant people, groups, and/or subject-matter experts.

Grid Hardening (2017)

Maximizing Bioenergy Resources (2017)

Energy Storage (2017)

Solar Energy

Integrating Solar (2016/2017)

New Utility Business Model (2016)

Truck Driver Shortage (2016)

Mentoring For Success (2016)

Regional Best Practices

To highlight regional best practices, the MGA will create a 1-pager to feature a Midwestern initiative that would be beneficial for others in the region to learn about. These write-ups are often followed-up with a webinar to further spotlight the initiative and provide a forum so that questions can be answered. 

Gunderson Health System’s Biomass Boiler (2018)

John Redmond Reservoir Drudging (2017)

Great Northern Transmission Line (2017)

America’s Smartland Brochures

Scroll to Top