America's Smartland
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 will host a series of webinars to highlight state energy programs and initiatives.
Wisconsin - 10/10
Speakers:
Maria Redmond, Director of Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy
Illinois - 9/25
Recording | Speakers:
- Jim Zolnierek, Illinois Commerce Commission – Energy Efficiency and Storage | Slides
- Megha Lakhchaura , Illinois EV Officer | Slides
- Kate McCormick, Illinois Commerce Commission – Renewable Siting | Slides
In 2021, the MGA will host 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. We envision there will be opportunities for different regional advocacy groups to co-host these webinars to help highlight issues that are mutually important.
The FERC ANOPR and What it Means for the Midwest
August 17, 2021 | Recording | 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, 2021 | Recording | 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, 2021 | Presentation | 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, 2021 | Recording | 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, 2021 | Presentation | 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.
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.
