Increasing Midwestern Energy Production and Achieving Low Cost Energy
As part of his agenda as 2012 MGA Chair, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad initiated regional efforts to garner to support to increase Midwestern energy production across all types of energy to help maintain or achieve low energy costs.
The Midwest offers a diverse portfolio of energy sources including; coal, wind, oil, biofuels, solar, and natural gas. The region is also home to vital transportation networks, a trained workforce, integrated supply chain and manufacturing infrastructure. These resources all play a key role in increasing domestic energy production and producing low-cost energy. This additional energy production can help spur economic growth throughout the Midwest. The energy produced in the region is also exported to other parts of the country that have higher energy costs.
The first phase of this initiative will focus on gathering information from state policy makers. The MGA is surveying and interviewing governors energy/economic development policy advisors, energy and economic development personnel, public utility commissioners and other key state government leaders. The surveys and interviews will focus on identifying state and regional energy strengths, challenges, opportunities and areas poised for cross-state collaboration.
The second phase of this initiative will focus on bringing together state policymakers (including those interviewed in the first phase), private sector energy and economic development leaders, and other interested thought leaders to utilize the energy assessment report to identify and prioritize specific next steps to increase production of low-cost energy.
The final phase will consist of forming coalitions of interested states, energy companies, manufacturers, and advocates to continue the work identified in phase 2.
Meeting
June 28-29, 2012
Columbus, Ohio
Meeting Documents
Presentations and other Documents