By Scout Nelson
The 2024 Kansas Economic Policy Conference, "Powering the Future of Kansas," will take place on October 24 at the Institute for Policy & Social Research. This yearly event brings together academics, policymakers, and leaders from the community and business world to debate urgent issues impacting the state. This year, the emphasis will be on Kansas's energy policies going forward.
In 2023, wind energy accounted for 46% of Kansas’ electricity net generation, ranking third in the nation for wind power, following Iowa and South Dakota. The conference aims to explore what the future of energy looks like in Kansas and how state leaders can support communities amid upcoming changes.
“Kansas is a leading producer of renewable energy,” stated Donna Ginther, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics and director of IPSR. “Our renewable energy production capabilities in wind, solar, hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuels have enormous economic potential. Conference speakers will discuss energy policies and tradeoffs from the perspectives of local communities, industries, and policymakers.”
Three scholars from the University of Kansas (KU) will deliver keynote addresses. Ginther will provide an overview of the Kansas economy, while Jay Kalbas, state geologist and director of the Kansas Geological Survey, will discuss energy dynamics in the state. Ward Lyles, associate professor of urban planning and Indigenous studies, will present insights from the Kansas Energy Transition Atlas.
The conference will also feature a conversation on energy and local communities, with speakers including Karen Willey, the 3rd District commissioner for Douglas County; Jack Thimesch, the 3rd District commissioner for Kingman County; Uma Outka, William R. Scott Law Professor at KU; and Jeanette Collier, executive director of NEK-CAP Inc., a community action agency serving northeast Kansas.
A second conversation will highlight industry perspectives, featuring Alan Anderson from Polsinelli, Paul Suskie from Southwest Power Pool Inc., and Jason Klindt from Evergy.
After lunch, four policymakers will discuss the future of energy in Kansas: Andrew French, chairperson of the Kansas Corporation Commission; Sen. Michael Fagg, a member of the Kansas Senate Utilities Committee; Rep. Leo Delperdang, a member of the Kansas House Utilities Committee; and Sen. Marci Francisco, also a member of the Senate Utilities Committee.
Deb Miller, former secretary of transportation for Kansas, and Jim McLean, political correspondent for the Kansas News Service, will moderate these conversations.
The conference, hosted by the Institute for Policy & Social Research, is free to attend for both in-person and virtual participants, though registration is required.
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Categories: Kansas, Energy, General