2024 Kansas Economic Policy Conference – Powering the Future of Kansas
What opportunities do innovations in energy offer to communities facing the challenges of climate change? What impacts do communities need to grapple with as they adopt large-scale energy installations? How can Kansas prepare for a future without fossil fuel?
During the 2024 Kansas Economic Policy Conference, scholars, business and community leaders, and policymakers discussed the rich opportunities and tough challenges facing Kansas as we transition to a new energy landscape.
Keynotes
Welcome & Introduction
Jennifer Roberts, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies and Professor of Geology, University of Kansas
Kansas Economic Update*
Donna K. Ginther, Director, Institute for Policy & Social Research and Roy A. Roberts & Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics, The University of Kansas
Starts at 3:35 in video.
Energy in Kansas*
Jay Kalbas, State Geologist of Kansas, Director of the Kansas Geological Survey, Professor of Geology, University of Kansas
Starts at 30:45 in video.
Kansas Energy Transition Atlas
View the Kansas Energy Transition Atlas
Ward Lyles, Director, Center for Compassionate and Sustainable Communities, Associate Professor, University of Kansas School of Public Affairs & Administration, University of Kansas
Starts at 1:09:00 in video.
*Slides available upon request to IPSR@ku.edu.
Energy and Local Communities
Introduction
Shelley Hooks, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Kansas
Panelists
Karen Willey, 3rd District County Commissioner, Douglas County; Uma Outka, Professor, University of Kansas School of Law; Jack Thimesch, 3rd District County Commissioner, Kingman County; Jeanette Collier, Executive Director, NEK-CAP, Inc
Moderator
Deb Miller
Energy and Industry
Introduction
Arash Mafi, Executive Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Kansas
Panelists
Alan Anderson, Energy Practice Group Chair, Polsinelli & University of Kansas School of Law; Paul Suskie, Executive Vice President, Regulatory Policy & General Counsel, Southwest Power Pool Inc.; Jason Klindt, Senior Director, External Affairs Evergy
Moderator
Deb Miller
The Future of Energy in Kansas
Introduction
Douglas A. Girod, Chancellor, University of Kansas
Panelists
Andrew French, Chairperson, Kansas Corporation Commission; Michael Fagg, Kansas State Senator, District 14, Senate Utilities Committee; Leo Delperdang, Kansas State Representative, District 94, House Utilities Committee; Marci Francisco, Kansas State Senator, District 2, Senate Utilities Committee
Moderator
Jim McLean, Political Correspondent, Kansas News Service