Kansas Economic Policy Conference to address the future of energy in Kansas
LAWRENCE — On Oct. 24, the Institute for Policy & Social Research will convene the 2024 Kansas Economic Policy Conference: Powering the Future of Kansas. Every year, the conference brings together community and industry leaders, policymakers and scholars to discuss an issue of urgent importance to the state. This year, the conference will address the future of energy policy in the state of Kansas.
In 2023, wind energy accounted for 46% of Kansas’ electricity net generation, which was the third-highest share of wind power for any state after Iowa and South Dakota. What does the future of energy in Kansas look like? And how can Kansas leaders support communities through the changes ahead?
“Kansas is a leading producer of renewable energy,” said Donna Ginther, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics and director of IPSR, “and 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 KU scholars will deliver keynotes. Ginther will discuss the state of the Kansas economy. Jay Kalbas, state geologist of Kansas, director of the Kansas Geological Survey and professor of geology, will share insights on energy in Kansas. And Ward Lyles, associate professor of urban planning and Indigenous studies, will present the Kansas Energy Transition Atlas.
The conference will continue with a conversation on energy and local communities, featuring 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, with Alan Anderson, the energy practice group chair at Polsinelli and adjunct faculty member at KU's law school; Paul Suskie, the executive vice president of regulatory policy and general counsel at Southwest Power Pool Inc.; and Jason Klindt, senior director of external affairs for Evergy.
After lunch, the conference will convene four policymakers to discuss the future of energy in Kansas: Andrew French, chairperson of the Kansas Corporation Commission; Sen. Michael Fagg, District 14, a member of the Kansas Senate Utilities Committee; Rep. Leo Delperdang, District 94, a member of the Kansas House Utilities Committee; and Sen. Marci Francisco, District 2, a member of the Kansas Senate Utilities Committee.
Deb Miller, former secretary of transportation for the state of Kansas and former director of the KU Public Management Center, and Jim McLean, political correspondent for the Kansas News Service, will moderate the conversations.
Hosted by the Institute for Policy & Social Research, the conference is offered to in-person and virtual attendees at no cost. Registration is required.