1 June 2004

Governor Sebelius issues Executive Order 04-05
Forms the Kansas Energy Council to strengthen Kansas economy

Energy policy is an essential component of our overall strategic efforts to strengthen our Kansas economy and improve our quality of life. Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced today the reformulation of the State Energy Resources Coordination Council as the Kansas Energy Council. She issued Executive Order No. 04-05 that officially reconstitutes the organization.

Governor Sebelius said, “Last year, in the Prosperity Summit led by Lt. Governor John Moore, developing a comprehensive and balanced statewide energy policy was identified as a high priority for state government. With the new Kansas Energy Council in place, our state has the opportunity to be on the leading edge of energy policy development both regionally and nationally.”

The Kansas Energy Council will be charged with formulating and coordinating a comprehensive state energy plan and help make recommendations regarding to long-term energy policy to the Governor, Legislature, Kansas Corporation Commission and other appropriate entities. The Council will report its findings annually to the Governor, Legislature and Kansas Corporation Commission.

The comprehensive state energy plan will include strategies to:

• Ensure a low-cost, reliable and sustainable energy supply
• Increase energy efficiency and conservation
• Develop a balanced renewable energy policy that promotes our state’s renewable and alternative energy resources and preserves those natural ecosystems and places of scenic beauty that cannot be replaced
• Extend the life of existing energy resources
• Enhance energy related research and development
• Ensure an adequate and stable energy infrastructure

S.E.R.C.C. consisted of 13 members. The new K.E.C. will be comprised of 23 members. The expanded membership will help ensure the participation of key stakeholders in the energy policy development process. Four members of the Governor’s Cabinet will serve as members on the Council: Lt. Governor/Secretary of Commerce John Moore, Director of the Water Office, Secretary of Wildlife and Parks Mike Hayden, and Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky. Lee Allison, State Geologist and current Chair of the S.E.R.C.C. will continue as Chair of the new Kansas Energy Council. Brian Moline, Chairman of the Kansas Corporation Commission and current S.E.R.C.C. Vice Chair, will continue as Vice Chair of the K.E.C.

“I look forward to working with the Kansas Energy Council as we work to develop comprehensive, long-term energy policy and successfully meet the energy challenges we will face in the coming years,” Governor Sebelius said.

Other members of the K.E.C. include: