31 January 2006

Sebelius says reliable, affordable energy key to healthy economy
Governor makes appointments to Kansas Energy Council

Recent high oil and gas prices have reinforced the need for reliable, affordable sources of energy. They’ve also shown the need for Kansas to increase energy conservation, as well as production from alternative energy sources, says Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

To help guide state energy policy, she has appointed three individuals to the Kansas Energy Council. The council encourages energy production, research and development, as well as efforts to promote other energy-related economic development in the state.

“We have a great opportunity to create jobs here in Kansas by promoting energy production in areas like wind power and ethanol. We also have opportunities to save energy and money by increasing conservation efforts,” Governor Sebelius said.

Sebelius currently leads the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition, a group of state governors seeking to promote the production and use of ethanol.

Ken Frahm, Colby, will serve as chairman of the Kansas Energy Council. He is a farmer with Allied Family Farm and Grain Management. Frahm has served on numerous committees that promote business growth in Kansas. Most recently, he served on the state committee for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. Frahm also was appointed president and CEO of the Kansas Development Finance Authority by Governor Bill Graves.

Joe Dick, Kansas City, is the government affairs officer for the Board of Public Utilities. In his duties, Dick has devoted more than 10 years to researching and growing the energy industry in Kansas. Before his time with the Board of Public Utilities, Dick served as secretary of the Kansas Department of Human Resources (now the Department of Labor) and director of motor vehicles for the state.

Mark Schreiber, Emporia, is the manager of governmental affairs for Westar Energy. Schreiber, who began work as a cadet technician for Kansas Gas and Electric Company, has more than 25 years experience working for major energy producers in the state. Schreiber worked for Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation for much of his career, as an environmental biologist, emergency planning specialist, supervisor of emergency planning, supervisor of performance improvement review group and as manager of community and governmental affairs.