June 13, 2006

Energy Council to focus on key issues of consumption, finding new sources
Sebelius signs executive order reorganizing council

The rising cost of fossil fuels is giving greater urgency to conservation efforts, while at the same time Kansas’ geography and climate present opportunities for the production of renewable energy in the state.

To help the Kansas Energy Council tackle key energy issues, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today reorganized the group, adding three agencies, so that all energy related agencies serve on the Council and also adding legislators. In addition, the council will now have more flexibility in its ability to make recommendations.

“Energy is one of the defining issues of our time. We’ve got to reduce our consumption, while at the same time finding new sources of energy, particularly renewable sources, here in Kansas,” said Sebelius.

The executive order adds six members of the legislature to the council. The members will be chosen by leadership of both parties in both chambers and will be individuals who have substantial knowledge of energy, agriculture or business development.

“These legislators will be part of a collaborative effort, working together to research issues and seek reasonable policy solutions throughout the year that can be taken forward to the full legislature,” Sebelius said.

This arrangement will improve the communication between the Governor, the legislature, stakeholders, and the public in developing policy proposals.

Last week, Governor Sebelius told a gathering of rural advocates that emerging opportunities in biofuels and wind power have the potential to reduce our dependence on unstable supplies of fossil fuels and create jobs in rural Kansas.

The Governor’s executive order ensures that development of renewable energy sources will remain a top priority for the Kansas Energy Council.

The Executive Order is 2006-06.