Sebelius names appointments to the Kansas Energy and
Environmental Policy Advisory Group
Group to focus on ways Kansas can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has named her appointments to the Kansas Energy and Environmental Policy (KEEP) Advisory Group. Earlier this year, the governor formed KEEP to bring together business leaders, energy experts and scientists to recommend ways we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

“Experts agree that Congress will institute a carbon tax in the coming years. By taking steps to prepare now, we better position our state for potential costs in the future. This group will recommend ways we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to grow our economy,” Sebelius said.

Led by Jack Pelton, president and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company, KEEP will work with the Center for Climate Strategies to develop a comprehensive climate plan for Kansas. 

Sebelius said, “I am confident that the combined expertise of this group will lead to innovative solutions across all sectors of Kansas industry which helps every corner of our state.”

Appointed to the Kansas Energy and Environmental Policy Advisory Group are:

• Steven Baccus, Kansas Farm Bureau President
• Amy Blankenbiller, Kansas Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
• Jim Boone, NorthStar Comfort Systems Inc. President
• Dr. David Braaten, Kansas University Geography Department Professor
• Casey Cassius, Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell Architects  Architect
• Yvonne Cather, Kansas Sierra Club Council Delegate
• Patty Clark, Kansas Leadership Center Director of Operations
• Dr. Johannes Feddema, Kansas University Geography Department Professor
• Ashok Gupta, Natural Resources Defense Council Director of Air and Energy Program
• Colin Hansen, Kansas Municipal Utilities Executive Director
• Nancy Jackson, Land Institute Climate and Energy Project (CEP) Project Director
• Mike Kelley, YRC Worldwide Vice-President
• Mark Knight, Owner of Knight Feedlots, Inc.
• Annie Kuether, State Representative of Kansas
• Stuart Lowry, Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. Executive Vice-President
• William Moore, Westar Energy President and CEO
• Emil Ramirez, United Steel Workers District 11 Assistant Director
• Dr. Charles Rice, Kansas State University Agronomy Department Professor
• Bruce Snead, Kansas State University Engineering Extension Program Specialist
• Dr. John Wong, Wichita State University Urban and Public Affairs Interim Director

In addition to the Governor’s appointments to the Advisory Group, several key state government officials will serve as ex-officio members:

• Rod Bremby, Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment
• Ken Frahm, Kansas Energy Council Co-Chair
• Mike Hayden, Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Parks
• David Kerr, Secretary of the Department of Commerce
• Deb Miller, Secretary of the Department of Transportation
• Mark Parkinson, Lieutenant Governor of Kansas
• Adrian Polansky, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture
• Tracy Streeter, Kansas Water Office Executive Director
• Tom Wright, Kansas Corporation Commission Chairman

There will be several additional appointments made to this group once the Governor receives the other legislative recommendations. The first meeting of this group will be May 20 in Wichita.

To read the executive order in its entirety, please visit: http://www.governor.ks.gov/executive/Orders/