MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN

Texas State Representative Drew Darby

The Energy Council, a beacon of leadership, celebrates a significant, historic milestone this year: 50 years. For half a century, the Council has been at the forefront, leading the discussion around responsible, sound energy policy.

As we celebrate this milestone, our members continue to strive for the balance between energy security, reliability, efficiency, and affordability. The reversal of Supreme Court decisions, moratoriums, emerging technologies, and economic growth are drastically changing the energy landscape. The international demand for liquified natural gas continues despite moratoriums and amidst global conflicts. The industrial base is planning and reacting to the needs. Still, questions remain about whether the natural gas supply will adapt to the continuing changes at the state and federal levels. New technologies and practices are reducing North America’s emissions. Interest in the future of nuclear, geothermal, and hydrogen power continues to grow. Consumers are obtaining more electric equipment and vehicles, but infrastructure needs to catch up.

One thing remains clear: Oil and gas remain critical to global energy security by providing a reliable and consistent energy source. These resources support economic stability and power industries and are a foundation for energy expansion. A steady supply is essential for meeting current demands and maintaining energy independence.

These changes are driving our focus for fiscal year 2024-2025. The Council will focus on three key themes during the coming year:

• “Global and National Implications Impacting Energy”
• “State, Federal, and Provincial Energy and Environmental Modifications,” and
• “Energy Transformation and Emerging Technologies”

These topics are instrumental in enhancing the understanding of our legislators and members about other states and provinces, countries, and the world. We will leverage this understanding to actively participate in the development of federal energy and environmental policy, contribute to the formulation of sound legislative policies, and foster a comprehensive understanding of energy and the environment.

I hope you will join The Energy Council’s leadership as we celebrate 50 years.

ABOUT THE ENERGY COUNCIL

The Energy Council is a non-partisan legislative organization founded in 1975. The original five member states (Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico) were located within the same region, and the group was initially known as the Southwest Regional Energy Council.

The organization was formed to provide a forum for state legislators interested in energy policy. Today the member states number fourteen, including West Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama to the East and Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and Alaska to the West. It allows legislative policymakers to maintain a dialogue and learn more about energy issues of importance to their states, citizens, environment and revenue base. In recognition of the continental nature of energy markets, the Council has welcomed the Canadian Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well.

For energy producing states and provinces, a better understanding of energy markets, technology and policy, as well as related environmental concerns, benefits lawmakers and their constituents. The Energy Council is a proven resource for developing energy policy leadership.