ATLANTA (August 3, 2015) | The Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI) brought together 40 state and provincial legislators for the first of its two 30 hours classroom sessions July 25 – 28 at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA.
“It was an honor to be chosen as one of 40 legislators to participate in the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute in Washington this past weekend,” said Sen. Jeffares. “I was able to learn about the North American energy infrastructure and the technical, economic and political aspects of energy policy that will guide my continuing work to support Georgia’s energy efforts.”
In its sixth year, the Institute offers policymakers the chance to dramatically improve their knowledge of the energy infrastructure and delivery system, enhancing their ability to make the complex policy decisions to ensure stable, secure and affordable energy supply and delivery system.
The three-and-a-half day session in Richland focuses its in-depth curriculum on how energy infrastructure operates, how it gets built and the complex issues associated with electricity, natural gas and petroleum infrastructures, regulations and interdependencies.
“Legislators like Sen, Rick Jeffares donate 60 hours of their time to become more knowledgeable on how our energy systems work so they can better decisions for the people they represent,” said Jeff Morris, Institute Director.
In addition to the 30 hours of course work, tours of nuclear generating stations and wind farms were offered.
The alumni of the Institute have gone on to become leaders in their respective state and provincial governments as well as nationally in energy. The 2015 class will bring the number to over 180 policymakers who have received the specialized training. “Not every elected official is worthy of this educational investment. They must be nominated by their leadership and be committed to understanding this complex policy area,” said Morris.
The next in-person session will take place in Washington, D.C. November 8 – 10, 2015.
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For Immediate Release:
August 3, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brittany Wagner, Communications Specialist
brittany.wagner@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028