In the West, energy is key to our way of life, and the impacts of increased energy demand and climate are being felt across our region. Higher energy bills, increased wildfire risk, and unpredictable weather are making life in the West harder and harming families and communities that need predictability and affordability to thrive.
There is an urgent need to create the political will and cooperation that can begin addressing these concerns through sound policy decisions and good-faith bipartisan cooperation across state lines.
Successfully addressing energy policy issues will help create tens of thousands of well-paid jobs, reduce the cost of energy to drive economic growth, and make progress on air quality and carbon emissions.
To address these challenges and opportunities, the Institute launched the Western Energy Caucus – an invitation-only, bipartisan group of leading state policymakers focused on energy policy cooperation.
“There are so many ideas that we can take back to our states. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with other legislators in the western states. I think when it comes to energy policy that synergy between the states can really effectuate meaningful change.” - A Western lawmaker after a Caucus policy study trip
Focus Areas for the Caucus:
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Grid reliability and resiliency
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Western transmission needs
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Advanced dispatchable electricity generation and storage
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Wildfire mitigation
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Carbon management and sequestration
Through the Institute's managed facilitation, the Western Energy Caucus supports the exchange of ideas, drives increased collaboration and coordination across the region, and works to identify and help achieve state-based legislative solutions to achieve a reliable, low-cost, clean energy system in the West. ​​
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Learn more & get involved
Andy Bixler | Western Energy Caucus
406-544-6200 | abixler@energywest.org
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How It Works
The Institute invited legislators from 11 Western states with significant interest, involvement, and achievement in energy policy to participate in The Western Energy Caucus. The Caucus works to educate members on key policy issues, coordinate and facilitate useful information, and encourage collaboration on energy issues among Western states.
Through the Western Energy Caucus, members gain a deeper understanding of the complexities in modernizing our energy system and the value of public-private partnerships in policy and regulatory discussions. The goal is to help these leaders develop strategies and innovative solutions that prioritize grid reliability and connectivity and energy reliability and affordability for Western states.
Goals of the Western Energy Caucus
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Promote a reliable and affordable energy system in the West
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Examine low-emission energy generation and storage systems
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Support the development of an integrated transmission system
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Advocate for clean, low-cost energy to promote economic growth and job creation in the West
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Expand transmission infrastructure and provide the platform for fair cost allocation
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Develop policy to create a modern energy economy
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Develop best practices, model legislation and siting guidance
Opportunities for Caucus Members
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The Western Energy Caucus convenes virtually and in-person throughout the year for meetings that include speakers, workshops, panel discussions, site visits and opportunities for collaboration across the region with policy experts and industry leaders.
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Caucus Member Composition:
Invited states to participate include:
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