Stedman named as Energy Council chair

Alaska State Senator Bert Stedman has been named chairman of The Energy Council, a legislative organization consisting of members from 11 states, five Canadian provinces, and the country of Venezuela.

According to their website, the council’s mission is to provide a forum where leaders can exchange ideas and determine solutions related to energy issues that affect Alaska.

“I’m honored to continue serving as part of The Energy Council’s leadership,” Stedman said. “The Energy Council conference is a unique forum for discussing energy policy with some of the most knowledgeable people in the world. I’m proud to bring that knowledge back to Alaska and use it to make decisions regarding our resources.”

Stedman has served on The Energy Council’s executive committee for five years and was elected Vice-Chair of the council in late 2011. Under his leadership as chairman the council plans to focus on three themes: Understanding Arctic Development in a Global Context, Fossil Energy Trends, and Policy, Electricity and Alternate Energy Development.

“Within these themes, we will be examining several issues that are critical to Alaskans including energy exploration and transportation in the Arctic, LNG exports from the U.S., Arctic shipping routes, federal regulation, and hydro development,” he added. “We will also endeavor to promote a better understanding of global supply and demand forces impacting North American energy markets.”

The Energy Council does most of its work during four quarterly meetings that rotate among member states and provinces, with a spring meeting in Washington, D.C.

“These meetings are an important part of our continued efforts to develop Alaska’s energy resources and promote greater collaboration between national policymakers and our state,” Stedman said. “As chair, I will ensure interaction with state and federal officials as well as energy and environmental policymakers at all levels. My goal is to get as many experts and leaders together as possible so that we can really target and transform the energy issues facing Alaska and the rest of the Western Hemisphere.”