In July, a representative from the government of Alberta visited the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute.
Founded in 2009 by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, the University of Idaho, and the U.S. Department of Energy, LEHI is a continental forum for emerging leaders in energy policy to build connections and share ideas for secure and affordable energy supply between Canada and the US.
Since then, additional partners have joined, including the Government of Canada, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the National Governors Association.
Today, LEHI operates annually as a two-session cohort. To date, more than 440 legislators and policymakers have graduated from the LEHI program, each earning a certificate on energy policy planning through the University of Idaho
“I will take every opportunity to engage and promote how our province can provide reliable and sustainably produced energy to our partners in the US,” stated Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge, who in July remarked that “it is time to find common ground and work together to seize the incredible energy opportunities in front of us.”
This week, de Jonge is in Washington, D.C. to rejoin state legislators from across the US to wrap up the second half of training offered by LEHI.
De Jonge will build on learnings gathered when attending the first half of the two-part program, according to a statement from Alberta, while solidifying state-level connections and elevating Alberta’s role as a stable energy supplier to the U.S.
Programming explores the most pressing energy topics for today’s policymakers, with participants taking a dive into emerging energy sources, new technologies, industry needs, and key considerations for tackling current and future energy regulation and financing.
“Attending LEHI offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experts in energy policy and collaborate with legislators shaping policy discussions,” commented de Jonge.
“Alberta plays a critical role as a responsible energy producer,” the MLA believes, “and I look forward to deepening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our province.”