Monday, November 17, 2014, Eagle River, Alaska – Representative Dan Saddler graduated on November 13 from the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI), having recently completed 60 course hours of instruction on North American energy policy and regulation. This year, LEHI brought together 34 state and provincial legislative energy leaders in its 2014 class for its acclaimed certificate program.

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 that will be necessary to ensure that their citizens have a stable, secure and affordable energy supply and delivery system. The recent three-and-a-half day session in Washington, D.C. afforded legislators to meet with top officials in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), EPA, and the US Department of Energy, as well as Natural Resources Canada, the US DOE compliment.

“Alaska is — and will remain — a leader in producing energy to benefit our residents and world markets,” said Saddler, Chugiak-Eagle River. “The LEHI program had provided invaluable insights into the technical, economic and political aspects of energy policy that will guide my continuing work to support Alaska’s primary economic engine.”

“It is critical that citizen legislators get this basic boot camp of how our energy infrastructure works, is built and operated so they make informed policy decisions about our energy future,” said Rep. Jeff Morris of Washington State, Institute Director.

Over 100 policymakers have attended the Institute. Those completing the 60 hour executive course receive a certificate from the University of Idaho in Energy Policy Planning. These Alumni have gone on to become leaders in their respective state and provincial governments in energy, chairing energy or environment committees. The program was developed by the Pacific NW Economic Region (PNWER), in cooperation with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), US DOE, and Natural Resources Canada.

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