Institute for Policy & Social Research
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2024 Kansas Economic Policy Conference
Powering the Future of Kansas

Photo courtesy of Brett Sayles via Pexels.com

October 24, 2024
Burge Union, Lawrence, Kansas

Join us to discuss the future of energy in Kansas.
What opportunities do innovations in energy offer to communities facing the challenges of climate change? What impacts do communities need to grapple with as they adopt large-scale energy installations? How can Kansas prepare for a future without fossil fuel?

Agenda
Thursday, October 24th

8:00	Registration, Coffee & More
8:30	Welcome & Introduction
		Jennifer Roberts, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies and Professor of Geology, The University of Kansas
8:45	Morning Keynotes Kansas Economic Update
		Donna Ginther, Director, Institute for Policy & Social Research and Roy A. Roberts & Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics, The University of Kansas Slides
	Energy in Kansas
		Jay Kalbas, State Geologist of Kansas, Director of the Kansas Geological Survey, Professor of Geology, The University of Kansas Slides
	Kansas Energy Transition Atlas
		Ward Lyles, Director, Center for Compassionate and Sustainable Communities, Associate Professor, University of Kansas School of Public Affairs & Administration, The University of Kansas Kansas Energy Transition Atlas
10:15	Break
10:30	Introduction
		Shelley Hooks, Vice Chancellor for Research, The University of Kansas
	Conversation: Energy and Local Communities Karen Willey, 3rd District County Commissioner, Douglas County Uma Outka, Professor, University of Kansas School of Law Jack Thimesch, 3rd District County Commissioner, Kingman County Jeanette Collier, Executive Director, NEK-CAP, Inc. Moderators Deb Miller Jim McLean, Political Correspondent, Kansas News Service
11:20	Break
11:30	Introduction
		Arash Mafi, Executive Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, The University of Kansas
	Conversation: Energy and Industry Alan Anderson, Energy Practice Group Chair, Polsinelli & University of Kansas School of Law Paul Suskie, Executive Vice President, Regulatory Policy & General Counsel, Southwest Power Pool Inc. Jason Klindt, Senior Director, External Affairs Evergy Moderators Deb Miller Jim McLean, Political Correspondent, Kansas News Service
12:20	Lunch
1:15	Introduction
		Douglas A. Girod, Chancellor, The University of Kansas
	Conversation: The Future of Energy in Kansas Andrew French, Chairperson, Kansas Corporation Commission Michael Fagg, Kansas State Senator, District 14, Senate Utilities Committee Leo Delperdang, Kansas State Representative, District 94, House Utilities Committee Marci Francisco, Kansas State Senator, District 2, Senate Utilities Committee Moderators Deb Miller Jim McLean, Political Correspondent, Kansas News Service
2:45	Closing Remarks Donna Ginther, Director, Institute for Policy & Social Research and Roy A. Roberts & Regents Distinguished Professor of Economics, The University of Kansas
3:00	Adjourn