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LEGISLATIVE ENERGY HORIZON INSTITUTE

Alberta MLA heading to D.C. for energy education program and to promote provincial industry

Nov 20, 2024 | 11:56 AM

The MLA for Vermillion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, Garth Rowswell, is travelling to Washington, D.C. today to promote Alberta’s ability to meet U.S. energy demands at the Legislative Energy Horizon Institue (LEHI).

Rowswell will be joining state legislators from across the U.S. in educational sessions and meetings. The LEHI is a two-part program, with the first session taking place in Richland, Washington this last summer.

The MLA is expected to continue discussions with legislators and policy makers on shared goals for responsible energy development, shine more light on Alberta’s emerging energy and resource opportunities and communicate Alberta’s reputation as a leader in areas like carbon capture, utilization and storage, emissions reduction, site reclamation and more.

The LEHI was founded in 2009 by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), University of Idaho, and U.S. department of energy to provide a forum for emerging leaders in energy policy to network, build relationships, share knowledge and enhance the ability to ensure a stable, secure, and affordable energy supply and delivery system between Canada and the U.S.

“Interjurisdictional cooperation is foundational to securing Alberta’s energy access to U.S. markets for the long term,” said Rowswell, MLA and Alberta’s delegate council to PNWER. “I look forward to building on my learnings and conversations from earlier this year so I can help our province gain a leading edge in identifying and pursuing new areas of opportunity for our homegrown energy products, services and solutions – all with the goal of promoting economic prosperity and supporting the next generation of Albertans and Alberta businesses,”

The program is intended to deepen participant understanding of topics such as opportunities to diversify North America’s energy mix, energy alternatives, annual energy use by sector, state and federal policy and regulations, financial implications, market impacts, and more.

Program graduates will receive a certificate on energy policy planning from the University of Idaho. In the last 10 years, the program has educated more than 400 elected officials, representatives say.

Trip expenses will be posted on the province’s expense disclosure page.

MLA Rowswell’s itinerary is as follows:

  • November 20: Travel to Washington, D.C., and attend training and meet with U.S. policy makers and legislators at LEHI.
  • November 21-22: Attend training and meet with U.S. policy makers and legislators at LEHI.
  • November 23: Attend training and meet with U.S. policy makers and legislators at LEHI, then travel back to Alberta.

This itinerary is subject to change.