Clean Energy Legislative Academy

We are looking forward to welcoming the CELA Class of 2024 to Colorado in July!

September 2023 Agenda
Policy Briefs, Presentations, Webinars, and Additional Resources

The Clean Energy Legislative Academy is for state legislators working to make a difference in their state’s energy policy. If you are interested in attending the Academy, please contact us.

Learn about important and emerging energy policy issues.

Discuss policy ideas with energy experts, experienced policy advisors, and your legislative peers.

Develop state specific clean energy strategies and policies.

About the Clean Energy Legislative Academy

The Clean Energy Legislative Academy (CELA) brings together a bi-partisan cohort of state legislators and legislative energy staffers for two intensive four-day academies. Both events provide attendees the information and resources necessary for developing effective state-level clean energy policy. Our politically neutral forum provides an opportunity to learn about clean energy policy, discuss challenges in your state, and speak freely.

Typically held in Breckenridge, Colorado in July, our summer event brings together 25-30 state legislators from across the political spectrum and the country. Legislators learn from a team of expert policy faculty about a variety of issue areas, network and share their stories with one another, and develop strategies to make their states more competitive in the clean energy marketplace. In September, we invite the legislative staffers of our July attendees (returning legislators are also welcome to join us). At this event, attendees join our experts in ‘deep dive’ workshops exploring policy solutions to the key issue areas identified as important by legislators during the July session.

Network with peers
Network with peers
Build lasting connections
Build lasting connections
Learn from each other and from our experts in small group discussions
Learn from each other and from our experts in small group discussions
Receive one-on-one help
Receive one-on-one help
Discuss clean energy policy with legislators from across the country
Discuss clean energy policy with legislators from across the country
Clean Energy Legislative Academy Alumni States
Clean Energy Legislative Academy Alumni States

What legislators say about the Academy

“I really enjoyed the Academy. A big plus was bringing different views to the table to solve and address energy issues. I believe this should be the way a lot of issues are addressed instead of everyone going to their own political corners. Staff and speakers were very well informed and Governor Ritter set the tone on the opening night. Energy is something both parties can agree on and should work on together.”
Delegate Terry Kilgore (R) Virginia
Delegate Terry Kilgore (R) Virginia
“This is one of the best conferences that I have attended. Well organized, great education pieces, time for questions, interaction with staff and colleagues, and time to unwind and network. My biggest take away from the conference was how we change the narrative and find ways to work together on clean energy policy. This is not a partisan issue and we should be able to work across party lines and with special interest groups to be successful in bringing about change. I would recommend this conference to anyone.”
Senator Dan Quick Nebraska
Senator Dan Quick Nebraska
"Grounding good ideas in sound policy is always a laudable goal. The Clean Energy Legislative Academy does just that. It helps hone good instincts in forward seeking policy to a sharp edge. I’m leaving here with greater knowledge, a clearer path for succeeding in my clean energy goals, and the confidence that I will have access to the resources to accomplish those goals."
Senator Tom Begich (D) Alaska
Senator Tom Begich (D) Alaska
“The energy world is changing. If you want to be a player in that change, you need to know what the options are and how to speak the language. I would recommend CELA for any legislator with even a mild interest in energy related matters.”
Senator Dennis Hisey (R) Colorado
Senator Dennis Hisey (R) Colorado
"This is the best conference I’ve attended in my seven years in the legislature. The attendees had brilliant insights and inspiring stories, and the presentations and faculty provided actionable ideas and information to legislators. What has been most helpful is the opportunity to brainstorm and discuss lessons learned and best practices with legislators and experts from across the country. It’s been a breath of fresh air to strategize with other state legislators. The layout of the conference is exceptional – there is enough time to explore and network while also learning more than in a typical conference. Experts are available all week long for diving deeper into topic matters."
Representative Katrina Shankland (D) Wisconsin
Representative Katrina Shankland (D) Wisconsin
“CELA is a game-changer for any state lawmaker dedicated to learning about, advocating for, and shaping policy to move our states to a clean and renewable energy future.”
Representative Chris Rabb (D) Pennsylvania
Representative Chris Rabb (D) Pennsylvania
“I have learned so much and connected on such a deep level in terms of policy insights, best practices, evidence based perspectives, data, and relationships. So, I'm really pleased to participate. I learned a great deal about best practices relative to some of the big systems issues facing energy, some of the big structural challenges, and some of the big challenges that other states are facing. When I look at my state, I come away with a number of specific ideas and suggestions for legislation. Not only in the 2018 legislative session but in the next couple of years. I really encourage folks to take advantage of this fabulous opportunity.”
Senator Reuven Carlyle (D) Washington
Senator Reuven Carlyle (D) Washington
“I am very appreciative of the experience and information that I learned at the Academy. Staff was very knowledgeable and able to get answers to my questions. I would recommend it to every legislator who wants to be better prepared to run energy related legislation.”
Representative Raymond Ward (R) Utah
Representative Raymond Ward (R) Utah
"This is one of the most well planned, well timed, and pertinent programs I’ve ever attended. Keep up the great work!"
Representative Shelly Hutchinson (D) Georgia
Representative Shelly Hutchinson (D) Georgia
"The Clean Energy Legislative Academy was a rich learning experience for me. Modernizing the electricity grid is an emerging topic of discussion in my state, and the Academy gave me an opportunity to develop a much clearer understanding of the issue. I’m excited to go home now and work with stakeholders to advance the discussion. Kudos to Governor Ritter and the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University for the fantastic work they do in convening and supporting state legislators like me as we work to build a more healthy, sustainable, and resilient future for our constituents and out communities."
Senator Eric Giddens (D) Iowa
Senator Eric Giddens (D) Iowa
“The Academy is exceptional! Not only did I gain knowledge and relationships from participating, but I also gained hope for a carbon-free future. Learning about policies in other states, opportunities for clean energy advancements and how the federal government can help states achieve their goals provided us ideas and enthusiasm to move conversations forward in a bi-partisan fashion. I am honored to participate in this incredible Academy!”
Senator Laura Fine (D) Illinois
Senator Laura Fine (D) Illinois
“This was an incredible conference, well organized, great presentations, and a plethora of information. Access to resources is second to none and left me with a feeling that this is much more than a 4-day conference, but a beginning to a future relationship.”
Representative Al Gentry (D) Kentucky
Representative Al Gentry (D) Kentucky
“The 2023 Clean Energy Legislative Academy was a one-of-a-kind training that will impact my community for years to come. Getting the opportunity to interact with people outside of my state who are ready to provide technical support to address the challenges and opportunities for my state is a game changer … CELA helped me clarify priorities to address the process of transforming into clean energy.”
Senator Mary Boren (D) Oklahoma
Senator Mary Boren (D) Oklahoma
“Thank you for this incredible gathering of energy professionals and researchers. You truly create an academy of critically important information. I thank Gov. Ritter for having the vision to create this valuable and unique opportunity for non-partisan exploration of information and technology critical to our nation’s future and potential.”
Representative Gay Lynn Bennion (D) Utah
Representative Gay Lynn Bennion (D) Utah
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