Thank you to our 2026 Clean Energy Legislative Academy cohort!
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 below.
Explore effective clean energy policies and strategies specific to each state.
Discuss bipartisan legislative solutions.
Gain knowledge and resources from energy policy and technical experts.
Receive year-round access to energy policy tools, expertise, and an alumni network.
About the Clean Energy Legislative Academy
The Clean Energy Legislative Academy (CELA) brings together a bipartisan cohort of state legislators for an intensive four-day academy. This event provides 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.
Held in Colorado in July, the Academy 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. At this event, attendees join our experts in workshops exploring policy solutions to the key issue areas identified as important by legislators.
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.”
“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.”
"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."
“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.”
"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."
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
"This is one of the most well planned, well timed, and pertinent programs I’ve ever attended. Keep up the great work!"
"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 our communities."
“CELA is a tremendous learning opportunity for legislators steeped in energy issues as well as those new to the policy area. An intensive 'boot camp' of lectures, one-on-ones, small group seminars, and peer-to-peer sharing. CELA is a unique program that any serious legislator will benefit from.”
“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!”
“Coming from the House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications committee, I was blown away with the experts of the Academy. The technical and application information the speakers had of all of the states was quite remarkable. No matter what objectives one has for their state the information on “how” was available. I appreciated the time taken with me to help with roadblocks I have experienced in very thoughtful and innovative ways. For anyone seeking a fresh perspective of innovation, I highly recommend the Academy.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Great experience. So thought provoking. Well-structured and informative for legislators. Highly recommend other legislators interested in energy policy attend!”
“The Clean Energy Legislative Academy was one of the most useful and productive conferences I have attended. The format –including the breakouts – and deep conversations was especially conducive to a meaningful learning experience.”
“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.”
“This Academy was an ideal balance of technical knowledge and practical, immediately useful state-based strategies. As a young legislator, I am grateful to have built real connections with experienced leaders and experts in this field – to have a base of knowledge to benefit from and lean on to pursue the energy goals that motivated me to run and that my constituents expect me to lead on. CELA helps me to help others and to be an even better public servant, for that I am so grateful!”
“I’m so pleased with the information, resources, and connections I made at CELA. I’m really looking forward to filing and passing new bipartisan legislation next year that will lower Kentucky’s energy prices and our carbon footprint.”
“I found this to be the most informative and in-depth energy policy event for legislators that I’ve been to, and there have been many I’ve attended over the years. The one-on-ones and follow up at the end are also unique and very helpful.”
“Being able to have clean energy information presented in a non-partisan way is key to helping address energy issues at their core. Given the current environment, it is very important as a legislator to be given the facts and information in a traditional setting. This academy focused on energy types, problems, and potential solutions.”
“The Clean Energy Legislative Academy was information, action oriented, and fun. It is a great experience, especially as a new legislator. I found out about many new resources and made many connections. I highly recommend it!”
“As a freshman legislator on a utilities committee these sessions provided a baseline of relevant knowledge and a wealth of resources for future legislation. I would strongly recommend this conference to others who find themselves in a position to influence state utility policy.”
“This has been a model of what thoughtful well-executed convening should look like. The depth of expertise from the presenters—spanning grid resilience, affordability, clean energy innovation, and equity—was not only impressive, but refreshingly practical. Each session offered actionable insights and bipartisan pathways that I can take back to Maryland and employ. Thank you for your commitment to empowering state legislators and for creating a space where solutions, not slogans, can prevail.”
“I found this conference to be informative. The knowledge I gained from the technical experts will be extremely beneficial in forming energy policy for New Mexico. Especially in regard to nuclear and geothermal energy.”
“While I have been the lead in Georgia on energy, electricity, and utility costs, I have been excited to learn so many areas I was lacking in knowledge on. Many areas such as advanced transmission technology, agrivoltaics, and an in depth knowledge of nuclear technology, I had experts in the field teach me and open my eyes. In other areas I was fairly solid in, I gained a much deeper understanding of those issues as well, I hope some of my colleagues can attend in the future and help me bring my state to achieve the advancements we need and our citizens deserve. Thank you for the knowledge and resources I will take home.”
“This legislative academy helped our cohort focus on how we need to work together across party lines to further shape a sustainable future. The sessions brought together diverse voices and provided clear actionable insights into cutting edge clean energy practices and the expansion of renewable energy, while grounding those goals in realistic frameworks. I appreciated the commitments made by the diverse group of legislators to work together and CELA’s approach of open bipartisan dialogue so that the work to get to a clean energy future is seen as a collective responsibility that we will continue to advance together. ”
“This was one of the best energy seminars I have attended since I joined the legislature. Very substantive and timely information from experts with broad knowledge of their subject matter. Most importantly, it is one of the very few energy seminars not funded by the energy industry. The absence of industry lobbyists is greatly appreciated. Thank you!”
“The CELA experience was an invaluable opportunity to meet legislators from across the country who are confronting the same challenges of energy affordability, data centers, and how to appropriately regulate and legislate. The faculty were remarkable in breadth and depth of their knowledge and were accessible and patient with us non-experts. Lots of great takeaways!”
“Attending this academy was a foundational step in my understanding of the energy industry – potential legislation, intervention points, not to mention now being comfortable with the lexicon! I am incredibly grateful for this experience and recommend the opportunity for any legislator and their professional development.”
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