In Case You Missed It: Powering Growth in The Midwest Webinar
Last week, CEA hosted a webinar bringing together energy leaders from across the Midwest to discuss the region’s growing energy landscape. Speakers included Danielle McGrath, President of Indiana Energy Association; Irl Scissors, Executive Director of Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future; and Scott Manley, Executive Vice President of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.
Let’s Recap
The discussion focused on the states’ current energy infrastructure, where it is headed, and its role in driving economic opportunity for the Midwest. As new businesses continue to enter the region, panelists emphasized the need for sound policies that can meet this increasing demand while also supporting rural communities and the manufacturing sector. Scissors highlighted Missouri’s efforts to strengthen and harden the grid, mentioning innovative new tools like drones that can monitor aging infrastructure. Manley underscored that affordable and reliable energy is essential for the Midwest’s manufacturing sector to remain competitive.
When asked what each state’s “most important energy priority is that ensures the Midwest remains a hub for growth and opportunity,” the panelists aligned on one key theme: capacity. To attract and maintain new business, there must be enough energy resources to power it. That means legislation that supports long-term planning, embracing an “all-of-the-above energy approach,” and improving our energy capacity forecasting.
At the same time, panelists stressed the importance of protecting customers – avoiding overbuilding, meeting with local coalitions, and ensuring that energy development does not negatively impact nearby farmland and rural communities across the region.
Overall:
The discussion made clear that meeting growing economic opportunity in the Midwest will require a balance of increased energy capacity, thoughtful planning, and sound policies that support both the growth of the Midwest and the communities that make it so special.