David Terry, NASEO's Executive Director, keynoted the 2012 Kansas Energy Conference on September 26, in Manhattan, Kansas, focusing on the state and federal renewable energy landscape. As part of the federal outlook, Mr. Terry noted key initiatives and regulations of the EPA, DOE, USDA, and Defense Department that impact the renewables sector. He shared specific state policies that prompted growth in renewables integration, including renewable portfolio standards and tax incentives. Mr. Terry described technology collaborative efforts in New York and Colorado that serve as a catalyst for economic development through clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship. He also pointed out the State Energy Office support and linkage to broader state energy-related economic development initiatives in nine states. The barriers to implementation, Mr. Terry said, include hurdles such as cost, rate design, interconnection queues, and training. In closing, Mr. Terry shared that the NASEO-ASERTTI joint renewable energy committee was exploring all of these issues at a state level to identify policy and program solutions. As reported by Manhattan’s KMAN Radio, Governor Sam Brownback was in attendance for the conference as well and took the time to speak about the importance of utilizing all forms of renewable energy as much as possible. Governor Brownback said, “My vision is that Kansas would not only be known as ‘the wheat state’, but also as ‘the renewable state’.” The Kansas Energy Conference is an annual opportunity to convene industry, customers, and the public to discuss various energy-related topics important to Kansas and the nation. Presentations spanned the areas of renewable resources, transmission, efficiency, manufacturing, and transportation.