News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, Jan. 15, 2003

Kansas Now Energy Importer, Says New Energy Council Report

The transition from energy producer to energy consumer holds huge consequences for the state and its economy, says the report. In 2002, the council estimates, Kansans spent about $1.6 billion importing energy from outside the state.

The 13-member council was appointed by former Gov. Bill Graves in September 2002, and delivered its first report to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and the Legislature on Jan. 13, 2003. The council is chaired by Lee Allison, director of the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas. John Wine, chairman of the Kansas Corporation Commission, serves as vice-chair.

Kansas has historically been among the leading oil-producing states in the nation, and has produced large amounts of natural gas from the giant Hugoton Natural Gas Field in southwestern Kansas. Oil and gas production have declined, however, and large amounts of Wyoming coal are imported to generate electricity, causing the state to consume more energy than it produces.

"If current trends continue, we estimate that by the year 2007, Kansas will be importing 650 trillion BTUs of energy per year, at a cost of $2.5 billion," said Allison.

The council noted, however, that conservation and newly developed sources of energy, such as coalbed methane, ethanol, and wind energy, show great promise. Technological advances could also extend the life of the state's declining oil and gas production.

In addition to documenting changes in energy consumption and production, the council made numerous recommendations to the Legislature concerning state energy issues. Among those recommendations are

• improving the energy performance of state buildings,
• updating energy efficiency standards for construction in Kansas, and
• developing legislation that would "alleviate punitive financial liabilities upon industry for actions taken to comply with state and federal regulations."

"In just a few months, the Council has developed and reported on a great deal of energy information," said Lee Allison, director of the Kansas Geological Survey and council chair.

The council will continue to meet and develop more detailed forecasts and update the state energy plan. The council also plans to

• establish a task force to look at the state's electrical transmission network, especially in light of the recent interest in wind energy;
• create a working group to identify the energy research needs in Kansas; and
• establish an annual energy conference to bring together researchers, decision-makers, industry representatives, and the public to discuss energy issues.

"We are laying the groundwork for a long-term comprehensive addressing of the energy situation," said Allison.

Links of interest to this article:

Energy Council

Kansas Energy Information Network