On Monday I had the chance to attend The White House Clean Energy Economy Forum, hosted by the Department of the Interior. NESEA was one of about 200 invitees, ranging from renewable energy companies, environmentally oriented nonprofit organizations (Sierra Club, NRDC, Scenic America, and many others) other professional membership organizations like the American Wind Energy Association, tribal representatives, sportsmens’ organizations, and many others with a stake in how the Department of Interior chooses to repurpose federal lands to support the use of renewables, and how to promote energy and water conservation on federal lands.

So what was cool and different about this event? It demonstrated that there is a new sheriff in town with a new energy agenda. It also demonstrated to me, at least, that the Administration is embracing what NESEA has known all along – that real change is possible only when all stakeholders can be heard and included in the process. It was clear from the discussion that this culture of inclusiveness comes from the top – from Ken Salazar, Director of the Department of the Interior. Salazar and members of his staff reiterated throughout the day that they wanted the session to be a dialogue, and that they intended for the participants to shape the proposed policies, and poke holes in them where necessary and appropriate.

NESEA members have had a long history of bringing renewables to the White House, dating back to the 70s when longtime member Steve Strong installed solar panels on the White House itself. This forum opened a new chapter, and represented the first step among many through which NESEA and its members can have an impact in shaping the policies of the Department of the Interior, and the larger conversation on the legislative front.

Ken Salazar