Energy development and use impacts the nation’s economy, environment and national security. In the United States, energy expenditures account for about nine percent of GDP, and the U.S. imports 65 percent of crude oil supplies – an amount that comprises the largest component of the trade deficit. Fossil fuel combustion is also the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
States play an important role in shaping our energy choices through a range of policy, regulatory and budgetary actions including: prioritizing resource use; setting prices; permitting generation, production and transmission; funding and performing research and technology development; providing financing and incentives; developing refueling infrastructure; sponsoring demonstration projects; and promoting economic development initiatives.
Focus of Center Activities
To help states with energy issues and challenges, the NGA Center:
- Hosts policy institutes, workshops, policy academies, webinars and conference calls;
- Compiles and synthesizes data and issues reports; and
- Provides governors and their policy advisors with targeted research and direct technical assistance.
