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Joint Committee on Energy organizes; chair calls for state energy policy and highlights lithium development
Summary
At an organizational meeting, the Joint Committee on Energy introduced members and staff, designated a regular meeting room and green-folder process, and heard the chair say Arkansas needs a stated energy policy and that lithium development in South Arkansas will be an economic priority. No formal votes were taken.
Former Speaker Shepherd, chair of the Joint Committee on Energy, opened an organizational meeting that focused on member introductions, committee logistics and priorities, saying the state should adopt a stated energy policy and noting lithium development in South Arkansas as a major area the committee will address.
"I believe the state of Arkansas should have a stated energy policy, and I don't think we do," Shepherd said, adding that setting priorities would help guide legislation. He also called lithium development "a tremendous economic boost for our state," and said related legislation is likely to come before the committee.
The meeting proceeded with brief introductions from legislators and invited stakeholders. Senator Matt McKee described the area he represents and said he was "glad to be on the committee." Rachel Smith of the governor's office told members she covers "agriculture, energy, and policy" and that she will cover the joint energy committee during session and beyond.
Staff and procedural items were covered early. Committee staffers Michelle Nelson and Kathy Litt were identified as primary points of contact for committee materials; members were instructed to leave the committee's green folders at their seats so staff can keep those folders updated between meetings. Committee counsel Alex Stevens was introduced as the committee attorney.
Representatives and senators from across the state gave short district introductions, including first-time members and returning legislators who described their districts. Industry and advocacy participants who identified themselves included representatives from Black Hills Energy and the Arkansas Advanced Community Association, among others.
Shepherd said the panel does not have standing regular meetings but that the room used for this session would be the committee's regular meeting room when the committee convenes. He encouraged members to bring suggested rules to the chairs if they thought changes were needed but otherwise planned to keep existing procedures in place.
No formal motions or votes were taken during the session; the meeting was primarily organizational and informational. Shepherd closed the meeting after a short question period.
Looking ahead, Shepherd said the committee will convene as legislation is introduced and that members should expect to see bills related to lithium development and other energy matters during the session.
