Governors discuss energy policy in Chattanooga

Governors Bill Lee (TN), Henry McMaster (SC), Jeff Landry (LA), and Jim Pillen (NE) discussing energy policy at the 2024 Southern States Energy Convention in Chattanooga.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- American energy is a big topic of discussion this week in Chattanooga.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen , South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry joined Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to discuss various issues within American energy at this week’s Southern States Energy Convention.

Gov. Landry said, “For a long time for Americans, quite frankly we’ve been spoiled to our own success, our ability to create efficiencies, with all of the different things we do to keep the quality of life that we have has been great. But now what we see is that our next economy, certainly going to more reliable, uninterruptible power.”

One concern brought up is recent blackouts due to extreme weather events, such as the Christmas cold snap of 20-22, where temperatures in many Tennessee Valley spots dropped below zero.

Gov. Lee said, “That’s exactly what we are talking about here is a resilient grid, enough power. Expanding the production of power, how quickly we can bring online new sources of power generation, how quickly we consider wind down existing sources of power for generation.”

Another concern discussed was how to protect the American energy grid from cyberattacks.

Gov. Pillen said, “We’ve got to recognize we need to do business with people that are not our foreign adversaries, and we’re not going to buy anything in Nebraska from foreign adversaries, we’re not going to do business with them. We’re going to keep our state secure.”

They say inaction could be catastrophic.

Gov. Lee said, “What is an occasional rolling brownout today, is a shutdown in the future if it’s not dealt with.”

The Southern States Energy Board comprises of 16 different states who create recommendations for energy policy.