Mission

To asses the policy landscape within Louisiana to promote the use of alternative energy technologies and the establishment of industries associated with these technologies within the Greater Acadiana Region.  The group will also address potential political initiatives that may accelerate the realization of the overall mission of the group which is the positioning of Acadiana as a leader within the US for alternative energy industries.  Note: much of the effort related to this group will be based on information provided by other sub-committees.

 Data Request

1. Suggest methods to increase political support.

    a. Identify Governmental roadblocks.

    b. Consider legislative and non-legislative actions on renewable energy initiatives.

    c. Provide insight into opportunities that the region may use to achieve its goal.

    d. Help the Task Force to build formal partnerships with key state and federal agencies.

2. Identify and promote funding opportunities: federal, state, and others.

    a. Funding opportunities for Research Institutions and Agencies.

        i. UL Lafayette.

        ii. Other key Louisiana university entities (LSU AgCenter, LaTech, LSU, Tulane, UNO, etc.).

        iii. Government agencies who support R&D.

    b. Funding opportunities for business development (grants, seed money, loans, DOE and USDA funding, etc.)

    c. Possible funding sources for this initiative.

3. Suggest opportunities and provide advice for workforce development initiatives.

    a. Universities.

    b. Community colleges.

    c. Technical colleges.

    d. Industry.

4. Identify potential improvements to the methodology proposed by the Committee.

5. Receive reports on findings of each subgroup and give feedback.

6. Serve as advocates and promoters of the mission of the Alternative Energy Committee.

7. Identify important stakeholders that can add value to the subcommittee.

8. Be aware of opportunities to place key officials from this initiative on federal and state committees/task forces/advisory panels/presentations, etc. that will both highlight regional expertise and present new opportunities for the region through these key interactive activities (reputation building).