Informing Energy Policy. Advancing Regional Priorities.

Informed energy policy begins with dialogue among the public officials, industry leaders, and technical experts shaping the South’s energy future. The Southern States Energy Board’s Fossil Energy Policies and Technologies Committee seeks to fill that need. Participants include governors’ offices, legislators, regulators, energy offices, federal representatives, utilities, energy producers, pipeline companies, and carbon management technology developers.

The committee’s mission is to enhance understanding and input from both the public and private sectors on the role of fossil energy in an increasingly complex and evolving energy marketplace.

The Committee provides a regional forum for sharing expertise and informing policies that support reliable, affordable energy, responsible resource development, and environmental protection.

Supporting State Energy Priorities

Supported through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, the Committee addresses energy policy, infrastructure, technology, and workforce priorities across the South.

Its work includes electricity reliability, domestic energy production, energy exports, mine reclamation, resource rights, mine methane recovery, critical minerals, and coalfield economies. Through technical assistance and collaboration, the Board helps member States respond to growing demand from advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and data infrastructure.

Recent Activities

In 2026, the Board developed state case studies on coal fleet reliability and export opportunities and provided technical and policy expertise to support National Coal Council deliberations. The Board also continued engagement with Mississippi leaders on the Mississippi Power Play Initiative, contributing a regional perspective on energy planning and industrial growth.

Strategic Energy Innovation Consortium

The Strategic Energy Innovation Consortium complements the Committee’s work by connecting the Board and its members with expertise from across the energy sector. Established with the University of Houston, the Consortium includes 186 participants representing 82 organizations.

Legislative Resources

The Board publishes an annual overview of fossil energy legislation to help policymakers and industry partners follow developments across the United States.

Explore the latest fossil energy legislative overview.

The Committee is cooperatively funded through a grant with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office and contributions by project partners and members.