Energy Learning Network

Through the Energy Learning Network, Future Caucus connects young lawmakers across state and party lines to modernize energy production, grid infrastructure, and environmental protections that improve Americans’ quality of life. These efforts illuminate the overarching post-partisan commitment to building a resilient and vibrant America, prepared to lead the world with innovative and daring solutions to changing energy needs and a new generation of conservation.  

The Energy Learning Network is organized for members to share their experiences, expertise, and approaches to initiatives appropriate for them in their state. Participation does not imply support of all approaches to energy and the environment.

Meet the Energy Learning Network

Oregon Future Caucus, Co-Chair (R)

OR Rep. David Brock Smith


Connecticut Future Caucus, Co-Chair (R)

CT Rep. Devin Carney


IOWA FUTURE CAUCUS, CO-CHAIR (R)

IA Rep. Joe Mitchell


Iowa FUTURE CAUCUS, CO-CHAIR (D) 

IA Sen. Zach Wahls


Kansas Future Caucus, CO-VICE-CHAIR (D)

KS Rep. Brandon Woodard


Member Spotlight: Rep. Gilchrest

Connecticut Rep. Jillian Gilchrest joined Future Caucus at the Energy Learning Network forum in Denver, in December 2019. A result of her engagement with the Network, she was appointed to the CT House Energy and Technology Committee! She looks forward to continuing to advance bipartisan solutions to issues impacting the sustainability and future for everyone in Connecticut. Read the full blog post on her journey here.

“By the time I left Denver, I was equipped with the necessary resources and messaging to confidently discuss clean energy and microgrid technologies for my state.”

— Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, Energy Learning Network member

Recent Events

Arkansas

Future Summit south 2025

Event date: October 01, 2025

Future Summit <span class="dewidow">South 2025</span>
Arkansas

Prenatal-to-three Fellows Discover Arkansas’ Maternal health Initiatives

Event date: October 01, 2025

Prenatal-to-Three Fellows Discover Arkansas’ Maternal <span class="dewidow">Health Initiatives</span>
New Mexico

Energy & Environment Fellows Convene In santa Fe

Event date: September 16, 2025

Energy & Environment Fellows Convene in <span class="dewidow">Santa Fe</span>

In the News

Georgia

Dekalb County Paying $16,500 To Cover School meal Debt

November 20, 2025

DeKalb County paying $16,500 to cover school <span class="dewidow">meal debt</span>
National

Layla Zaidane Discusses Mobilizing Younger Generations In Politics With Zinhle Essamuah & Kate Snow On Nbc news Daily

November 7, 2025

Layla Zaidane Discusses Mobilizing Younger Generations in Politics with Zinhle Essamuah & Kate Snow on NBC <span class="dewidow">News Daily</span>
UtahVermont

Q&a: Co-chairs Of Ai Policy Task Force For Younger state Lawmakers

October 15, 2025

Q&A: Co-chairs of AI policy task force for younger <span class="dewidow">state lawmakers</span>

Legislator Resources

The Renewable Energy Economic Benefits Of Microgrids

New report conducted by Guidehouse Insights and commissioned by Civil Society Institute, Future Caucus and RMI shows lasting impact on local economies and job growth from investing in renewable energy, battery storage and controls for microgrids.

Boosting Resiliency And Onboarding Innovation

Our national reckoning with the impacts of a changing climate grows more important by the day. Fortunately, the avenues to address these challenges are increasingly tangible and new technologies continue to expand the options available to policymakers. In the face of evolving threats, lawmakers can build stronger, more prosperous communities by prioritizing common sense solutions that bolster resiliency and capitalize on innovation.

Microgrids Policy

State lawmakers can facilitate the development and implementation of microgrids through several policy avenues, most notably by removing barriers to microgrid construction and coordinating grid integration.

Rep. Sara Jacobs

Join 1,900+ BIPARTISAN LEADERS NATIONWIDE

Be a part of a network of lawmakers committed to governing effectively, passing more representative public policy, and increasing public trust in democracy.