Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick (4th from the left) with the Western Energy Caucus in Denmark. Photo courtesy of the Western Energy Caucus.
This June, I joined an elite bipartisan group of lawmakers from across the western United States to help launch the new Western Energy Caucus (WEC)—a regional initiative focused on advancing practical, forward-looking energy solutions that address grid reliability, affordability, and sustainability.
I was selected to represent Washington in the WEC based on my strong legislative record and leadership on energy innovation, clean-tech workforce development, and public-private partnerships. As part of the inaugural cohort, I participated in the caucus’s first international policy exchange in Denmark, where members explored global best practices in clean energy generation, transmission, and storage.
Energy policy is one of the most critical issues of our time. The decisions we make today will shape the future of economic growth, public safety, and environmental quality across our region. The Western Energy Caucus is about collaboration—working across state lines and party lines to develop energy systems that are reliable, affordable, and built to last.
The WEC brings together lawmakers from 11 western states to develop legislative strategies that tackle complex energy challenges like grid resilience, wildfire risk, transmission infrastructure, and carbon management. With the West experiencing growing energy demand and climate-related disruptions, I emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and shared innovation to build smarter energy policy.
During the Denmark trip, the WEC delegation toured cutting-edge energy facilities, met with Danish energy officials and private sector leaders, and studied advanced technologies in district heating, offshore wind, and carbon capture—lessons I believe can be adapted for Washington’s energy future.
This international exchange helped reinforce the importance of integrating innovation, reliability, and cost-efficiency into our energy planning. Whether it’s expanding nuclear, improving our transmission grid, or supporting clean-tech jobs in the Tri-Cities, I’m committed to making sure Washington is a national leader in energy solutions.
The WEC will continue its work with two more summits later this year, where policymakers will develop model legislation and identify regional priorities for the 2026 legislative sessions. I will will remain a leading voice in these discussions, advocating for policies that benefit both the state of Washington and the entire western region.
As energy issues continue to evolve, my role in the Western Energy Caucus ensures that the Tri-Cities and Washington State have a strong seat at the table—one focused on thoughtful planning, innovation, and long-term economic strengths.