Bill Dorsett began installing solar thermal systems with the Carter administration and with the collapse of that era’s tax credits, switched to passive attached solar greenhouses. With the construction of Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Station, he began installing remote photovoltaic pumping and power supplies. In 2005 he installed one of the first string inverter grid-connected system in Kansas. The advent of micro-inverters opened the field to safe installation to most anyone, so with the help of Manhattan friends, Bill co-founded the Flint Hills Renewable Energy & Efficiency Cooperative (or FHREEC as it’s affectionately referred to). Bill has taught (and will teach) anyone who wants to learn how to install solar panels. He has supervised over 50 installations. Over 700 solar panels are producing electricity because of Bill. These panels will produce electricity for a very long time. Bill is a volunteer who organizes other volunteers. He also works constantly to improve all other aspects of solar power in Kansas. Bill is a long-time supporter of the Climate + Energy Project and an active member of the Clean Energy Business Council.  He is a wealth of knowledge on solar and has been a consistent voice educating and advocating for solar energy in Kansas for decades.

Zack Pistora is the Legislative Director for the Kansas Chapter of the Sierra Club where he strives to provide information and analysis for members, and support to state legislators regarding environmental issues. He represents Sierra Club and other Kansans on issues such as water conservation, hydraulic fracking, energy efficiency, clean energy, and more at the Kansas State Legislature.  He is also an active board member of the Kansas Natural Resources Council and the Kansas Rural Center.  Zack is a long-time friend and supporter of the Climate + Energy Project.  He’s always ready to jump in and lend a hand, whether it be managing the recycling after WEALTH Day or organizing legislative visits.  For at least eight years, Zack has been a reliable partner, volunteer, and friend to CEP.

Mary Adams Treaster served on the board of the Climate + Energy Project for six years, including four as the board treasurer. Prior to her engagement on the board, Mary was a dedicated volunteer for CEP at the Annual State Fair booth for Wind Works for Kansas. Her strong public engagement for renewables included being a member of the original Reno County Wind Energy Task Force. Her commitment to Kansas energy solutions continues on with her recent appointment to the Kansas Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board in 2019. Mary’s commitment to CEP has shared her time, talent, and treasure to make CEP stronger.

Jasmin has become a leader in sustainability planning efforts across Northeast Kansas. Most recently, her leadership has guided the Climate Action KC Playbook on issues of health equity and environmental justice, in addition to her role as the Sustainability Coordinator for Douglas County, Kansas. Jasmin is an active change agent for sustainability and social justice with national and local impact. She led the push to source 60% of Douglas County government facilities from wind energy at a reduced cost to the county. She also led the City of Lawrence to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2035. Jasmin has been locally and nationally recognized for her equity efforts, including being named a Kresge Foundation Population Health Scholar and the recipient of a University of Kansas 2020 Sustainability Leadership Award. She is a founding member of the recently formed Douglas County Equity Coalition, which brings together and coordinates equity efforts of institutions such as local governments, universities, school districts, hospitals, and nonprofits. She also currently serves as an Equity Advisor to the Douglas County COVID-19 Recovery Coordination Team.

As a Maize High School teacher, Stanley Bergkamp inspires students to take action on climate issues through the  Maize Solar Initiative. The mission of the Maize Solar Initiative is to raise funds to install systems that convert sunlight into electricity thus saving the district money, reducing carbon emissions, and leaving a legacy for future generations. The Maize Solar Foundation and the See Beyond Campaign successfully developed and implemented a fundraising strategy that raised over $200,000 and secured the financing to install a 720 panel, 200 kW ground mounted solar array at Maize High School in June of 2019. Not only was the campaign successful financially, it also raised awareness among the students, alumni, and businesses of the viability of renewable energy. He served as a role model for students demonstrating that with hard work and a vision, they can make a difference in their world. In the first year of operation ending June 6, 2020, they system saved over $32,000 for the Maize District.

Mary Fund has dedicated her life to sustainable agriculture and rural communities.  A strong presence at the Kansas Rural Center for the last 40 years, Mary has worked bravely and tirelessly to raise issues of environmental concern – from clean energy to clean water, healthy soils to local foods, and so much more. Mary never shies away from bringing up the important, if controversial issues, including most recently highlighting climate change in town halls across the state. Mary is as direct in her opinions as she is curious about what others think, which makes her a valuable partner to all. Mary has elevated rural issues to legislators while simultaneously addressing challenging issues with rural audiences.

Mary’s no-nonsense, common-sense approach has been foundational to conversations about environmental issues for decades.

Kim Bellemere has been a reliable and enthusiastic partner with the Climate + Energy Project for the last eight years, first as a steering committee member for Water + Energy Progress and most recently as a strong WEALTH partner.  In her work as the Director of Outreach at the Grassland Heritage Foundation, Kim speaks passionately about the important role of grasslands and native plants as a climate solution.

Kim’s leadership on climate change among conservationists has lit a spark for change and catalyzed partnerships to address climate issues locally. 

Kim’s nominator explained, “I’ve often felt overwhelmed by the climate change discussion until I started having conversations with Kim and noticed the work that she was doing with the Grassland Heritage Foundation. Small steps lead to big ones, and it’s people like Kim that take the first step so that the rest of us can follow.”

The Merc Co+Op has elevated solar power and electric vehicles as clean energy solutions in a high-profile location. Through a full rooftop array, two solar covered carports and a solar covered patio, the community-owned grocery store installed 688 high performance solar panels to provide 29% of their energy each year, when combined with an electric vehicle charging station and a solar covered pergola the panels will produce enough energy to power 22 homes each year. The Merc’s highly visible location for solar panels and one of the few Electric Vehicle charging stations in Lawrence has strong potential to inspire other businesses to get on board with clean energy. The Merc Co+Op is also working to ease the pressures of food deserts in Kansas by opening a grocery store in Wyandotte county.

Since 2012, the co-op has reduced electricity consumption by 30% through LED lighting and preventative maintenance, in addition to reducing waste, improving access to local foods, and presenting sustainable options for the northeast Kansas community.

The Metro KC Climate Action Coalition has rapidly elevated the issue of climate change in northeast Kansas. Initiated by Lindsey Constance and Mike Kelly, the MKCCAC provides a vehicle for local and state elected officials to take action on climate change.  The coalition brings together diverse local elected officials to use their power to tackle climate change at the local and state level. MKCCAC has organized several events, including the upcoming Metro KC Climate Action Summit in Kansas City on September 14. They are in the process of developing a local action playbook, a climate emissions inventory, and more. This bipartisan coalition has made impressive progress convening elected officials across the state line, leading with conversations about regional climate change solutions.

As a Kansas State University Chemical Engineering and Food Science professor emeritus, leader of the Kansas Natural Resource Council, and organizer of the annual KSU Sustainability Dialog, Larry’s 54 year career reflects a dynamic approach to pressing climate and energy issues; his public outreach and volunteer leadership has had far-reaching impacts across the state for decades. Larry is always willing to lend expertise, insights, and a listening ear to people working for change in Kansas.

Bob Eye stands out as the go-to attorney for environmental and other public interest organizations in and outside the state for any issues related to Kansas. He is a wonderful supporter and advocate for climate and energy issues, and a generous mentor for environmental professionals and students. All Kansans who care about climate, energy, and environmental issues should appreciate what Bob Eye does to make our state a better place.

Elina Alterman’s vision of health equity and civic engagement in Kansas has dramatically expanded and improved CEP’s programming in the past two years. Through her work at KHF, she facilitates nonprofit capacity building and collaboration across organizations and sectors to make progress on challenging issues facing our state and our communities. Elina’s vision has impacted the way nonprofits collaborate and connect in ways that will be felt for years to come.

Project RALLY is a nonprofit in Kansas City, Kansas, working for change in their community by advancingRespect, Accountability, Leadership, Love, and Youth. In the past year, Project RALLY members have has engaged in every opportunity CEP has offered, including our Integrated Voter Engagement and KansasEnvironmental Leadership trainings. The Project RALLY team works in collaboration with the people around them, reaching out to learn more, teaching others how to be better, and always offering to give back to the community.

Scott has been a clean energy champion since his early work with the Kansas Geological Survey in 1999. From his days as a project and technical manager with JW Prairie Wind Power, his management of the Kansas Energy Information Network, to his current work with Cromwell Solar, Scott has been a terrific resource for CEP. He has helped with research and presented at roundtables on both wind and solar. He always takes time to answer questions for CEP’s team.

Gary has been a dedicated, longtime volunteer for the Climate + Energy Project, regularly engaging in legislative advocacy and events, including Wind Works for Kansas, WEALTH Day at the Capitol, and CEP’s Environmental Leadership Summit. Gary’s passion has supported many nonprofits, includingKansasSierra Club, Lutherans Restoring Creation, Jayhawk Audubon, Lawrence, KS, and Kansas Interfaith Action. He always shows up with a smile on his face, eager to help make Kansas a better place

Mark Richardson is easily the volunteer who has been with us the longest and engaged the most!  Mark has been a part of almost every campaign, always showing up with a smile, a positive and steady attitude, and a willingness to work. Mark exemplifies CEP’s common ground approach to elevating renewable energy, working with our neighbors, and finding solutions that work for Kansas. Mark is a long-standing, tireless supporter of our work and our staff, willing to put in the hours as a volunteer, speak up for renewables at the statehouse, and sustain the work as a board member.