July 18, 2008
Environmental Sustainability a Top Priority for State Legislators
Legislative Summit has more sessions on energy, environment than ever before
DENVER - As gas prices hover around $4 a gallon in most regions of the country, state legislators are examining ways to run their states more efficiently and reduce spending on fuel. To address this growing concern, the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Legislative Summit has a host of informational sessions and issue forums on energy and the environment.
In fact, this summit in New Orleans is the most environmentally focused it has ever been in the 34 years since NCSL has been hosting it. Everything from greenhouse gas reduction to wetlands restoration to drought and water shortages is on the agenda.
The CEO of Shell Oil Company, Marvin Odum, and Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp will share the stage at the opening general session on Wednesday, July 23, to discuss ways in which the United States can maintain the delicate balance between energy and economic and environmental sustainability.
"Rising fuel costs, increasing dependency on imported oil and natural gas, and concerns about climate change are at the top of state lawmakers' agendas," said William T. Pound, executive director of NCSL. "So it makes perfect sense that we would have the pre-eminent speakers and leaders in this field at our Legislative Summit. From there, state legislators will find ways to implement these changes in their home states as they transform these concepts into action."
NCSL also is hosting an energy summit on Tuesday, July 22, that will explore how lawmakers can develop energy policies that promote vibrant economies and healthy environments.
Additionally, speakers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of the Interior will provide a federal update on the policy development and program implementation process. This session is presented to NCSL's Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee on Wednesday, July 23.
During another session, legislators will learn about a new NCSL project to strengthen the link between state lawmakers and the research community by providing a basic understanding of science and technology in order to create sound public policy. Legislators and the research community will discuss information needs, identify interests and plan future NCSL work during this session on Thursday, July 24.
Other notable environment, energy and sustainability sessions include:
A 30% Solution: The Debate on Boosting Home Energy Efficiency Through Code Changes
8 a.m., Wednesday, July 23
The International Code Coalition develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. In September, the coalition will take up a proposal to increase residential energy efficiency code requirements by 30 percent. Come hear the pros and cons of this proposal and how state legislatures can get involved.
Speakers: William Fay, Energy Efficient Codes Coalition, Washington, D.C.
Carlos Gutierrez, National Association of Home Builders, Washington, D.C.
Greener Gadgets, Greener Factories and Greener Stores: The Business Case for Sustainability
9 a.m., Wednesday, July 23
Many companies have been going green, affecting their operations and changing the way they supply their stores and design their products. From redesigning products to rethinking the supply chain, these decisions can increase productivity, reduce costs and foster innovation. Hear from companies that have made these choices and learn what set them on the road to greener gadgets, factories and stores.
Speakers: Laura Bishop, Best Buy Co. Inc., Minnesota
Scott Cassel, Product Stewardship Institute, Massachusetts
Matt Krupnick, Dell Inc., Texas
Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee Lunch Program
Noon, Wednesday, July 23
Randall Luthi, Director of the Minerals Management Service, will discuss the important role that states play in our country’s energy production program. In addition, Dr. Richard Spinrad, Ph.D., assistant administrator for oceanic & atmospheric research, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration will provide a federal update of the policy development and program implantation process.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy and the Potential Costs of Inaction
10 a.m., Thursday, July 24
Public policy debate over the next steps on climate change continues to evolve. There are diverse opinions regarding the costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, our ability to adapt to climate changes, and the costs of inaction. Discuss the latest views from the states and the electric power, transportation and renewable fuels sectors.
Speakers: Daniel Chartier, Edison Electric Institute, Washington, D.C.
Jon Creyts, McKinsey & Company, Inc., Illinois
Michael Meyer, Georgia Institute of Technology
Elizabeth A. Stanton, Ph.D., Stanton, Stockholm Environment Institute, Massachusetts
Dealing With Drought: Opportunities for Innovation
1 p.m., Thursday, July 24
Whether it's climate change or just more growth, many states face water shortages that could jeopardize their future economic prosperity and environment. This zero-sum game is forcing policy innovation through incentives to conserve and reallocate water. Learn what strategies show the most promise for meeting a diverse set of new water demands.
Moderator: Senator Beverly Gard, Indiana
Speakers: Michael Hayes, University of Nebraska
Thomas Peterson, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Climatic Data Center, North Carolina
Representative Clifton Tsuji, Hawaii
America's Energy Coast: A New Sustainability Case Study
8 a.m., Friday, July 25
Home to 17 petroleum refineries and more than 180 petrochemical plants that produce jet fuel, lubricants and more—which are transported through the world's largest system port and 35,000 miles of pipeline—the wetlands along the Gulf Coast are critical to the nation's economic future. Hear state legislators describe the unique accord that will inform the policy process for domestic energy security and habitat restoration and help secure economic and environmental priorities.
Speakers: Senator Joel T. Chaisson II, Senate President, Louisiana
Representative Warren Chisum, Texas
Senator Reggie P. Dupre, JR, Louisiana
R. Milling, America's Wetland Foundation, Louisiana
Strengthening Military-Community Partnerships
2 p.m., Friday, July 25
Military installations are partners with their communities, providing boosts to local economies while strengthening national security. But as communities grow and bases realign, development pressures and demands for services can inhibit military training and the ability of local governments to pay for new roads, housing and schools. Explore how legislatures can help both sides work together.
Moderator: Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Texas
Speakers: Addison Davis IV, Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Department of the Army, Washington, D.C.
Major General Michael Lehnert, Marine Corps Installations West, California
Registration is free for credentialed members of the media. Reporters must register onsite in the Press Room, in Room 211, on the Second Floor of the Convention Center. All media credentials will be handed out in the Press Room. You will need to present a photo ID and a business card to register.
During the meeting, there will be several press conferences to release NCSL reports. The majority of the press conferences will be in the Press Conference Room, in Room 213 on the Second Level of the Morial Convention Center. Policy experts, state legislators and speakers also will be available for one-on-one interviews with the media. Schedules will be posted in the press room.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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