Thursday, April 24

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Registration

Pre-conference Workshops & Seminars/Task Forces/Working Groups

Members of the committee may be interested in attending one of the following events.  Please note both the AgJobs lunch and the NCSL Smart Electric Grid Forum are taking place off site.

NOTE: Because of space limitations and security procedures, please let Amanda Naughton know if you plan to attend the AgJobs lunch: amanda.naughton@ncsl.org, (202) 624-5400.

To register for the NCSL Smart Electric Grid Forum please contact Kate Marks at 303-856-1404 or kate.marks@ncsl.org or for more information please visit: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/energy/ElectricGridSum-4-08.htm.   Transportation will be provided to the Capitol Hilton from the Hyatt Regency. 

Pre-Conference Seminar: NCSL Smart Electric Grid Forum

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, GridWise Alliance, Smart Grid Policy Center and Smart Grid Newsletter, the National Conference of State Legislatures will host a half-day summit on matters related to grid modernization in the United States.  This meeting is an opportunity for legislators and other energy leaders to hear from experts on issues, such as continuing growth in demand, the critical importance of power quality and reliability in an increasing digital society, aging workforce and assets, physical and cyber security of the electric infrastructure, and environmental and cost pressures - all driving the need to implement intelligent electricity networks.  Participants will also learn about the implications of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, specifically the Smart Grid provisions, Title XIII, and the its relevance to states’ legislative priorities.

There is no registration fee for this optional meeting.  All are welcome.  For more information and to register, contact Kate Marks at 303-856-1404 or kate.marks@ncsl.org.  The meeting agenda is below. Click Here for more information and the agenda.

11:30 am - 1:00 pm 

Location – Room HC-8 in the Capitol

Special Committee Lunch on Ag Jobs

Cosponsored by the Task Force on Immigration & the States, the Human Services & Welfare Committee, and the Law & Criminal Justice Committee

Congress has been attempting to improve the supply of the nation’s agricultural workforce for some time.  The current system is described by both farmers and farmworkers advocacy organizations as not meeting the needs of either.  The lunch speakers will discuss how to move forward on this front given the complexities of immigration reform in the current political climate. 

Opening remarks: Congressman Jim Costa (California) 

Speakers:

Bruce Goldstein, Executive Director, Farmworker Justice
Craig Regelbrugge, Vice President of Government Relations & Research, American Nursery & Landscape Association and Co-Chair of the Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform

NOTE: Because of space limitations and security procedures, please let  Amanda Naughton know if you plan to attend: amanda.naughton@ncsl.org, (202) 624-5400. 

Agriculture Environment, & Energy Committee Meets

(Members may choose to participate in different sessions)

Either:

Smart Grid Sessions:  The afternoon sessions of the Smart Electric Grid Forum will be held in conjunction with the committee’s scheduled meeting time.  (see above for detail)

OR:

Meeting at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:   Members will discuss issues of interest with USDA officials. 

This event is for legislators and legislative staff.  Legislators and legislative staff interested in going to USDA, please contact Lee Posey in NCSL’s Washington D.C. office (lee.posey@ncsl.org, 202-624-8196) soon as possible.  This will help USDA staff expedite security.  Also, space is limited. 

Opening General Session – Federalism and the Senate Agenda

Senator Lamar Alexander (Tennessee) is Chair of the Republican Senate Conference.  As a former governor, Senator Alexander has seen federalism issues from both the state and federal perspectives.  His concerns include REAL ID, Internet taxation, the Federal Consent Decrees Fairness Act, and flexibility in the No Child Left Behind act.

Speaker: 

The Honorable  Lamar Alexander, U.S. Senate, Tennessee

Opening Reception – Hyatt Regency – Regency Ballroom A 

Friday, April 25

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Registration

General Session with Congressman Barney Frank

Representative Frank of Massachusetts is Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and has been a member of Congress since 1981.  Chairman Frank will address the subprime mortgage situation, the federal stimulus package, the government role in regulating financial services in the global economy, and the future role of states in regulating insurance. 

Speaker:

The Honorable Barney Frank, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

Agriculture Environment, & Energy Committee Meets 

Nuclear Power – Interim Storage Issues

With the future of Yucca Mountain in question, this session will look at the opportunities and challenges facing many states. Hear the latest from state legislators and experts looking at innovative storage solutions for nuclear waste.

Please Note: The Committee will be voting on an amendment to the “Radioactive Waste Management” policy at the end of this session.  

Renewable Portfolio Standards

With more than half the states & over 40 percent of the nation's electrical load operating under state-passed Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), much of the conversation has shifted focus in the last year to the federal level.  Three separate proposals to implement a national RPS were widely debated by Congress in 2007; however, none were included in the enacted Energy Security and Independence Act.  With the prospect of such language being taken up in 2008, States must consider the possible implications.  What are the pros and cons of a National RPS for both states with an RPS & those without?

Speakers:

Kevin Porter, Senior Analyst, Exeter Associates, Inc.
Leonard J. Haynes, EVP, Supply Technologies, Renewables, and Demand Side Planning, Southern Company

Committee Business Meeting

Members of the Committee will discuss & act on committee business, including a review of existing polices scheduled to sunset as well as any additional new policy resolutions submitted for consideration.

Presiding:  Senator Beverly Gard, Indiana 

State & Federal Updates

NCSL State Affairs Staff will provide an update of recent and upcoming State legislation.  In addition,  NCSL Federal Affairs staff will provide updates for the committee on recent federal actions & expected impacts including the farm bill, climate change legislation and the budget and appropriations process.

Speakers:

Melissa Savage, Program Director, NCSL, Denver
Kate Marks, Program Director, NCSL, Denver
Lee Posey, Committee Director, NCSL, Washington, DC
Tamra Spielvogel, Committee Director, NCSL, Washington, DC
Amanda Naughton, Policy Associate, NCSL, Washington, DC

Water Resources

Water policy was once primarily a Western issue.  But droughts in the East and rapid population growth in many states have made water a key issue nationally.  How do legislatures address the issue of how water affects energy production, and agricultural and environmental needs, not to mention what comes out of our faucets? 

First Buses Leave Hyatt for the Reception

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee will review policies reported from the standing committees and determine the calendar for the business meeting on Saturday. 

Last Buses Leave Hyatt for the Reception

Reception at the Residency of the German Ambassador

NCSL gratefully acknowledges Barr Pharmaceuticals for its support of the Spring Forum’s closing reception.

Saturday, April 26

8:00 am - 11:00 am

Registration

8:30 am - 10:00 am

General Session Breakfast Program

Speakers:

Councilmember Vincent C. Gray, Chairman of the Council, District of Columbia
Claudia McKoin, Intergovernmental Liaison, Office of the Council Chairman Vincent Gray #410, District of Columbia

Business Meeting

Forum delegates will debate and vote on NCSL’s policy statements and resolutions passed out by the committees.  All Forum participants are invited to attend.