2015 Summit Agenda | NRI Committee

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Offsite

Agriculture Task Force Tour

Contact Ben Husch for more information

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Offsite

Military and Veteran's Affairs Task Force Tour

The group will tour Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Contact Jim Reed for more information 

8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Willow AB

Energy Supply Task Force Meeting

NCSL’s Task Force on Energy Supply meeting will explore a range of topics including new technologies to convert waste to energy, how distributed energy resources are effecting energy planning, ways in which states can protect the nation’s infrastructure from major threats, and more.

7 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

WC 3AB

Catch a Ride: How the Sharing Economy is Shaping the Future of Transportation

to learn more about the rapid proliferation of shared-use mobility services such as Transportation Network Companies (i.e. UberX and Lyft-type services), car sharing, bike-sharing. Hear insight on how legislatures can encourage these transportation options while ensuring consumer protection and safety, as well as diving into their larger impact on congestion, traffic safety and transportation planning and access. Stipends of $800 are available to NRI Committee legislator members (on a first come, first serve basis).  

• Robert Passmore, Personal Lines Policy
• Susan Shaheen, Transportation Sustainability Research Center, University of California, Berkeley

Contact Douglas Shinkle for more information

7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Agriculture Task Force Meeting

7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Redwood A

Military and Veteran's Affairs Task Force Meeting

Sessions will focus on veteran employment, education and mental health, female veterans, and the impact of defense budget cuts.​​

Contact Jim Reed for more information 

7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

WC 615-617

Environmental Health Pre-Conference

The 2015 Environmental Health Preconference explores the relationship between the environment and its impact on public health. The plenary sessions will highlight 2 major policy concerns – hydraulic fracturing and water resources -- providing an open forum with experts in the field to discuss the health impacts of these activities. These sessions will be followed by a lunch session, inviting experts from several fields of environmental health policy, to allow for legislators to discuss issues and approaches to addressing these concerns, including toxic and chemicals, indoor air quality, U.S. Mexico border health concerns, environmental public health labs, and PCBs in schools.

Contact Doug Farquhar for more information

8 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

WC 602-604

Energy Policy Summit

This year’s summit will feature sessions that explore EPA’s proposed greenhouse gas emission regulations, industry and business clean energy strategies, and the benefits and challenges to increasing the nation’s export of fossil fuel resources. 

Contact Kristine Hartman for more information

1:30 - 5 p.m.

Offsite (NRI Committee Members ONLY)

NRI Committee Seattle Port Tour and Briefing

Open exclusively to NRI Committee members, we will stretch our legs outside of the convention center as we disembark from the port of Seattle for an interactive exploration of intermodal trade, crude-oil shipment issues, agriculture grain shipments and more! Please email Melanie Condon to RSVP. 

 Sponsored by BNSF Railway

5-5:30 p.m.

WC 607

NCSL Steering Committee

5:30-7 p.m.

Atrium Lobby

Opening Reception: A Taste of Washington

7:15-8:30 a.m.

WC 609

Fly-Over: An Examination and Discussion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems 

Breakfast will be served

In partnership with NCSL's Foundation for State Legislatures Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Steering Committee, join a wide-ranging discussion of the many uses for UAS and how to create a regulatory framework that addresses privacy, safety and other concerns. Enjoy a hot breakfast.

Moderator:

• Douglas Shinkle, NCSL

Speakers:

• Ryan Gammelgard, Counsel, State Farm
• Travis Mason, Google
• Alex Pietsch, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Ballroom 6ABC

General Session: Cliff Burrows

10 a.m -12:30 p.m. 

WC 618 - 620

NRI Committee Business Meeting

Debate and vote on committee policies. NOTE: The deadline for submitting policies to be discussed at Summit is 30 days prior to the business meeting. 

Presiding Officers:

• Delegate Sally Jameson, Maryland, Co-Chair, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee
• Senator Cam Ward, Alabama, Co-Chair, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee

12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

WC 609

The Future of Recycling

Lunch will be served

Enjoy lunch while we discuss the future of recycling related to electronic waste and recycled paper and the benefits and hazards of different policies.

Moderator:

• Representative Ed Orcutt, Washington

Speakers:

• Jan Cleiland, Manager Recycled Fiber, KapStone Paper & Packaging
• Allison Schumacher, Sr. Manager, Environmental Policy & Sustainability, Consumer Electronics Association
  • Willie Cade, President & CEO, PC Rebuilders and Recyclers (Respondent)

Sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association and the American Forest and Paper Association  

2-4:30 p.m.

WC 618 - 620

EPA 111(d) Regulation: Public Hearing 

Formatted as a legislative committee hearing, participants will hear from a series of panelists on EPA's greenhouse gas emission proposed standards. NRI Committee members will be at the helm, directing the panelists’ statements and asking in-depth questions.

Panel 1: Environmental Protection Agency

• Dennis McLerran, Administrator, EPA Region 10
• Kate Kelly, Director of the Office of Air, Water and Toxics, EPA Region 10

​Panel 2: Reliability Considerations

• Honorable Tony Clark, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Craig Glazer, Vice President, Federal Affairs, PJM Interconnections
• Kathleen Robertson, Sr. Environmental & Fuels Policy Manager, Federal Regulatory Affairs, Exelon

Panel 3: State Implementation and Actions

• David Hoppock, Senior Policy Associate, Climate and Energy Program, The Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions
• Roger Martella, Partner, Sidley Austin LLP
• Doug Scott, Great Plains Institute

4:30-5 p.m.

WC 618 - 620

Meet the Energy Industry Experts 

Join the committee and energy experts representing a variety of energy sources, players and interests for an informal networking reception. Pick the brains of leading energy industry experts on the future of their field and interaction with legislatures.

Sponsored by American Gas Association (AGA); Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)

5:15-6:30 p.m.

WC607

7:15 - 8:30 a.m. 

WC 606-607

Food & Farm Breakfast: The Agricultural Age Conundrum

Co-Sponsored by NCSL's Young & New Professionals Group

The agriculture industry is facing an "over-the-hill" battle--farmers are retiring with no strong next generation behind them. Hear from experts on what the industry, states and the federal government can do to engage the next crop of farmers.

Moderator:

• Senator Rita Hart, Iowa, Co-Chair, NCSL's Agriculture Task Force

Speaker:

• Lilia McFarland, New and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program Coordinator, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Breakfast sponsored by ADM

8:00-9:00 a.m.

Ballroom ABC

General Session: A Window to Tomorrow
 

Innovation, technology and the economy: the three major global influences on people, business and government. Preparing for what may be on the horizon is crucial to meeting the future. Hear three fascinating perspectives on what is in store for America tomorrow, next year and in the decade to come. 

Speakers: 

• Sheryl Connelly, head of global consumer trends and futurist for Ford
• Andy Jassey, head of Amazon Web Services
• Christopher Thornberg, leading economist and expert in forecasting, employment and labor markets.

9:45-11:15 a.m.

WC 615-617

Volatile Oil Prices: Optimism and Anxiety in the States

Cheaper gasoline may be a boon for consumers, but tumbling oil prices have dramatic impacts on oil and gas producers, the U.S. shale boom, the global economy and state budgets. Find out how your state could be affected. 

Moderator:

• Representative Al Carlson, North Dakota

Speakers:

• Aakash Doshi, commodities strategist, Citigroup Global Markets
• Kurt Barrow, vice president of oil markets and downstream, IHS Energy

9:15-11:30 a.m.

WC 611 - 614

Legalizing Marijuana: Potholes and Possibilities

Colorado and Washington are trailblazers in legalized marijuana, but the potholes and blind curves are plenty. Among them is enforcement and drugged driving. Hear more about this topic from experts in the field beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Noon- 1:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall 4EF

2 -4:30 p.m.

WC 611 - 614

Filling Up the Tank: Funding Transportation (Deep Dive Session)

Funding transportation is a perennial problem. And there are myriad reasons: construction costs are rising, travel patterns are changing, electric cars are emerging and gas tax revenue isn't cutting it. Legislatures have to do something—and quick. Attend this session and you’ll create a roadmap to a sound transportation plan that creates sustainable revenue, prepares for the future and meets immediate transportation needs.

What you'll learn:

• Methods to meet short-term needs for funding your state's transportation system.
• The newest, bold ideas from states to create long-term, sustainable transportation revenues.
• How measuring performance, prioritizing projects and strategic spending can stretch existing transportation money.

Moderator:

• Representative Judy Clibborn, Washington
• Senator Mike Vehle, South Dakota

Speakers:

• Don Hunt, Fmr Executive Director, Colorado Department of Transportation
• Jason Powell, Legislative Fiscal Analyst, Virginia Senate Finance Committee

6:30 - 9 p.m.

Offsite

6:30-8 a.m.

Offsite

Bi-partisan Bike Ride

Hop on a bike for a picturesque ride through Seattle. The 11th annual Bipartisan Bike Ride is an excellent opportunity to casually chat with legislators and see the sights of the city at a leisurely 10 miles an hour. Co-hosted and organized by BikeTexas and NCSL. All skill levels and ages are welcome to join this guided ride.

8:30-10 a.m.

Republican Breakfast: Rooms 618 - 620

Democratic Breakfast: Rooms 615 - 617

Democrat and Republican Breakfasts

10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Room 6E

NCSL Business Meeting

All legislators and legislative staff are encouraged to attend the Business Meeting and consider Policy Directives and Resolutions that will guide NCSL's advocacy efforts before Congress and the administration, amendments to the Bylaws and Rules of Procedure, election of NCSL officers and approval of the Conference budget.  All other meeting participants are welcome to observe. 

12:15 - 1:45 p.m. 

Ballroom 6ABC

Thomas Jefferson embodied the aspirations of a young nation in ways that reverberate still today. New York Times best-selling author Jon Meacham paints a portrait of Jefferson as a flawed, contradictory, elusive man who embodies an eternal drama—and one we confront today: The struggle of leadership to achieve greatness in a difficult and confounding world. 

Speaker:

• Jon Meacham, author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power