2010 Spring Forum Agriculture and Energy Committee Presentations

Agriculture and Energy Commitee Officers and Staff

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Joint Session with NCSL Environment Committee

Climate Models – Modeling is commonly used in many fields—including engineering, biology and physics—to improve our understanding the world around us. Since models don’t predict the future, but provide information on possible outcomes, “All models are wrong, some are useful,” has become a common saying among modelers. This session will provide an overview of the various climate models, why climate models vary in their forecasts and why these models are useful for scientists and policymakers.

Speaker: Professor J. Scott Armstrong, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania  Download PDF

Food Safety Session

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that food-borne illness causes 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths annually in the United States. Food producers pay an economic price as consumers worry about food safety. Federal legislation to enhance food safety is moving through Congress and enjoys popular support, and new initiatives are part of the President’s FY 2011 budget proposal. This panel discussion will be an update on activity in this area. This session is co-sponsored by the NCSL Task Force on Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Speakers:

• Adela Ramos, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.   Download PDF Presentation
• Dan Roehl, National Restaurant Association, Washington, D.C.   Download PDF Presentation
• Dr. John Sanders, Jr. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.  Download PDF Presentation
• David H. Dorsey, MA, JD, Deputy Commissioner (Acting), Office of Policy, Planning & Budget, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, D.C.  Download PDF Presentation