UPDATE: The panel discussion will be free and open to the public.

Topic 1: National and State Energy and Climate Policy   Wednesday August 12th 9:00-10:30am

The U.S. Government has consistently refused to develop a national climate policy, and is the only remaining industrialized country to refuse to sign the Kyoto Protocol. However, Congress recently passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act sponsored by Rep. Henry A. Waxman and Rep. Edward J. Markey. This is an historic bill that would among other things create a cap and trade system for greenhouse gases. This bill is very controversial in a number of ways. Not only have conservative groups and politicians nearly across the board decried it for various reasons, but many environmentalists are dissatisfied with it as well. Greenpeace noted that it is "inadequate" and "counterproductive". New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman said about the bill, "It is appalling that so much had to be given away to polluters. It stinks. It's a mess. I detest it. Now let's get it passed in the Senate and make it law." However, many states have enacted legislation designed to reduce energy use and produce energy from clean sources, including Delaware. What should a National Energy and Climate Policy look like? Is the Waxman-Markey bill too weak, too strong, or does it put forward a good first step to combating climate change and increasing the United States' implementation of renewable energy? What roles do and should states and utilities play in creating and influencing national climate policy? Is Delaware's climate and energy policy strong enough? What are the benefits and drawbacks of cap-and-trade? These policy issues and more will be discussed by a distinguished panel of accomplished policymakers and leaders in the electricity industry.

Featured Panelists:

Senator Harris McDowell

Representative Pam Thornburg

President of Delmarva Power Gary Stockbridge

CEO of Delaware Electric Cooperative Bill Andrew

Panel Moderator: Dan Kasper, PhD Student, UD Center for Energy and Environmental Policy

Topic 2: Sustainable Energy Futures    Monday August 10th 12:30-2:00pm

We are perhaps witnessing a time of transition in the realms of energy and sustainability in the United States and beyond. The United States has a President that is calling for substantive actions to address climate change and promoting the establishment of a green economy. The President has also established a goal of weatherizing one million homes a year for the next decade. New renewable electricity generation (primarily wind and solar photovoltaic) surpassed new "traditional" generation for the first time last year in the United States. Despite all of this, renewable electricity accounted for less than 10% of the U.S. total production in 2008, with less than 3% coming for solar and wind. How far can this transition go? Is it possible for the United States and/or the rest of the world to be powered by 100% renewable energy? If so, can or will it happen this century? Are efficiency and new renewable generation enough to accomplish this goal? What steps must be taken? How would this transition impact social justice? Experts in the industry and non-profit sectors will discuss the future of energy, sustainability, and social justice.

Featured Panelists:

Liz Robinson, Philadelphia Head, Energy Coordinating Agency

Scott Hennessey, Manager for Climate and Energy Markets, SEIA

Katy Wilner, Power Generation Account Manager,GE Power and Water

Andy Meserve, Regional Sales Director, GE Energy-Solar Tech.

Panel Moderator:  Dan Kasper, PhD Student, UD Center for Energy and Environmental Policy