Clean Energy Future Tops Governors' Agenda
U.S. governors will gather in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 23 to discuss energy issues at the 2008 National Governors Association Winter Meeting.
Nearly 50 governors are expected to participate in the meeting, which will include sessions with the President, members of his cabinet, lawmakers, academic leaders, business executives and other experts. Making the nation a global leader in energy efficiency, clean energy technology, alternative fuels use and energy research will be key topics of discussion.
Saturday's opening plenary session will provide an overview of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Securing a Clean Energy Future initiative. During the plenary, Pulitzer Prize winner and The New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman will discuss states’ role in helping the United States achieve a cleaner, more independent energy future, and Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of General Electric Co., will talk about the role businesses can play in advancing energy and environmental innovation.
The Securing a Clean Energy Future task force will examine the role of traditional electricity sources, such as coal and nuclear power, and hear how utility companies plan to balance the mix of efficiency, coal, nuclear and renewable energy sources to meet future power needs. Throughout the meeting, several "Governors-Only" sessions will provide governors the opportunity for candid dialogue on reducing the nation's overall energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions while keeping the economy strong.