Building on NGA Chairman, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Securing a Clean Energy Future, the Natural Resources Committee will meet on Sunday, July 13, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia to examine policy options that would help fulfill the initiative's goals, address the country's energy needs and provide affordable alternatives, especially for rural and lower-income citizens.
"We need to look at a secure energy future by finding ways to optimize the use of our resources, become more energy efficient and minimize waste," said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. "This session will allow us to consult with leading experts at both the state and federal level to ensure a sustainable and affordable energy future for all Americans."
"At a time with energy prices are hitting all Americans hard, especially in rural areas, governors are looking at innovative ways to promote secure and affordable energy solutions in our states," said Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, vice chairwoman of the Natural Resource Committee. "This session will provide us with an opportunity to look at a variety of options to help craft a comprehensive and multi-faceted energy future."
The meeting will include committee members, as well as a panel of leading experts on traditional and renewable sources of energy, energy investment, and energy issues that affect rural areas, including: Jim Slutz, acting principal deputy assistant secretary, Office of Fossil Energy, U.S. Department of Energy; Bob Percopo, executive vice president, AIG; Glenn L. English, Jr., chief executive officer, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; and Michael Eckhart, president, American Council on Renewable Energy.
