The energy industry in the U.S. is undergoing a significant transformation. Utilities are responding to the changing economics of electricity production and to the demands of their largest customers for a low-cost energy supply. Consumers, the environmental community, and regulators are placing increasing expectations that a greater proportion of that supply come from renewable sources, and through more environmentally responsible and less carbon-intensive extraction and production processes.
The Sixth Annual Energy Conference, hosted by the West Virginia University College of Law, will focus on these trends in West Virginia, bringing together all parties in this discussion to examine the measures open to policymakers to better position West Virginia to take the lead in developing an environmentally responsible and viable energy future.
This free, one-day conference features speakers from industry, academic institutions, public policy organizations, and environmental groups.
The conference will feature four panel discussions on the following topics:
- Taking advantages of opportunities for a low-carbon economy
- Minimizing the environmental impact of energy production and distribution
- The expanding role of renewables and energy efficiency
- Policy initiatives to position West Virginia to benefit from the new energy economy
At lunchtime, two case studies will be presented that examine the opportunities for new jobs in industrial energy efficiency in West Virginia, and the practices used by national parks that enable energy resources to be developed while preserving air, lands, water and climate.
Participants in the conference include representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, Natural Resources Defense Council, The Nature Conservancy, WV SUN, Appalachian Power, National Parks Conservation Association, American Jobs Initiative, Downstream Strategies, RAND Corporation, WV Rivers, Canaan Valley Institute, Energy Efficient WV, Center for Responsible Shale Development and Solar Holler.
