Agenda
Wednesday, February 18th
Legislative Conference Center
This agenda is updated as panelists and moderators are confirmed. Please check back for the latest information about Texas Energy Future: Green Jobs and Clean Power.
| TIME | PANEL DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 8:30am - 9:30am | Registration & Continental Breakfast Legislative Conference Center |
| 9:30am - 9:45am | Welcome The Honorable Rodney Ellis, Texas State Senate Dr. Michael Webber, University of Texas |
| 9:45am - 10:30am | Keynote: Green Jobs Van Jones, Founder, Green For All |
| 10:30am - 11:45am | Panel: Green Jobs
According to a study by AngelouEconomics, Texas, with its highly-developed traditional energy industry and related high-tech clusters, significant renewable natural resources, and in its role as one of the largest drivers of economic growth in the U.S., the State of Texas has a natural competitive edge in the renewable energy industry. With the emerging nature of the renewable energy industry, there have been only the beginnings of a coordinated effort to support industrial development through economic development incentives, local market creation, and workforce development efforts. In this panel, the creator of this study will present the workforce requirements across the entire renewable energy economy. Find out what workforce development projects and partnerships are being formed through the Texas Workforce Commission to train Texans in the new energy economy. Discover how a Texas technical college prepares its students for green jobs through current technical certifications in solar, wind, and fuel cells, how it meets the supply/demand for these programs and the partnerships formed with high schools, community colleges and universities to expand those programs. Find out first hand from a new energy employer the direct advantages from these programs. Panelists: Michael Bettersworth, Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Advancement, Texas State Technical College Pike Powers, Of Counsel, Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P. Doug Ridge, Director, Employer Initiatives, Texas Workforce Commission |
| 12pm - 1pm | Lunch Legislative Conference Center |
| 1pm - 1:10pm | Introduction: Clean Power The Honorable Lloyd Doggett, U.S. House of Representatives |
| 1:10pm - 1:35pm | Keynote: Clean Power Thomas Werner, CEO, SunPower Corp. |
| 1:35pm - 2pm | Keynote: Clean Power Roger Efird, President, Suntech America |
| 2pm - 2:30pm | Q & A: Clean Power Roger Efird, CEO, Suntech American Thomas Werner, CEO, Sunpower Corp. |
| 2:30pm - 3pm | Break |
| 3pm - 4:30pm | Panel: Greening the Bottom Line Green jobs and green infrastructure are rightly in the headlines these days and will likely remain so. In this panel, learn from a nationally recognized economist how the combination of energy resources and efficiency will create jobs and boost the US economy. Find out how a national retailer turns clean energy and sustainability into a competitive advantage. It saves the company money and is reinvigorating its culture. It’s allowing it to sell better merchandise, attract and retain top talent, all while continuing to provide affordable prices for its customers. Find out how a Texas start up creates jobs through its energy efficiency consulting services. Discover the innovative approach to energy efficiency that a major Texas university is using that supports its educational mission while providing roots for a green jobs start-up. Panelists: Richard Seline, Founder, New Economy Strategies Dr. David Claridge, Director, Energy Systems Laboratory, Texas A&M Joseph Harberg, Principal Partner, Current Energy |