Environmental Talks and Congressional Hearings: Feb. 13 and 14, 2008

Wednesday, February 13

"The 2008 Presidential Election & The Environment"
When: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Where: WCL 6th Floor Student Lounge

Please join us for a presentation by special guest, John Passacantando, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA. Mr. Passacantando will discuss the implications of this year's election on U.S. Environmental policy and his organization's strategies to make climate change a key issue. Empanadas will be served. Interested on where the 2008 Presidential Candidates stand on climate and energy issues? Visit http://www.grist.org/candidate_chart_08.html?source=weekly.

"Emerging and Expanding Ocean Uses: Scientific and Regulatory Uncertainty"
When: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: Environmental Law Institute, 2000 L Street, NW Suite 620

As we look to the oceans to sequester carbon, provide alternative energy, and as a place to expand existing activities, questions about ocean ecosystem impacts and the legal and regulatory framework under which one can operate abound. The chemical and biological ramifications of emerging and expanding technologies could be enormous, and the regulatory landscape under which such approaches would operate is not altogether clear. For example, three competing authorities may complicate alternative energy development and regulation: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives Minerals Management Service the authority to lease offshore for alternative energy development. The Federal Power Act gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority over hydropower. This means that in federal waters, both MMS and FERC have some claim over regulation of wave, current, and tidal energy. States have authority under the Coastal Zone Management Act to ensure that federal agency actions are consistent with the enforceable policies of their coastal zones. What does this mean for new uses? What precedent is there for state authority over federal energy actions in federal waters? Who regulates emerging uses on the high seas?

CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS

Thursday, February 14
10:00am
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee: S.1499 to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from marine vessels
Where: Dirksen Building Room 406

10:00am
Senate Finance Committee: "International Aspects of a Carbon Cap and Trade Program"
Where: Dirksen Building Room 215

2:00pm - 3:30 pm
"Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Reviewing FY 2009 Budget Request and Key Tax Incentives"
Where: 1334 Longworth House Office Building