Attendees deem conference a success
By Natalie Jensen
Department for Energy Development and Independence
addition, several awards were presented for efforts made in protecting the environment and creating an energy-efficient future (see center box).
The second day of the conference included presenters that spoke on a variety of energy issues. As the day progressed, attendees had the opportunity to learn about research being accomplished, legislation on the national and state level, and energy efforts that the industry is undertaking. When the conference ended, all attendees had been enlightened on the actions being taken toward energy and environmental efficiency at the local, state and national levels.
Information sharing and bold decisions were made for Kentucky during this
In 2008, Gov. Steve Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters released Kentucky's first comprehensive energy strategy "Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky's Future," a seven-point plan outlining how the state can become self-sufficient using diverse energy sources.
Conference Awards
Kentucky State University was recognized by the Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board for providing excellent educational experiences that accommodate different learning abilities.
The Silver Smokey Award was presented to Jim Funk, Jennifer Turner, Evelyn Morgan and Gwen Hensley of the Division of Forestry. (See Page 19 for details.) The Environmental Leadership Award was presented to the Appalachian Coal
The Environmental Leadership Award was presented to the Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team and Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative for their partnership in sponsoring and organizing tree planting events on previously mined land throughout the Appalachian coal region. The Energy Leadership Award was presented to CMTA Engineering Co., for
Expanding upon this plan, the 33rd Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment, held Sept. 30 through Oct. 1, 2009, brought in national and state energy and environmental leaders to hold open and candid discussions on topics such as alternative renewable energy, developing nuclear energy in Kentucky, carbon management, biofuels and biomass, coal to liquids and coal to gas, energy efficiency and conservation.
The Energy Leadership Award was presented to CMTA Engineering Co., for designing more ENERGY STAR labeled buildings than any other engineering firm in Kentucky.
40 vendors to the Lexington Convention Center to exchange ideas that will benefit the citizens of Kentucky.
year's successful conference. Even as the conference came to a close, discussions and meetings were continuing to be held on many levels throughout the Commonwealth. You can view conference presentations at www.dep.ky.gov/govconference.
On Day 1, conference participants took part in a discussion on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, toured Duke’s Envision Energy Center in Erlanger, Ky., and attended one of several workshops. The Envision Center is the first interactive exhibit to demonstrate integrated smart-grid technologies, a type of digital electricity network that is designed to save energy, reduce costs and improve the environment.
The conference drew a record crowd
of more than 500 attendees and more than
Duke’s Envision Energy Center in Erlanger, Ky., and attended one of several workshops. The Envision Center is the first interactive exhibit to demonstrate integrated smart-grid technologies, a type of digital electricity network that is designed to save energy, reduce costs and improve the environment.
That evening, Gov. Beshear spoke about his goal of making Kentucky a national energy leader. In year's successful conference. Even as the conference came to a close, discussions and meetings were continuing to be held on many levels throughout the Commonwealth. You can view conference presentations at www.dep.ky.gov/govconference.