At the start of this decade, many people still held to conventional practices of energy conservation initiated during the 1970s, wearing sweaters and turning off lights.

Now, after 10 years of market-driven and government-led programs, businesses and government are engrossed in projects that use energy efficiently with additional benefits to the environment and the economy.

The development of these programs will be highlighted at the 1999 Energy Efficiency Forum, which is cosponsored by the United States Energy Association (USEA), and Johnson Controls, Inc.

In conjunction with this year’s theme, “The Future of Energy Efficiency: Looking Into the Next Millenium,” speakers will describe national and international efforts to address energy-efficiency issues throughout the decade and past 2000.

Former Director of Central Intelligence James Woolsey, and Jacques Gansler, undersecretary of Defense, will discuss current security concerns as they relate to energy efficiency.

Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Ala.) will deliver the program’s noon keynote speech. Murkowski is a recognized expert in energy policy, including fossil fuel development, electricity restructuring and climate change.

As chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Murkowski recently introduced a global warming bill (S. 882), which supports cuts in greenhouse gas emissions through voluntary action.

“The Energy Efficiency Forum continues to provide information on energy and environmental issues, track the industry’s trends and offer bipartisan insight into the viewpoints of key leaders and government officials,” said USEA executive director Barry Worthington.

USEA is composed of approximately 150 public and private energy-related organizations, corporations and government agencies. It represents the United States in the World Energy Council.

Other confirmed speakers at this year’s Forum include David Nemtzow, president of Alliance to Save Energy; Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio); Ralph Cavanagh, energy program director for the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC); and Henri-Claude Bailly, vice chairman of Hagler Bailly Inc.

For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management.

For more information on how to attend the Forum, which is an invitation-only event, contact the planning committee at 202-973-8663.