WASHINGTON - At the 19th annual Energy Efficiency Forum - What’s Happening Now and What’s Next? - on June 10-11, business and government experts will explore how new leadership can build on public and private sector initiatives to develop large-scale energy-efficiency programs that will have significant economic and environmental impact.

The confirmed keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, author of The World is Flat. In addition to providing an overview of his upcoming book Hot, Flat, and Crowded, Friedman will discuss the global implications of energy policy, the economy and environment with Robert K. Watson, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, and David B. Goldstein, co-director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Energy Program.

Also confirmed is Steven Specker, president of Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Specker will address his organization’s focus on research and development on technology, operations, and the environment for the global electric power sector.

The Energy Efficiency Forum annually draws approximately 300 top-level business and energy decision makers. Past speakers include President George W. Bush, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and every U.S. Secretary of Energy since 1990.

“For 19 years, the Energy Efficiency Forum has delivered an exciting platform for discussion between public and private sector leaders who are focused on making energy efficiency a priority for our nation and our world,” noted Barry Worthington, executive director of United States Energy Association and co-chair of the Forum. “Our list of confirmed and invited speakers and the excitement of having the presidential election around the corner will make this one of the liveliest events we’ve ever held.”

According to Worthington, the Energy Efficiency Forum is still accepting nominations for energy leadership awards.

For more information, visit www.eeforum.net.

Publication date:05/19/2008