Energy Conference

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was comprehensive landmark legislation to address the nation’s energy challenges.  One year later the impacts and implementation of this action will be examined.

As part of this conference, key national leaders will consider:

  • The intent and purpose of Congress in enacting this legislation and related subsequent action by Congress
  • The response of the U.S. Department of Energy by developing initiatives and programs to implement the legislation and DOE’s future plans
  • The Congressional perspective to appropriate resources for energy programs
  • The capabilities of The Texas A&M University System in the fields of energy and advanced technology
  • The interlinking of energy and national security
  • The views and recommendations of the leading sectors to the legislation

Speakers

John D. White, Chairman of the Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System:
Welcome

The Honorable Joe Barton, Member of Congress from the 6th District of Texas, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee: “The Energy Policy Act of 2005: The Intent of Congress in Enacting this Legislation”

The Honorable Chet Edwards, Member of Congress from the 17th District of Texas, Member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Committee: “Funding for
Energy Programs”

David K. Garman, Undersecretary, Department of Energy: “The Department of Energy Implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005”

Panels

Industry Panel

  • Mike McCall, TXU Wholesale
  • Scott Wellington, Shell
  • Jeff Sterba, PNM Resources

State Panel

  • Phil Wilson, Office of the Governor of Texas
  • Peter Smith, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
  • Rob Hurless, Wyoming Energy Office
  • Bill Keese, Western Governors Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee

National Laboratory Panel

  • Andrew Klein, Idaho National Laboratory
  • Dan Arvizu, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • James Ekmann, National Energy Technology Laboratory
  • Jane Long, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • Gordon Michaels, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Les Shephard, Sandia National Laboratories

Workshop

Following the conference “The Energy Policy Act of 2005: One Year Later,” a workshop open to faculty, staff, and researchers in The Texas A&M University System will address several components of the energy picture in which the Texas A&M System has particular capabilities.

The workshop was divided into five breakout sessions, and the desired product from each breakout group is a set of write-ups that can be included as part of the federal initiative process of the Texas A&M System for Fiscal Year 2008. In each area, collaboration among members of the System is sought.

Speakers

K. L. Peddicord, Vice Chancellor for Research and Federal Relations: “Goal and Format of the Workshop and the Texas A&M System Federal Initiative Process”

Dr. James Decker, Principal Deputy Director, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy: “The DOE Program in Science to Secure the Energy Future of the US”

Breakout Sessions

  • Fossil Fuels for Transportation – Stephen A. Holditch, P.E., Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering, Department Head and Noble Endowed Chair
  • Nuclear Energy – Warren F. Miller, Jr., Research Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Associate Director of the Nuclear Security, Science and Policy Institute
  • Electric Power Systems – Karen Butler-Purry, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Assistant Director, Power System Automation Laboratory
  • Energy Efficiency and Renewables – Mark T. Holtzapple, Professor, Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering
  • Energy Policy and Economics – Arnold Vedlitz, Professor, Bob Bullock Chair in Government and Public Policy and Director of the Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy
  • Renewable BioEnergy Feedstocks — Dr. John Mullet, Professor, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Dr. Bill Rooney, Associate Professor, Soil and Crop Sciences