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About This Conference: Climate change has been recognized as “the defining environmental challenge of our generation.”

Alaska’s local governments and citizens have diverse perspectives regarding the issue of climate change. But across the spectrum, a growing number of local governments around the state recognize the threats, challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. They are working to create new opportunities for Alaska and its citizens by mitigating climate impacts and adapting operations and services in light of a changing climate.

Purpose: Designed for local elected officials and professional staff alike, this two-day meeting will provide practical help for local governments to begin, or to advance, their response to the climate change challenge. Using a mixture of general sessions and concurrent sessions, participants will:

• Learn more about anticipated challenges and policy options to address climate change; and
• Obtain tools and resources to help you develop a response to climate change that is most effective for your community and region.

Agenda: The topics covered will include:

• The science of climate change
• Economic consequences of climate change
• Energy management policies at the state and local level
• Community engagement to create local solutions
• Financing strategies to implement renewable and energy efficient programs
• Presentations by Alaska state representatives and senators on the 2008 legislative session

Audience:
More than 125 local officials are expected to attend this two-day conference.

TENTATIVE AGENDA
(Subject to Change)

Click HERE to print the Agenda

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

6:30 – 8:30 pm         Opening Dinner: (Location TBD)

Welcoming Remarks

• Mayor Mark Begich, Anchorage
• Chancellor Fran Ulmer, University of Alaska Anchorage

Open Discussion

• Mayor Bruce Botelho, City and Borough of Juneau
• Kathie Wasserman, AML
• Facilitation by Brian Rogers

8:30 – 8:45 am         Why Are We Here
Mayor Jim Whitaker – Fairbanks North Star Borough

8:45 – 9:30 am         The Science of Climate Change – An Update
Dr. Doug Causey, University of Alaska Anchorage
Prof. Craig Gerlach, Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks

9:30 – 10:15 am       The Economics of Climate Change
Fran Ulmer, University of Alaska Anchorage
Kate Troll, Alaska Conservation Alliance

10:15 – 10:30 am    BREAK

10:30 – 11:30 am    Taking the Lead: Overview of Local Actions to Reduce Emissions and Adapt to Climate Impacts
ICLEI representative Amy Schatkin
Alaska Governor’s DC representative Larry Persily
Alaska Conservation Solutions President Deborah Williams

11:45 am – 1:00 pm Federal Issues Update Luncheon
Senator Lisa Murkowski – A National Overview for Alaska

1:00 – 2:15 pm         Concurrent Break Out Sessions

1. Getting Your Community Engaged
   Maria Gladziszewski - City & Borough of Juneau
   Mark Skitzki, TCP
   Jack Maker - Kodiak Alaska Representative
   Mayor Bruce Botelho - City & Borough of Juneau
   Anne Marie Holen – City of Homer
   
   
2. Adaptation
   Kevin Smith, AMLJIA, Municipal Insurance Issues
   Luke Hopkins – Fairbanks North Star Borough
   Elizabeth Willmott - King County, WA
   Margit Hentschel, Walsh Environmental
   Newtok - AK Village Relocation
   

2:15 – 2:30 pm         BREAK

2:30 – 3:45 pm         Concurrent Break Out Sessions

1. Energy Management Policy Discussion
   Jim Dodson - Fairbanks Economic Development Corp
   Chris Rose - Alaska REAP
   John Davies - CCHRC, Energy Efficiency Policies
   
   
2. New Energy Solutions – How Do We Pay For It?
   Tessa Rinner - Denali Commission Programs
   Gwen Holdmann - Alaska Center for Energy Programs
   Steve Haagenson - Alaska Energy Authority
   Randy Virgin - MOA Renewable Resources Coordinator
   

3:45 – 4:00 pm         BREAK

4:00 – 5:15 pm         Concurrent Break Out Sessions

1. Bringing Renewal Energy to Your Community
   Steve Gilbert, enXco
   Meera Kohler, AVEC
   Peter Crimp, AEA - Alternative Energy Programs
   Kathy Prentki - Denali Commission
   Moderator – Bill Hall UAF-CES
   
   
2. Helping Residents Cut Energy Costs and Emissions
   Scott Anaya, AK Building Science Network
   Rich Seifert UAF Coop Extension Service
   Sean Skaling, Green Star Alaska
   Scott Waterman, AK Housing Finance Corp
   

5:15 pm – 6:00 pm        Resource Development Council Reception - tentative

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm        Alaska Business Round Table Discussion

Adjourn for day – dinner on your own

7:30 – 9:00 am         Breakfast – State Actions
Larry Hartig, ADEC Commissioner/Chair of Governor's Climate Change Sub-cabinet
Larry Persily Local Gov Issues: A National View
Representative Ralph Samuels
Steve Haagenson, Alaska Energy Authority
Moderator: Kate Troll, Alaska Conservation Alliance

9:00 – 10:30 am       Joint Problem Solving – What Do Cities Need and Where Can We Get It?
Facilitated by Brian Rogers

10:30 – 10:45           Break

10:45 – 11:30 am    Recommendations to AML for State and Federal Action
Facilitated Discussion by Brian Rogers

11:30 – 1:00 pm    Alaska Legislators’ Energy Legislation Update Luncheon
Representative Bill Thomas
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Joe Thomas - Invited

Click HERE to print the Agenda