Tuesday, July 22

8:30 am - 5:30 pm

NCSL Energy Policy Summit 2008

Convention Center, Second Level, Room 206-207

More Information

5:45 pm – 6:45 pm 
Hilton Riverside Jefferson Ballroom -- Third Level

Steering Committee

The steering committee will review the list of NCSL policies that standing committees will consider on Wednesday, July 23.

Wednesday, July 23

7:30 am - 9:30 am
Convention Center Hall B2-1 -- First Level

Networking Roundtables:  Continental Breakfast

Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee Meets

A 30% Solution: the Debate on Boosting Home Energy Efficiency Through Code Changes

The International Code Coalition (ICC) is a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention which develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools.  In September, the ICC will hold its Annual Conference and Final Action Hearings in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they will take up a proposal to increase residential energy efficiency code requirements by 30 percent.  Come listen to a debate on the pros and cons of this proposal and how state legislatures can get involved. 

9:00 am – 10:00 am 
Convention Center R01 -- Second Level

Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee Meets

Greener Gadgets, Greener Factories & Greener Stores: The Business Case for Sustainability

As more companies "go green," they change their operations and the way they supply their stores and design their products.   Companies at all stages of a product's life cycle have taken the goal of product stewardship and recognized its potential as an often untapped business opportunity.   Decisions including redesigning individual products, rethinking the supply chain, designating preferred product providers and educating the consumer manufacturers and retailers can all increase productivity, reduce costs, and foster innovation.  Consumers can benefit by receiving more value at less environmental impact.  Hear directly from companies that have made these choices and learn what set them on the road to greener gadgets, greener factories and greener stores. 

10:15 am–11:45 am
Convention Center La Louisiana Ballroom -- Second Level

General Session:  Energy, Economic & Environmental Sustainability

Rising energy prices, rolling brown-outs and U.S. dependency on foreign fuel have brought our vulnerable energy supply to the forefront of state policymakers' agendas. How can the U.S. maintain the delicate balance between energy, economic and environmental sustainability? Hear Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, and Marvin Odom, president of Shell Oil, discuss possible solutions.

Speakers:

Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund, New York
Marvin Odom, President, Shell Oil, Texas

12:00 pm -5:00 pm 

Exhibit Hall Open

12:00 pm – 2:15 pm 
Convention Center R01 -- Second Level

Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee Lunch Program

State & Federal Updates & Presentation from the Minerals Management Service

NCSL staff will provide the Committee with an update on Congressional and Administration activities in Washington and provide a recap of key issues for the states during the 2008 legislative season.  Also, Randall Luthi, Director of the Gulf of Mexico Region of the Minerals Management Service, will join the Committee to engage in a discussion about the important role that states play in our country’s energy production program.  As Director of the agency that manages the energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf and collects and disburses royalty revenues from federal lands, Director Ruthi has much to discuss from the agency’s new authority over offshore alternative energy development to revenue sharing with the Gulf Coast oil and gas producing states.

Speakers:

Randall  Luthi, Director, Gulf of Mexico Region, Minerals Management Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, District of Columbia
Kate Burke, NCSL Energy Program Director
Lee Posey, NCSL Committee Director, State-Federal Relations
Melissa Savage, NCSL Environment and Natural Resources Program Director
Tamra Spielvogel, NCSL Committee Director, State-Federal Relations
Amanda Naughton, NCSL Policy Specialist, State-Federal Relations

2:15 pm – 2:30 pm 

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm 
Convention Center R01 --Second Level

Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee Business Meeting

Presiding:  Senator Beverly Gard, Indiana

Members of the Committee will discuss and act on Committee business, including the existing policy on the use of outer-continental shelf and on-shore drilling revenues scheduled to sunset, a draft policy on climate change, and any additional new policy resolutions submitted for consideration.

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Convention Center 229-230 -- Second Level

Steering Committee

The steering committee will review policies recommended by NCSL standing committees and the agenda for the NCSL Business Meeting on Friday, July 25.

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm 
At the Super Dome

SuperDome Social Event

Louisiana Jamboree Join us for a unforgettable family-friendly event at the Louisiana Superdome. Enjoy the food, music and entertainment that makes New Orleans internationally famous. French Quarter Jazz, Riverboat Ragtime, Rhythm and Blues, New Orleans Funk and Mardi Gras merriment are all part of the celebration. Pete Fountain, Dukes of Dixieland and Ellis Marsalis will rock your soul with electrifying performances and tributes to some of the city's greatest musical legends: Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino. A special kids zone will include karaoke, rock climbing, and arts and crafts. A fantastic festival of magical music and food ... all under one big top on one big night ... an “only in New Orleans” experience!

Thursday, July 24

6:30 am – 8:00 am

7:30 am – 9:00 am
Convention Center Hall B2-1 -- First Level

Networking Roundtables:  Continental Breakfast

Speaker: Ernesto Sirolli, Sirolli Institute, California

8:00 am – 9:45 am
Convention Center R01 -- Second Level

Agriculture, Environment & Energy Committee Meets

Keeping The Farm: Supports for Minority, Socially Disadvantaged And Beginning Farmers to Stay in The Business

As the number of small family farms decreases nationwide, the difficulties faced by minority, socially disadvantaged and beginning farmer have come into sharper focus.   The new Farm Bill contains a number of provisions for outreach, technical assistance and education for farmers in these categories.  It also contains additional funds to settle claims from a class action lawsuit against the USDA filed by African American farmers.  Learn more about policy and practice that can create opportunities for more diversity in agriculture and help more young people become farmers.  

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Open

10:00 am–11:30 am
Convention Center 220-221 -- Second Level

Issue Forums

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy and the Potential Costs of Inaction: Urgent Action Required? 

Has the whirlwind of activity in Congress and in the states centered around climate change truly marked the dawning of new day in U.S. environmental and energy policy?  As the federal government lingers in limbo, states and localities have jumped in front and are leading by example, but where does this leave the U.S as a whole?  Much of the evolving debate has focused on the cost of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but many questions remain.  Will it cost less to reduce greenhouse gas emissions than to adapt to changes in sea level, increases in extreme weather events, flooding, drought, and heat waves?  What are the costs for states who've led the way in implementing federal action down the line that may compete with or preempt what they’ve done?  This session will bring together policymakers from across the spectrum to discuss the politics and policy behind today’s debate.

11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Convention Center Hall B2-1 -- First Level 

Exhibit Hall Lunch 

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Convention Center R03 -- Second Level

Issue Forums

Dealing With Drought: Opportunities for Innovation

Whether it's climate change or just more growth, many states face water shortages that could jeopardize their future economic prosperity and environment. This zero-sum game is forcing policy innovation through incentives to conserve and reallocate water. Learn what strategies show the most promise for meeting a diverse set of new water demands. 

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm
Convention Center La Louisiana Ballroom -- First Level

General Session:  A Conversation on Solving America’s Challenges

A Conversation on Solving America's Challenges Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House, and Lee Hamilton, director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and former congressman, will discuss what is needed to move America beyond gridlock to solving our biggest issues, including health care, education and the environment, with innovation and originality.

Speakers:

Newt Gingrich, Former Speaker, US House of Representatives
Lee Hamilton, 9/11 Commission

States’ Night

7:30 pm
The Bourbon House 144 Bourbon Street, French Quarter

Rural Development Dinner 

Dr. Ernesto Sirolli and the Sirolli Institute have dedicated themselves to creating an environment capable of capturing enterprising individuals and transforming them into committed civic leaders contributing to the financial life of their community. Dr. Sirolli will discuss rural development strategies that plan for excellent schools, great communications, efficient roads, sport and recreational amenities and support for entrepreneurs that may be of better service to rural communities than conventional economic development strategies.  With over 30 years of experience on four continents, Dr. Sirolli and the team at the Sirolli Institute have developed key principles and practices that have been proven to result in average sucess rates for small businesses that exceed 80 percent.  The Sirolli Institute is dedicated to teaching civic leaders how to effectively transform individual passion and community activism into rewarding and sustainable local businesses.

Speaker: Dr. Ernesto Sirolli, Chairman and CEO, The Sirolli Institute

Amanda.naughton@ncsl.org or 202.624.3572

Friday, July 25

6:30 am - 8:00 am

Walk For Wellness

The Walk for Wellness is dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating effects heart disease, diabetes and obesity have on our nation while drawing special attention to the health disparities that exist in minority and underserved communities. The 5K fun run/walk is open to all Legislative Summit attendees. Meet at the World Trade Center, just steps from the Convention Center, for kick-off activities, and follow a route along the Mighty Mississippi.

More Information

7:00 am – 8:00 am
208 -- Second Level

Farm Bill Working Group Breakfast

Join us for a review of provisions in the new Farm Bill, and a chance to discuss how NCSL can continue to weigh in on regulations implementing those provisions and position itself for the next reauthorization of farm programs.  Note:: Interested individuals not on the Working Group are welcome to attend.  Please RSVP to Lee Posey (lee.posey@ncsl.org)

7:00 am – 9:00 am
Hall B2-1 -- First Level

Networking Roundtables:  Continental Breakfast 

8:00 am – 9:30 am
207 -- Second Level

Issue Forums

America's Energy Coast: A New Sustainability Case Study

Home to 17 petroleum refineries and more than 180 petrochemical plants that produce jet fuel, lubricants and more--which are transported through the world's largest system port and 35,000 miles of pipeline--the wetlands along the Gulf Coast are critical to the nation's economic future. Hear state legislators describe the unique accord that will inform the policy process for domestic energy security and habitat restoration and help secure economic and environmental priorities.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Exhibit Hall Open

9:45 am – 11:45 am
La Louisiane Ballroom -- First Level

General Session/Business Meeting:  The Changing Face of America

James Johnson, a noted demographer, will demonstrate how our changing racial and ethnic population will transform the nation and create a new demand for a diverse workforce in our social, economic and political institutions.

Speaker: Dr. James Johnson, University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School, North Carolina

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm 

Staff Section Lunches 

12:00 pm – 1:45 pm

DLCC Luncheon & RLCC Luncheon

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Grand Salon Sections 19+22 -- Street Level

Grand Salon 21 -- Street Level

Issue Forums

Rising Food Prices: The end of Cheap Food?

From the beginning of 2005 to early 2008, world food prices rose 78 percent.  Here in the U.S,  reliance on nutrition assistance is up sharply as increases in basics like eggs, bread and milk hit family budgets hard.   Most experts believe higher food prices will be a fact of life for some time.  The root cause of the recent price surge varies from crop to crop, but the crisis is being driven in part by a unprecedented linkage between parts of the food system-- ethanol production, drought, rising fuel prices and increased demand as more people in developing economies make changes in their diets.     This session will examine the causes of rising prices and the effect on consumers.

OR

Redesigning New Orleans: Lessons on Creating a Thriving Community

Rebuilding New Orleans following the hurricanes offers challenges and opportunities. Learn about land use issues and ideas for creating a thriving and dynamic city. Community design and development policy lessons from New Orleans can help cities across the country.

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Social Event at the World War II Museum & CAC

This Land is Your Land Rejoice in the spirit of our country as New Orleans opens the doors to the only museum in the nation dedicated to World War II. Music of the era will sweep you back to a time when brave men and women shipped out to defend international freedom. Hear oral histories of those who united to protect life, liberty and our pursuit of happiness. Just steps away at the Contemporary Arts Center, enjoy an exhibition of art, photography and essays of students that display the beauty and majesty of our disappearing wetlands. High energy Cajun Zydeco music will wash over you like the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, where barrier islands, misty marshes, and mysterious swamps form the first line of defense for coastal Louisiana. Bring the kids--there will be fun, food, music and activities to delight all ages.

Saturday, July 26

8:30 am – 10:30 am
La Louisiane Ballroom -- First Level

Healthy Community Design Site Visit

Join other Legislative Summit attendees on a bus and walking tour of three Louisiana neighborhoods rebuilding and revitalizing themselves after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Not only are they successfully recovering, they are redesigning their identity to emphasize what a “healthy” community can look like.

Box lunches will be provided. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are advised. Please be aware that space is limited. To sign up or obtain additional information, contact Douglas Shinkle at (303) 856-1482, douglas.shinkle@ncsl.org.