Hill Heat

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to learn about the likely effects that global climate change will have on the structure, function, and ecological dynamics of forest ecosystems in the United States. As Congress discusses climate change policies and legislation, it is important to develop a better understanding of these impacts.

Panel

• Dr. Anthony C. Janetos, Director, The Joint Global Change Research Institute
• Dr. Allen M. Solomon, National Program Leader for Global Change Research, U.S. Forest Service
• Dr. Anthony L. Westerling, Assistant Professor, Sierra Nevada Research Institute, UC Merced

Changes in average annual temperature, precipitation, length and timing of the growing seasons, and other climate-related factors can result in a number of both short- and long-term changes to forests, including altered growth rates, changes in stand structure and dynamics, and shifts in geographic distribution of both individual tree species and forest types. In addition to these direct effects, climate change has the potential to indirectly change the structure and dynamics of the entire forest ecosystem by affecting insect infestations, wildfire patterns, and other key processes and components of forested landscapes. In 2005, mortality due to mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) alone affected over 3 million acres, and this number is rapidly increasing over a significant portion of the intermountain West. Recent studies have tied both increases in catastrophic wildfires and the rapid expansion of bark beetle infestations to climate change. These changes will have dramatic and far-reaching effects on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, water management, and recreation and tourism, as well as the multi-billion dollar forest products industry in the United States.

This briefing is part of an EESI initiative focusing on sustainable forest bioenergy. To adequately assess the role that forests can play in addressing climate change, it is critical that we first have a firm understanding of the effects that climate change will have on forests. Biomass assessments and carbon sequestration formulae that pre-suppose static forest dynamics and processes will inevitably result in unreliable conclusions. As one of the key elements of the global carbon cycle, it is essential that the dynamic interaction between forests and climate must be taken into account when discussing bioenergy, carbon sequestration, afforestation or other forest-based solutions to climate change.

This briefing is open to the public and no reservations are required. For more information, contact Jetta Wong at 202-662-1885 ([email protected]) or Jesse Caputo at 202-662-1882 ([email protected])

02/11/2008 at 02:00PM

Witness

• Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of Interior

02/07/2008 at 10:00AM

02/07/2008 at 10:00AM

02/07/2008 at 09:30AM

02/06/2008 at 10:00AM

The Northeast/Midwest Senate and House Coalitions in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute invite you to a briefing at which three state officials will present a summary of activities in the U.S. states on pressing energy problems and the impact of high energy prices on the American public. They will also discuss innovative energy programs that address the problems of all U.S. citizens and current federal funding for critical activities including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the State Energy Program (SEP).

Panel

• Tom Plant, Director, Governor’s Energy Office, State of Colorado, on behalf of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
• Vaughn Clark, Director, Office of Community Development, State of Oklahoma and President, National Association for State Community Service Programs (NASCSP)
• Mark Wolfe, Executive Director, National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association(NEADA)

This briefing is open to the public, no RSVP required. For more information, contact Chris Hickling, Legislative Director, Northeast Midwest Congressional Coalition (202-224-4642) [email protected]

02/05/2008 at 03:30PM

This year’s conference will:

• Feature the regional role and federal outlook on significant policy areas that will dominate the 2008 legislative year, Presidential race and beyond.

• Explore, in detail, the federal fiscal future, SAFETEA-LU reauthorization, water infrastructure and resources, regional development in a global economy, and energy policy and innovations, as well as the possible outcome of the 2008 Presidential race.

• Address rural and urban coordination in federal legislation.
• Engage nationally recognized experts, Congressional members and staff, and other DC Associations to discuss important topics that are shaping regions.
• Set the 2008 NARC Legislative Agenda.

For more information, please email Shannon Menard ([email protected]) or call 202.986.1032, x.217.

Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW

02/04/2008 at 08:00AM

The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimony on the regulatory aspects of carbon capture, transportation, and sequestration and to receive testimony on two related bills: S. 2323, a bill to provide for the conduct of carbon capture and storage technology research, development and demonstration projects, and for other purposes; and S. 2144, a bill to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study of the feasibility relating to the construction and operation of pipelines and carbon dioxide sequestration facilities, and for other purposes.

Witnesses

Panel 1

• Joseph T. Kelliher, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, U.S. Department of Interior
• James Slutz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Oil and Natural Gas, U.S. Department of Energy

Panel 2

• Lawrence Bengal, Director, Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission
• Scott Anderson, Senior Policy Adviser, Environmental Defense
• Tracy Evans, Senior Vice President, Reservoir Engineering, Denbury Resources, Inc.

01/31/2008 at 10:00AM

Transportation for Tomorrow: Report of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, prepared by a specially convened Commission, meets the charge given under Section 1909 of the Safe Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The Report includes detailed recommendations for creating and sustaining a pre-eminent surface transportation system in the United States.

01/31/2008 at 10:00AM

01/31/2008 at 10:00AM