Saturday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wichita State University Metroplex, 29th and Oliver
As energy prices continue their roller-coaster impact on the economy, a Wichita Regional Energy Conference this month will provide useful information for citizens and policy makers.
The Conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Wichita State University Metroplex at 29th and Oliver.
Organized by the City of Wichita and co-sponsored by Wichita State University, the Conference will include a range of energy presentations to help citizens deal with the unstable world of energy.
A variety of breakout sessions throughout the day will feature alternative energy vehicles, home energy audits and a variety of other useful topics for individuals and businesses.
An exhibit of energy efficient products and services will be offered in the Metroplex gymnasium, featuring a variety of event sponsors.
“The goal of the conference is to provide citizens and businesses with information and strategies to cope with these uncertain economic and environmental times,” said Sharon Fearey, Wichita City Councilmember.
With the exception of the noon luncheon, the event is free and open to the public.
The program kicks off at 9 a.m. with a forum on state energy policy, featuring two key voices from the Kansas Legislature. Sen. Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, and Rep. Josh Svaty, D-Ellsworth, will discuss state energy policy and field questions from the audience in the Metroplex Auditorium.
Sen. Emler currently is chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and also serves on the Senate Utilities Committee, which he has previously chaired. Rep. Svaty serves on the House Energy and Utilities Committee. The two legislators offer differing perspectives on various energy issues, including the debate over the proposed coal-fired power plant in southwest Kansas.
A noon luncheon (advanced registration and payment required) will feature a presentation on the recent EcoPartnership agreement between the City of Wichita and the City of Wuxi, China. The agreement focuses on best practices in energy and environment.
Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer and state Sen. Carolyn McGinn, co-chairs of the EcoPartnership Task Force, will lead the presentation.
The noon program also includes presentation of the Wichita Air Quality Awards by Rod Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The awards competition is sponsored by the City of Wichita as part of an educational campaign to promote energy conservation as a means of improving local air quality.
Registration information for the noon luncheon and more general information about the conference is available by contacting Rebecca Lewis at the City of Wichita’s Environmental Services Department (316-268-8355, rlewis@wichita.gov) or by visiting the City of Wichita’s website at http://www.wichita.gov/CityOffices/Environmental/AirQuality/EnergyFairForm.htm.
Additional sponsors for the event include Wichita Area Builders Association (WABA), the American Lung Association, Burns & McDonnell and Westar Energy.
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