Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit: October 26th/North Little Rock, Arkansas

The 3rd Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit (“Summit”) will be held on October 26th.

The Summit will be held at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Summit partners include:

• Arkansas Public Policy Panel
• Audubon Arkansas
• Sierra Club of Arkansas

The Summit is described as providing attendees with the opportunity to hear from leading experts on the current state of environmental issues. It is also stated to provide information on recent policy changes that will affect the environment, economy, the lives of Arkansans, along with what actions can be taken to protect and improve the environment.

The keynote speakers will include:

• Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado
• Deeohn Ferris, Vice-President Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, National Audubon Society

Breakout sessions include:

• Clean Power Plan vs. Affordable Clean Energy Rule: What do the Changes Mean for Arkansas?
  • Panelists:
    • Stuart Spencer- Associate Director Office of Air Quality, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
    • Dr. Joseph Bates- Associate Dean for Public Health Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
    • Fay W. Boozman - College of Public Health
    • Cherelle Blazer- Senior Campaign Representative, Louisiana and Arkansas Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign.
  • Moderator:
    • Gary Moody- Interim Executive Director, Audubon Arkansas
• Water in Arkansas, the Buffalo and Beyond
  • Panelists:
    • Caleb Osbourne- Associate Director Office of Water Quality, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
    • Gordon Watkins- President Buffalo River Alliance
    • Ross Noland- Owner, Noland Law Firm P.A., Executive Director Buffalo River Foundation
  • Moderator:
    • Debbie Doss- Director of Arkansas Water Trails Partnership
• Energy Empowerment: Increasing Efficiency and Accessibility for Everyone
  • Panelists:
    • John Bethel- Director of Public Affairs, Entergy Arkansas Inc.,
    • Shawn Mc Murray, Office of Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge
    • Rev. Malik Saafir- Senior Pastor of Theresa Hoover United Methodist Church
    • Josh Davenport-Chief Executive Officer, Seal Energy Corp.
  • Moderator:
    • Mitchell Simpson, Deputy Director Arkansas Economic Development Commission -Energy Office
• Looking Ahead: A 2019 Environmental Legislative Preview
  • Panelists:
    • Michael Grappe- Chief Program Officer, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
    • Donna Gray- Executive Director, Arkansas Public Service Commission
    • Dr. Ford Baldwin- Owner, Practical Weed Consultants
  • Moderator:
    • Katie Niebaum- Executive Director, Arkansas Advanced Energy Association

A link to the agenda can be found here and registration information here.