Thomas Friedman to Discuss Global Implications of Energy Policy at Energy Efficiency Forum, June 10-

With an intense global interest in climate change and a new administration poised to take office, the nation is increasingly attuned to the potential for groundbreaking energy and climate change policy. At the 19th annual Energy Efficiency Forum, titled What’s Happening Now and What’s Next?, June 10 – 11, 2008, business and government experts will explore how new leadership can build on public and private sector initiatives to develop large-scale energy efficiency programs that will have significant economic and environmental impact.

The confirmed keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, author of The World is Flat. In addition to providing an overview of his upcoming book Hot, Flat and Crowded, Friedman will discuss the global implications of energy policy, the economy and environment with Robert K. Watson, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System, and David B. Goldstein, co-director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Energy Program. Also confirmed is Steven Specker, president, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Specker will address his organization’s focus on research and development on technology, operations and the environment for the global electric power sector.

The Energy Efficiency Forum annually draws approximately 300 top-level business and energy decision makers. Past speakers include President George W. Bush, Sen. Hillary Clinton and every U.S. Secretary of Energy since 1990.

“For 19 years, the Energy Efficiency Forum has delivered an exciting platform for discussion between public and private sector leaders who are focused on making energy efficiency a priority for our nation and our world,” noted Barry Worthington, executive director of United States Energy Association and co-chair of the Forum. “Our list of confirmed and invited speakers and the excitement of having the presidential election around the corner will make this one of the liveliest events we’ve ever held.”

Worthington said the Forum is still accepting nominations for energy leadership awards. Honors include: Congressional Award, Public Service Award, International Award, Governor’s Award and Mayor’s Award (Click here for details on these awards:

The mission of the Energy Efficiency Forum is to be the premier forum that promotes an energy efficiency ethic through the presentation of national and worldwide views on energy efficiency and the resulting impact on the environment, national security and economic growth.

The United States Energy Association (USEA) is the U.S. Member Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC). USEA is an association of public and private energy-related organizations, corporations, and government agencies. It represents the broad interests of the U.S. energy sector by increasing the understanding of energy issues, both domestically and internationally. In conjunction with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Energy, USEA sponsors our nation’s Energy Partnership Program. Membership in USEA is open to all organizations having an interest in the energy sector of the United States. For more information, please visit