Forum on Science Ethics & Policy Seminar with the Union of Concerned Scientists

Start Date/Time: Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 2:45 PM
Ending Date/Time: Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 4:00 PM
Location: Guggenheim Room 218

Join FOSEP on May 22nd in a seminar lead by Laura Wisland (Senior Energy Analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists) and Chris Carney (Outreach Coordinator for UCS) focusing on "Lessons from California's Adventures in Renewable Energy."

Abstract:
California has long been a leader among states in the transition to cleaner, safer sources of energy. In 2011, the Golden State took another big leap forward, committing to sourcing at least a third of its electricity from renewable sources like wind and the sun by 2020. What will this take? How might it impact renewable energy development and policies in the Pacific Northwest? Finally, what can other states and the federal government learn from the California experiment? Experts with the Union of Concerned Scientists were deeply engaged in helping shape the policies that led to California's 33 percent by 2020 renewable energy law. Laura Wisland will tell the story of how California got to where it is, and what technological (and political) obstacles will need to be addressed to keep moving toward even greater goals giving up fossil fuel power for greener sources. Chris Carney will share how UCS works with a nationwide network of experts in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to help ensure that policy is informed by independent science, and how experts like you can make a difference.

The seminar will begin at 3pm in Guggenheim Room 218 (refreshments will be served at 2:45pm). Following the seminar, a discussion (with pizza) for graduate students and post-docs will commence in Rm. 218.