GREEN EXPERTS ACADEMY JANUARY 31 TO COVER PUBLIC POLICY, GREEN JOBS AND GREEN ECONOMY OUTLOOK

January 23, 2012 (San Diego)-- As the hotly contested election year begins, public policy, the green economy and green jobs are in the spotlight. Green Experts Academy San Diego brings together public policy experts to provide breaking information about this arena as the U.S. moves into the election year and beyond.

 

In addition, attendees will be invited to join in a green policy brainstorm. Best ideas will be presented to the San Diego’s Mayor's office.

 

The seminar and workshop takes place on January 31 from 5:30-9 p.m. Cricket Communications is the venue host for this event, which costs $20 in advance http://greenexpertsacademy2012.eventbrite.com or $25 at the door.

 

Green Experts Academy Founder Kathleen Connell, who worked with NASA in the policy realm, observes: "Understanding public policy is a part of every job description in the new Green economy, or should be, as policy is so crucial. Likewise, businesses need to know the roadmap to the opportunities in Green, and that path runs through city hall, the state capitol and Washington. We want to provide public education on this topic, and mitigate climate change via policy as we grow a sustainable economy."

 

About Green Experts Academy, San Diego January 31, 2012 (information provided by sponsors)

 

Green Experts Academy, San Diego presents innovative Green symposiums and workshops that empower and enable Green professionals and organizations to succeed in the new Green Economy. Green Experts Academy uses a systems approach to personal, executive, business and community development. This work supports the community, as society attempts to transition to a Green economy while mitigating climate change. Presented by The Connell Whittaker Group, LLC

 

Agenda January 31, 2012

 

5:30-6:00pm:   Sign In, Networking, and Appetizers

6:00-8:00pm

 

 

1. National Outlook:  Mark Reynolds, Executive Director, and Citizens Climate Lobby

 

Dr. James Hansen, the renowned NASA climate scientist who first warned Congress of global warming says of Citizens Climate Lobby:  "Most impressive is the work of the Citizens Climate Lobby, a relatively new, fast growing, nonpartisan, nonprofit group with 46 chapters across the United States and Canada. If you want to join the fight to save the planet, to save creation for your grandchildren, there is no more effective step you could take than becoming an active member of this group.”

 

Citizens Climate Lobby will report on their 2011 visits to Congress, and discuss their climate policy objectives, and the impact on the Green Economy and Green Jobs.  Born in the San Diego region, CCL is a national group to watch on the climate policy front. 

 

2. State of California and Federal Policy Perspectives:  Honorable Lori Saldana, Former representative, California State Assembly District 76, College Professor, Water Quality Expert, Candidate for Congress in the 52nd District of the San Diego Region.

Topic: 

 

"Perspectives on San Diego's Green Policy, Green Jobs and The Economy:  Lessons Learned In The State Assembly & Policy Prospects in Washington D.C. in 2012 and Beyond  

 

Lori Saldana co-authored California's Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32) to reduce CO2 emissions. Her Million solar roofs initiative put thousands to work while improving the environment. She also authored AB 1103, creating thousands of jobs doing building retrofits for energy efficiency. 

In addition, Professor Saldana Lori earned her BA and MA from San Diego State University. She became an Information Technology Professor and Dean of Service Learning at Mesa Community College, then an Environmental Policy Research Fellow at UCSD. Lori Chaired the Mayor’s Wetlands Advisory Board, Chaired the San Diego Sierra Club, and was appointed by President Clinton to the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission. 

Professor Saldana is currently a candidate for Congress. 

 

3. Local Issues/Business Solutions: Lane Sharman, Founder, Biozoil International & Managing Partner, Solana Energy. Sharman founded Solana Energy to negotiate the development of solar farms throughout the Southwest and in 2009 Solar Energy became a local equity partner of the Solarpack Development Corporation headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

 

"Is There a Business Case for a New "San Diego Energy District"?  What are the Green Jobs and Economy Implications of this Proposal?"

 

 

Kathleen Connell, Principal, Connell Whittaker Group LLC, Sustainability expert, Social Entrepreneur, former NASA Public Policy & Program executive/congressional advisor, former Policy Director, Aerospace States Association (Governors and Lt. Governors' group), Founder, Green Experts Academy. Whether from the community or in the highest reaches of NASA and government, Kathleen has pursued and executed many successful policy-related initiatives during her career.

Kathleen is a public policy, strategy, business development, strategic communications & advocacy consultant and educator, in both the sustainability and space/aerospace industries, and a Principal of The Connell Whittaker Group, LLC.  She is known for being a thought-leader and innovator throughout her career with NASA and other government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.  Her pioneering work in many cutting-edge research- and technology-based organizations has resulted in groundbreaking new programs and billions of dollars of revenue, economic development, grants, financing and benefits to society.

 

Her deep and long-standing expertise in sustainability includes advanced ecological closed-loop life support systems, earth sciences, multi-disciplinary science and policy, remote sensing, bio-info-nano, renewable energy, agriculture, livable communities, model research parks, virtual organizations, information societies and systems.  She will share lessons learned from the trenches of policy advocacy.

 

Part III – Public Policy Green Brainstorming Session.    Discussion and brainstorm on public policies you would like to see implemented in the city of San Diego.  Producers have made special arrangements with the Mayor’s Office staff to review the best ideas presented. 

 

This is a rare opportunity to be heard directly on Green public policy by decision makers. Bring your most innovative and feasible ideas, or work in a "Greenstorm" group at the workshop to suggest top-level concepts or improvements to existing programs that you think would enhance sustainability.