Hydrogen technology and its future as an alternative to oil will have special emphasis at the upcoming conference called "Energy: Crisis and Opportunity" on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park.
The outdoor event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Commencement Lawn near the lakes. There is no charge.
Organizers say the event is being held to "give ordinary citizens a grasp of how the energy grid and power market work, the history of corporate involvement in California energy issues, the question of deregulation, and the outlook for fossil fuel and nuclear power."
"Experts will also discuss how hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, could soon make fossil fuels and nuclear energy obsolete, " says Bonnie Allen, one of the coordinators of the event.
Speakers include Dan Berman, co-author of "Who Owns the Sun"; Ty Cashman, a hydrogen energy expert and president of the Solar Economy Institute; Alexandra von Meier, director of the SSU Environmental Technology Center; and others drawn from the Sonoma State University faculty, the Alliance for Democracy, the Sierra Club, and regional experts.
In what's conceived as a series of short, lively talks with ample time for questions, recognized energy experts will chart a course from the present crisis to the "largely unpublicized but potentially bright future of sustainable energy," Allen says.
"We'll explore opportunities for change," says professor Phil Temko, "including conservation, increased efficiency, and the available and emerging renewable technologies such as photovoltaics, wind, wave power, and solar thermal concentrators. This is a chance for citizens to gain some clarity and optimism about our energy future. "
There will also be tours of the SSU Environmental Technology Center, displays by vendors and alternative energy interest groups, and alternative energy vehicles.
Parking is in lots A, G, and H. The Bicycle Coalition of Sonoma County will host a secure bicycle area. If it rains, the gathering will move to Ives Hall. Food will be on sale during the lunch break.
Donations are requested to help defray conference expenses.
The Alliance for Democracy will provide booklets with Web and print resources for those who want to go deeper into each speaker's topic.
Sponsors include the Alliance for Democracy; the SSU Philosophy Department; Environmental Studies and Planning Department; School of Social Sciences; School of Arts and Humanities; School of Natural Sciences; School of Business and Economics; School of Extended Education; Associated Students; SSU Alumni Association; Project Censored; the Sierra Club; and the Sonoma County Peace and Justice Center.
For further information, contact Bonnie Allen, (707) 763-2544
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONFERENCE PROGRAM:
ENERGY: CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY, CHARTING THE
COURSE TO A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
INTRODUCTION
SESSION #1: THE CRISIS
A. The 20th Century - Demands for Privatization--Deregulation & Its Consequences and Costs - Where Are We Now?
- Miles Everett, Historian, Alliance for Democracy
B. How the Power Grid System Works/How the Current Power Marketing System Works - Graham Brownstein, TURN
C. Problems with Reliance on Fossil Fuels and Nuclear - Dwight Cocke, TURN
SESSION #2: THE TECHNOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PITFALLS
A. The Conservation Imperative - Maximizing Design and Efficiency - Dr. Alexandra von Meier, Environmental Studies, Sonoma State University
B. Renewable Energy Sources - Their Possibilities and Problems - Eric Wesselman, Sierra Club
C. Solar Thermal Concentrators - Joe Perkins, Alliance for Democracy
D. A Hydrogen-Based Economy - Ty Cashman, Wind Energy Coordinator under Gov. Jerry Brown.
PICNIC LUNCH: Bring or buy
SESSION #3: PUBLIC POLICY OPPORTUNITIES
A. Where California Legislature is Now
B. Privatization vs. Public Ownership - Dan Berman, co-author: "Who Owns the Sun"
C. State Control vs. Municipal or Regional Control
D. What Can People Do? - Audience Participation
SESSION #4: A REVIEW DISCUSSION AND A FORECAST
A. Concluding Vision: How Would Life Look In a Sustainable Society? - Zeno Swijtink, Philosophy Department, SSU.
