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National Conversation on Climate Action

October 5, 2007
Price Turpen Courtroom
The University of Tulsa College of Law
Tulsa, OK

National Conversation on Climate Action, Tulsa, OK

Event Presenters: Gary McManus, Asst State Climatologist, Irma Russell, Director of NELPI, Betin Santos, Regional Director ICLEI and in attendance, Mark Shaffer, Oklahoma Climatological Survey

Honorable Kathy Taylor, Mayor of Tulsa

Attendance included a polar bear.

Tulsa World:Global warming hot topic at Tulsa talk

National Conversation on Climate Action Opening Remarks by Mayor Kathy Taylor, Mayor of Tulsa; Presentation on Climate Change by Gary McManus, Asst State Climatologist, OK Climatological Survey. For more information Press Release Climate Forum

Tulsa's Energy Progress was discussed at the event. Mayor Kathy Taylor has moved the city of Tulsa toward energy efficiency. The following points indicate the progress.

• Created the first Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan for the City of Tulsa in 2007 per Title 12 60 pages in all which catalogues and graphs for first time consumption, spend, and emissions year to year while giving solutions that have worked in other cities outlined in USCM Best Practices Guide.
• Purchased Natural Gas vehicles (EMD, TARE)
• Resurrected City CNG filling station
• Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority has moved to 100% B20 Biodiesel
• Instituted an anti-idling policy (Idling is keeping motor running where it is not necessary to do job or protect health or safety of Tulsans).
• Approved the energy saving consolidation of city Facilities into One Technology Center projected to save city millions in maintenance and energy costs.
• Is working with DOE for a free wind feasibility study
• Planning with EPA for Biomethane feasibility study in area landfills
• Tulsa just recognized and given a partnership award in St. Louis by Blue Skyways Collaborative for our efforts over the last year.
• Was number 500 for Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement (Wyoming, Mississippi, and South Dakota are now the only three Beating Oklahoma as having the least number of signed cities in state).
  

Climate Change on Oklahoma was discussed by Assistant State Climatologist, Gary McManus. His presentation was titled "Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Oklahoma in the 21st Century"

• [Click here to download the full powerpoint presentation.]

Distinguished Alumni in Residence, Judith Pensabene, April 2006

Energy Law Journal Editors Matthew Sunday, Bryan Harrington, Latisha Irwin, Bonnie Bridges, Christina Deaton, Lauren Mohr and Ken McConkey with special guest Judith Pensabene, TU Law alumna and Chief Counsel, U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee

Social and Environmental Impacts of Governmental Policies Panel

August 16-19, 2007
Biofuels & the Promise of Sustainable Energy Conference
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Prof. Marla E. Wieder
Pace University School of Law

Abstract

While biofuels have the potential to help ease the United States' dependence on foreign oil and reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions they also have the potential to degrade the environment and contribute to a host of social injustices. Even though the United States is currently the world's leading ethanol producer and has the capacity to expand its production, the mere increase in ethanol production will not solve our current energy crisis. The United States' primary focus should be on reducing its current energy consumption and addressing the inefficiencies in its transportation sector. Additionally the United States needs to pursue improvements in second-generation biofuels technology (i.e. biomass-to-liquid technologies such as cellulosic ethanol and Fischer-Tropsch gasification which utilize non-food feedstocks such as agricultural waste) and expand its use of other renewable energy technologies such as solar power, wind power and hydroelectricity. As we inevitably move forward with biofuel production we must evaluate the true life-cycle cost of such fuels and be mindful of the possible negative ripple effects that such production may have in this country and elsewhere. If managed correctly, biofuels will be part of the solution; if managed incorrectly, they will only add to our problems.

• [Click here to download the full powerpoint presentation.]

IUCN Commission on Environmental Law, Report on Brazil Biofuels Conference

August 16-19, 2007
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Summary by Professor Richard Ottinger and Professor Irma Russell

The National Energy-Environment Law and Policy Institute (NELPI) at The University of Tulsa College of Law, Pace University School of Law, and the Pontific Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) brought together experts from government, law, industry, and agriculture to discuss developments in the field of biofuels in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil August 16-19, 2007.

The conference, Biofuels and the Promise of Sustainable Energy (Biocombustíveis e a Promessa de Energia Sustentável), was held at the Pontificia Unversidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro. It is the first of a bi-annual series of colloquia to be hosted by Pace. This first conference was enriched by the participation of NELPI, one of the United States premier institutions focusing at the intersection of energy and the environment. IUCN's Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) also provided financial support.

The event presented an exploration of issues related to the growing energy field of biofuels (fuels from agricultural and cellulosic feedstocks) as an alternative to fossil fuel is attracting world wide attention. Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion have lead to increased focus on renewable energy sources. Biofuels provide an alternative to fossil fuels, and burning biofuels does not add to the problem of global climate change.

Nevertheless biofuels present their own unique risks and challenges. Critics claim that some biofuel feedstock cultivation, processing and transport require as much fossil fuel as they save and make great demands on limited water supplies, sometimes causing water pollution as well. Rapid growth in demand for feedstocks (i.e., corn sugar, soybeans, etc.) also may divert cropland from "food crops" to "fuel crops," increase food prices to the detriment of the poor, and accelerate biodiversity loss. If forests are cut to provide land for growth of biofuel feedstocks, greenhouse gas emissions will increase and biodiversity will be jeopardized. Monoculture cultivation of a crop and removal of all cellulosic material will result in degradation of the land and promotion of erosion. Lastly, exploitation of developing country agriculture and labor by large agribusinesses may result in large job losses, environmental neglect, payment of substandard wages and the siphoning off of profits from biofuel production so that local communities and needs will be deprived of the economic benefits.

Brazil has played a leading role in the development of biofuels since the 1970's. It therefore provides valuable data on both the benefits and adverse risks of biofuels production and use.

This conference created a forum for experts from diverse disciplines to share information and debate the pitfalls and promises of biofuels. Six panels of experts presented differing perspectives on issues relating to biofuels and the greenhouse effect. I — Challenges & Perspectives of Biofuels, II — Industry / Investments Perspectives, III — Biofuels, Agriculture & the WTO, IV — Biofuels & International Carbon Markets, V — Biofuels & Governmental Policies, VI — Social & Environmental Impacts of Governmental Policies.

Speakers and Panelists included authorities from Brazil and the United States in the areas of government, academics and industry:

• Antonio Herman Benjamin, Justice on the Supreme Court of Brazil & Founder of the Brazilian NGO Institute
• Roberto Rodriguez, Director of the Getulia Vaergas Foundaation Agricultural Center, Chair of the association of Indsutries of the State of Sao Paulo Agribusiness Superior Council, Professor of rural Economy at the State University of Sao Paulo, and former Brazil Secretary of Agriculture.
• Richard L. Ottinger, Dean Emeritus of Pace Law School, Faculty Supervisor, Pace Law School Energy Project; former member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Norman De Paula Arruda Filho, General Director, Getulio Vargas Foundation Advanced Institute of Administration and Economics
• Irma S. Russell, Professor of Law and Director of NELPI
• Jose Rubens Morato Leite, Professor of Environmental Law at the Federal University of Santa Catarina State
• John Cahill, Chadbourne & Parker; former Secretary and Chief of State to NY Governor George Pataki; former Commissioner, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation
• Arthur Haubenstock, Renewable energy specialist, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
• Oscar Grace Couto, Professor of Law at FGV and PUC-Rio, Partner, Lobo & Ibeas, LLP
• Robert Hofstede, Regional Director, Brazil Program
• David Cassuto, Acting Director, Brazil Program, Pace Law School
• Marla Wieder, Visiting Co-director, Environmental Law Program & Adjunct Professor, Pace Law School
• Romulo S.R. Sampaio, Visiting Professor ISAE/FGV; Partner SFSR Sociedade de Adwogados
• Fernando Walacer, Professor of Environmental Law, PUC-RIO
• Antonio Augusto Reis, Associate Environmental Legal Counselor, Lobo & Ibeas
• Sergio C. Trindade, International consultant in the fields of alternative & renewable fuels, energy & technology; former Assistant UN Secretary-General for Science & Technology
• Hsu O'Keefe, Adjunct professor, Pace University's Lubin School of Busniess & Fairleigh Dickinson University; International consultant on environment, business and trade issues
• Alberto Ninio, Attorney, World Bank
• Consuelo Y. Moromizato Yoshida, Professor of Environmental law at PUC-SP
• Solange Teles da Silva, Professor of Environmental Law at UNISANTOS & Amazon State University
• Carol Werner, Executive Director, Environmental and Energy Study Institute
• Sebastiao Antunes Furtado, Partner, SFSR, LLP
• Werner Grau Neto, Partner, Pinheiro Neto, LLP
• Jose Carlos Junqueira S. Meirelles, Partner, Pinheiro Neto LLP
• Antonio Jose L.C. Monteiro, Partner, Pinheiro Neto, LLP

International Visitor Leadership Program

April 10, 2007
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Director Irma Russell hosted a dinner for Imran Akhtar with the Pakistan Energy Program Delegation. Mr. Akhtar's visit was part of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program.

The Energy Law Journal Annual Awards Banquet

March 22, 2007
Tulsa Country Club
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Presented by
The University of Tulsa College of Law
National Energy-Environment Law and Policy Institute

Keynote Speaker
Commissioner Suedeen G. Kelly
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Washington, D.C.

Honoring
Marla Mansfield
Asst Director of NELPI and Advisor for the Energy Law Journal, 1994-2006
Professor of law
The University of Tulsa College of Law
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Energy Policy 2007 Speaking Series

Sponsored by
The University of Tulsa College of Law Enrichment Committee
National Energy & Environment Law Policy Institute
Energy Law Journal

The lecture series are open to the public without charge.

March 28, 2007
Thomas M. Zeiders
Attorney, Wright & Associates

Global Energy Issues for the 21st Century

In conjunction with The TU College of Law Enrichment Committee, NELPI and the Energy Law Journal presented a lecture by Thomas M. Zeiders, attorney with Wright & Associates. This lecture was funded by the TU College of Law Visiting Distinguished Lecturer Series as part of the Enrichment Series. Mr. Zeider is a candidate for LL.M in Petroleum Law and Policy at the University of Dundee, Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy in May 2008. He received his Juris Doctor at The University of Tulsa College of Law in 2006. Prior to obtaining his JD he was a Landman for the Osage Land Company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

March 22, 2007
Honorable Suedeen G. Kelly
Commissioner with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Emerging Players & Career Opportunities in Domestic & Global Energy

In conjunction with The TU College of Law Enrichment Committee, NELPI and the Energy Law Journal presented a lecture by Commissioner Suedeen Kelly of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This lecture was funded by the TU College of Law Visiting Distinguished Lecturer Series as part of the Enrichment Series. Suedeen G. Kelly is a Commissioner for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, confirmed to a term that expires June 30, 2009. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester, B.A. with Distinction in Chemistry and a J.D. cum laude from Cornell Law School. During her distinguished career she has served as Chair of the New Mexico Public Service Commission, which regulated New Mexico's electric, gas and water utilities and as counsel to the California Independent System Operator. Previously she was a Professor of Law at the University of New Mexico, School of Law, where she taught energy law, public utility regulation, administrative law and legislative process.

February 21, 2007
Alex Goldberg
General Counsel for Williams Power Company and Assistant General Counsel for the Williams Companies.

The Balance Between Cost and the Environment

In conjunction with The TU College of Law Enrichment Committee, NELPI and the Energy Law Journal presented a lecture by Alex Goldberg, General Counsel for Williams Power Company and Assistant General Counsel for the Williams Companies. This lecture was funded by the TU College of Law Visiting Distinguished Lecturer Series as part of the Enrichment Series. Alex Goldberg has served in his current role since 2003, overseeing all the legal affairs for the business. From 2000 until today, he has also led Williams' legal team in all aspects of its response to the California energy crisis. Alex received his JD from The University of Tulsa College of Law in 1987 where he served as a student editor of the Energy Law Journal. Alex maintains his connection to TU as a professional editor of the Energy Law Journal.

November 3, 2006
George Cameron Coggins
Frank Edwards Tyler Professor of Law, University of Kansas School of Law

Some Inanities in American Oil and Gas Law

In conjunction with the TU College of Law Enrichment Committee, NELPI presented a lecture by George Cameron Coggins, Frank Edwards Tyler Professor of Law, University of Kansas School of Law. This lecture was funded by the TU College of Law Visiting Distinguished Lecturer Series as part of the Enrichment Series. George C. Coggins is a nationally recognized scholar in the areas of environmental law, wildlife law, national energy policy, and national public land and resources. Coggins has taught law at the University of Kansas since 1983. He is the co-author of the seminal casebook, "Federal Public Land and Resources Law," which is now in its fifth edition.

NELPI Water Forum

"City of Tulsa, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al."
February 3, 2005
7:00 p.m.
Great Hall - Alan Chapman Activity Center, University of Tulsa

Executive Summary: Was the settlement fair? How does it work? What was accomplished (is the water cleaner)? Is litigation the best way to clean up the environment? Should the state of Oklahoma sue? Speakers representing various points of view will give their views and respond to questions.

• Miles Tolbert - Oklahoma Secretary of Environment
• Robert L. Roark - Counsel for Plaintiff
• John Everett - Special Master
• Scott McDaniel - Counsel for Defendants
• Jim Cameron - Chair TMUA<
• Harlan Hentges - Poultry Growers

  View the video here.

NELPI Mold Conference

"Toxic Mold, Human Health and the Law"
Thursday, March 27, 2003
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gallery Room - Alan Chapman Activity Center, University of Tulsa

Executive Summary: NELPI has assembled a nationally prominent group of scientists, lawyers and experts to examine the mold phenomenon from health and legal perspectives. The conference will be held Thursday, March 27, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Gallery Room at Allen Chapman Activity Center. CLE credit will be available. See our Conference Brochure for details.

[Click here to download the full brochure in PDF format.]

[video currently unavailable]

NELPI Water Conference

"Quality & Quantity: Water Takes Center Stage"
Thursday, April 4, 2002
Tulsa Country Club, 701 North Union, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Executive Summary: Water quality and availability, so long taken for granted, are now major environmental and quality-of-life issues. Throughout America well-meaning citizens and government officials debate the preferred solutions to a host of challenges: how to keep groundwater from surface contamination; how to prevent non-point source run-off from degrading streams and rivers; how to manage confined animal feeding operations; how to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) of contaminants; how to encourage economic development without lowering water quality; how to manage and allocate existing water resources; and how to maintain the purity of scenic rivers.

This conference will attempt to give attendees the chance to listen to, meet, and question many of the experts and important decision makers on water issues. In addition, a well-known expert will give us an overview of pending international water issues. We hope this day of presentations and discussion will lead to a deeper understanding of water problems, and, perhaps, a consensus on some issues of importance.

[Click here to download the full brochure in PDF format.]

Past NELPI Forums/Luncheons

James J. Hoecker
Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman LLP
Former Chairman of U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Practitioner-in-Residence - November 15-16, 2001

Joint Luncheon Meeting
NELPI and The International Society of Energy Advocates
"Power Deregulation in Oklahoma and Nationwide - But What Next?"
Pete Churchwell and James J. Hoecker, speakers
Thursday, November 15, 2001 - 11:30 a.m.
The Summit - 15 West 6th, 31st FLoor

NELPI Luncheon Forum
"How Electric Deregulation Can Solve
Global Warming"
April 19, 1999

The Nature Conservancy
Tall Grass Prairie Preserve Research Station
April 9, 1999

"National and Oklahoma Developments"
April 24, 1998

"Conservation in Oklahoma:
Why and How?"
February 27, 1998

"Animal Waste Pollution
and Economic Development: The
Oklahoma Experience"
January 30, 1998

"Animal Waste, Water Quality,
and the Oklahoma Scenic
Rivers Act"
October 31, 1997