Local leaders discuss climate and energy solutions at Earth Day Conference

MEDIA ADVISORY

***April 22, 2009 – Earth Day ***

Los Angeles County Takes Center Stage in National Conversation on Climate Action this Earth Day

“Awareness. Action. Change. Uniting to Go Green” Event Will Connect Los Angeles County Neighbors, Businesses, Schools and Civic Leaders to Discuss Climate and Energy Solutions

Los Angeles, California – Hundreds of Los Angeles County residents will gather together on Earth Day for “Awareness. Action. Change. Uniting to Go Green”—part of the National Conversation on Climate Action. The event is open to the public and will feature several keynote addresses, roundtable discussions and breakout sessions designed to truly engage members of Los Angeles County’s communities in the County’s climate and energy plans. Los Angeles County was selected to host one of 10 Spotlight Conversations around the country.

WHO:  Keynote remarks will be delivered by three climate change experts:  Michael Crooke, PhD, a strategic consultant and former CEO of Patagonia a company widely known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and Revolution Living, a group of companies working to change the way consumers and brands interact; Commissioner Michael Peevey, President, California Public Utilities Commission; and Albert Mendoza, CEO and President of Coalition for Clean Air. *more information on the key speakers below

 

Other speakers include: Anne Shen Smith, Sempra Energy, Senior Vice President of Customer Services; Los Angeles County Supervisors; Art Leahy, Metro CEO; and Eric Garcetti, LA City Council President.

 

WHAT: Awareness. Action. Change. Uniting to Go Green. (part of the National Conversation on Climate Action)

WHEN: April 22 (Earth Day) 7:30 am – 7:00 pm

WHERE: Metro Headquarters Building, One Gateway Plaza – Los Angeles, CA

WHY: Bring the community together to chart a course of action for Los Angeles County on climate change and energy solutions.

CONTACT: Karen Simmons, County Department of Regional Planning, 213-964-6432, gogreen@planning.lacounty.gov, or Annie Strickler, ICLEI, 510.844.0699 x328 or annie.strickler@iclei.org.

For more information visit www.climateconversation.org or http://planning.lacounty.gov/ncca.  

*Mr. Crooke is currently CEO of prAna Living (www.prana.com).   PrAna Living manufactures and markets active lifestyle apparel and accessories grounded in ideals of sustainability.  The company is always looking for new ways to fold sustainable materials and practices into their collection, working to reduce the impact on soils, water supplies and other natural resources.  As part of their Natural Power Initiative, prAna works with their partner 3Degrees to support new US based wind energy projects through the purchase of renewable energy certificates.  PrAna supports a number of organizations who share their values, such as the Organic Trade Association, the Organic Exchange, the Access Fund, the Conservation Alliance and the Outdoor Foundation.

Commissioner Peevey, ss President of the PUC, is committed to protecting the public interest by promoting consumer needs, while challenging utilities to embrace new technologies and provide safe, high-quality services.   Mr. Peevey is committed to maximizing energy efficiency and demand response opportunities and ensuring that California's environment is protected.  He is also a strong supporter of renewable energy and renewable procurement requirements for utilities, and is a leader in implementing California's Solar and Greenhouse Gas Initiatives. He also serves as Chairman of the California Emerging Technology Fund.

Alberto Mendoza is president and CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) and works from the Los Angeles office. The first Latino leader to run a statewide environmental organization, he was named a “Leader of the Future” by La Opinion and the “Champion of Clean Air” by Latino Leaders. Prior to joining CCA in 2007, Alberto had more than 13 years of nonprofit experience, including directing programs for the Drug Policy Alliance, Girl Scouts USA, Public Counsel and AIDS Project Los Angeles