Former Ambassador and head of the US delegation to the Kyoto Protocol negotiations, Stuart Eizentstat, Partner with law firm of Covington & Burling LLP, delivered the keynote address at the GW Solar Institute Symposium on April 19, 2010. View more info at: solar.gwu.edu/Symposium.html
Kateri Callahan joined Israeli mayors and senior representatives from local Tel Aviv authorities and agencies to discuss the challenges and potential for Israeli cities in deploying energy efficiency at scale. Showcasing success stories and case studies from the U.S. and around the world, Callahan demonstrated the economic, environmental, and security benefits of advancing programs, technologies, funding and infrastructure that promote efficient energy use.
US Chamber Report: What If...Energy Production was Banned on Federal Lands an...Marcellus Drilling News
This report, the first in the Chamber's Energy Accountability series, finds that if the federal government under Obama and Clinton (as they advocate) were to shut down further energy production from public lands, the result would be catastrophic: the U.S. economy would lose 400,000 jobs and $70 billion in annual GDP.
1.8.2022 accelerating-climate-action-usR. Jay Olson
Since Joe Biden took office in 2021, bold steps have been taken to address climate change and reengage in international diplomacy. But on December 19, 2021, Senator Manchin torpedoed Biden’s signature $1.9 trillion Build Back Better bill. So, what’s next? What can be done now to heighten urgency around the climate change crisis and accelerate transformation to a clean energy future in the U.S.? Learn how bold leadership and increased grassroots efforts can make a difference.
A summary of the climate change protection movement in the U.S. and action needed to further reduce greenhouse gasses and create a clean energy future. Progress has been inadequate. The war against the climate change crisis demands higher priority and more urgent attention by U.S. policy makers, law makers, the business community and citizens.
Kateri Callahan joined Israeli mayors and senior representatives from local Tel Aviv authorities and agencies to discuss the challenges and potential for Israeli cities in deploying energy efficiency at scale. Showcasing success stories and case studies from the U.S. and around the world, Callahan demonstrated the economic, environmental, and security benefits of advancing programs, technologies, funding and infrastructure that promote efficient energy use.
US Chamber Report: What If...Energy Production was Banned on Federal Lands an...Marcellus Drilling News
This report, the first in the Chamber's Energy Accountability series, finds that if the federal government under Obama and Clinton (as they advocate) were to shut down further energy production from public lands, the result would be catastrophic: the U.S. economy would lose 400,000 jobs and $70 billion in annual GDP.
1.8.2022 accelerating-climate-action-usR. Jay Olson
Since Joe Biden took office in 2021, bold steps have been taken to address climate change and reengage in international diplomacy. But on December 19, 2021, Senator Manchin torpedoed Biden’s signature $1.9 trillion Build Back Better bill. So, what’s next? What can be done now to heighten urgency around the climate change crisis and accelerate transformation to a clean energy future in the U.S.? Learn how bold leadership and increased grassroots efforts can make a difference.
A summary of the climate change protection movement in the U.S. and action needed to further reduce greenhouse gasses and create a clean energy future. Progress has been inadequate. The war against the climate change crisis demands higher priority and more urgent attention by U.S. policy makers, law makers, the business community and citizens.
Alliance Associate Schneider Electric hosted Alliance President Kateri Callahan at its North America Leadership Forum, where Callahan discussed opportunities and obstacles in the energy efficiency movement in 2010 and beyond.
Energy innovation es8928 - renewable energy policy handbook -final m coviMarco Covi
A handbook for policy makers in the renewable energy field in Ontario. The handbook places a heavy importance on better consultation and public education on energy matters when it comes to the planning of large-scale energy projects and makes several suggestions on how to improve this. The handbook is timely as it was written in the context of the 2013 LTEP. In addition it serves as an accessible scientific reference guide for decision-makers and the broader public alike.
9th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy and Energy EfficiencyAlliance To Save Energy
Kateri Callahan
President, Alliance to Save Energy
Members of European Parliament, Parliamentarians of Member States, and representatives from the European Commission and NGO community gathered to discuss challenges, progress, and next steps in Europe’s energy efficiency and renewable energy portfolios.
The White House background sheet on climate policies, posted in relation to this piece on Dot Earth: Obama's Path from Rhetoric to Reality on Energy and Climate http://nyti.ms/VbZxMc
Sustainable Energy for a Growing China: How advanced science can help secure ...DuPont
Visit http://www.DuPont.com/FutureChina to learn more about how DuPont collaborates with partners in China to solve challenges related to renewable energy solutions.
China accounts for 20.7% of global energy demand, and Chinese energy consumption is growing four times faster than that of the rest of the world. China’s energy consumption is driven mainly by its vast population and by its rapidly growing economy.
China recognizes that sustainable development is not possible without clean and renewable energy. Scientific and technical innovation will be key to helping China meet its soaring energy demand, while protecting its environment.
DuPont, along with a global network of public and private stakeholders is applying advanced science to create innovative renewable energy solutions with the goal of reshaping China’s overall energy economy.
This white paper was created by Fortune Industry Perspectives and DuPont. It is the second in a series showcasing sustainable development thought leadership, which will help inform the discussions at the 2013 Fortune Global Forum, June 6–8, 2013, in Chengdu, China.
Engaging presentation on global warming based upon a Frontline episode called Heat. Presented by Learn, Share Act.
Visit: http://learnshareact.com See how you can make a difference.
This fact sheet highlights some statistics from a report by the University of Tennessee Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy on federal energy incentives. The report shows that federal support for solar energy is consistent with support for traditional energy sources.
Energy Efficiency – Good for the World’s Economy; Good for the Nation’s Econo...Alliance To Save Energy
States awaiting stimulus funds will be pleased to know that when it comes to funding energy efficiency programs, their dollars will go far. Drastically reduced energy consumption and immediate job growth are just some of the benefits that effective policies and programs can bring, particularly to the Appalachian region, which has the highest energy consumption in the country. Kateri Callahan presented these findings to the annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Investors Board in Charlotte, N.C., where already progressive energy efficiency policies and programs are taking root. Callahan also briefed the audience of investors and board members on the climate and energy bills moving through Congress.
The White House background sheet on energy policies, posted in relation to this piece on Dot Earth: Obama's Path from Rhetoric to Reality on Energy and Climate http://nyti.ms/VbZxMc
Here's the summary: President Obama’s Blueprint for a Clean and Secure Energy Future
The United States is on the path to a cleaner and more secure energy future. Since President Obama took office, responsible domestic oil and gas production has increased each year, while oil imports have fallen to a 20-year low; renewable electricity generation from wind, solar, and geothermal sources has doubled, and the amount of energy our economy wastes has continued to decline; clean energy manufacturing is creating new jobs in industries like solar and wind, and technology and production costs are dropping because of discoveries in the lab and innovation on the factory floor. The President’s “all-of-the-above” approach to develop every source of American energy – expanding oil and gas production and investing in new clean energy technologies – is working. It’s a winning strategy for the economy, energy security, and the environment.
Rhone Resch, President & CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), presented at the GW Solar Institute Symposium on April 19, 2010. For more information visit: solar.gwu.edu/Symposium.html
Maja Wessels, EVP of Public Affairs for First Solar, presented at the GW Solar Institute Symposium on April 19, 2010. More information at solar.gwu.edu/Symposium.html
Alliance Associate Schneider Electric hosted Alliance President Kateri Callahan at its North America Leadership Forum, where Callahan discussed opportunities and obstacles in the energy efficiency movement in 2010 and beyond.
Energy innovation es8928 - renewable energy policy handbook -final m coviMarco Covi
A handbook for policy makers in the renewable energy field in Ontario. The handbook places a heavy importance on better consultation and public education on energy matters when it comes to the planning of large-scale energy projects and makes several suggestions on how to improve this. The handbook is timely as it was written in the context of the 2013 LTEP. In addition it serves as an accessible scientific reference guide for decision-makers and the broader public alike.
9th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy and Energy EfficiencyAlliance To Save Energy
Kateri Callahan
President, Alliance to Save Energy
Members of European Parliament, Parliamentarians of Member States, and representatives from the European Commission and NGO community gathered to discuss challenges, progress, and next steps in Europe’s energy efficiency and renewable energy portfolios.
The White House background sheet on climate policies, posted in relation to this piece on Dot Earth: Obama's Path from Rhetoric to Reality on Energy and Climate http://nyti.ms/VbZxMc
Sustainable Energy for a Growing China: How advanced science can help secure ...DuPont
Visit http://www.DuPont.com/FutureChina to learn more about how DuPont collaborates with partners in China to solve challenges related to renewable energy solutions.
China accounts for 20.7% of global energy demand, and Chinese energy consumption is growing four times faster than that of the rest of the world. China’s energy consumption is driven mainly by its vast population and by its rapidly growing economy.
China recognizes that sustainable development is not possible without clean and renewable energy. Scientific and technical innovation will be key to helping China meet its soaring energy demand, while protecting its environment.
DuPont, along with a global network of public and private stakeholders is applying advanced science to create innovative renewable energy solutions with the goal of reshaping China’s overall energy economy.
This white paper was created by Fortune Industry Perspectives and DuPont. It is the second in a series showcasing sustainable development thought leadership, which will help inform the discussions at the 2013 Fortune Global Forum, June 6–8, 2013, in Chengdu, China.
Engaging presentation on global warming based upon a Frontline episode called Heat. Presented by Learn, Share Act.
Visit: http://learnshareact.com See how you can make a difference.
This fact sheet highlights some statistics from a report by the University of Tennessee Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy on federal energy incentives. The report shows that federal support for solar energy is consistent with support for traditional energy sources.
Energy Efficiency – Good for the World’s Economy; Good for the Nation’s Econo...Alliance To Save Energy
States awaiting stimulus funds will be pleased to know that when it comes to funding energy efficiency programs, their dollars will go far. Drastically reduced energy consumption and immediate job growth are just some of the benefits that effective policies and programs can bring, particularly to the Appalachian region, which has the highest energy consumption in the country. Kateri Callahan presented these findings to the annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Investors Board in Charlotte, N.C., where already progressive energy efficiency policies and programs are taking root. Callahan also briefed the audience of investors and board members on the climate and energy bills moving through Congress.
The White House background sheet on energy policies, posted in relation to this piece on Dot Earth: Obama's Path from Rhetoric to Reality on Energy and Climate http://nyti.ms/VbZxMc
Here's the summary: President Obama’s Blueprint for a Clean and Secure Energy Future
The United States is on the path to a cleaner and more secure energy future. Since President Obama took office, responsible domestic oil and gas production has increased each year, while oil imports have fallen to a 20-year low; renewable electricity generation from wind, solar, and geothermal sources has doubled, and the amount of energy our economy wastes has continued to decline; clean energy manufacturing is creating new jobs in industries like solar and wind, and technology and production costs are dropping because of discoveries in the lab and innovation on the factory floor. The President’s “all-of-the-above” approach to develop every source of American energy – expanding oil and gas production and investing in new clean energy technologies – is working. It’s a winning strategy for the economy, energy security, and the environment.
Rhone Resch, President & CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), presented at the GW Solar Institute Symposium on April 19, 2010. For more information visit: solar.gwu.edu/Symposium.html
Maja Wessels, EVP of Public Affairs for First Solar, presented at the GW Solar Institute Symposium on April 19, 2010. More information at solar.gwu.edu/Symposium.html
Scott Sklar, President of the Stella Group and former Executive Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association, presented on April 19, 2010 at the GW Solar Institute Second Annual Symposium. more information at http://solar.gwu.edu/Symposium.html
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, second in a series, that imagines what the economy would look like today if the shale energy revolution had not taken place. It's not a pretty picture.
Harvard University Study: America's Unconventional Energy OpportunityMarcellus Drilling News
A study published by the Harvard Business School in June 2015 that says, essentially, if fracking is done right (and we already have the technology to do it right), if it's regulated properly, it's safe and has enormous benefits economically for America. This study lays out a plan to achieve just that.
Article published in MTSU's Tennessee's Business Journal discussing how clean energy technology and supporting legislation could be used as an economic engine to create employment, expand business revenues all while helping the environment.
Energy Efficiency: Meeting the Challenge & Fueling A Better Built EnvironmentAlliance To Save Energy
More than 40 leaders in industry, finance, research, and policy convened at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., to discuss critical issues and opportunities for the HVAC&R industry, including climate change, energy efficiency, refrigerants and pending federal legislation.
Softer Solar Landings: Options to Avoid the Investment Tax Credit CliffGW Solar Institute
Federal tax policies have been an important driver for solar’s recent remarkable growth, but without action during the 114th Congress, the 30-percent investment tax credit (ITC) for solar and other clean energy technologies will expire at the end of 2016. If Congress were to allow this policy shock to occur, the economics of solar investments would worsen, reducing solar deployments in 2017 and beyond. Solar jobs would be lost, and solar cost reductions would be delayed. While these negative impacts of current law are undeniable, their magnitude remains an open question. This policy brief estimates the impacts that current law would have on the solar industry. It also formulates several
policy alternatives and estimates their effectiveness at mitigating the negative impacts of the investment tax credit cliff embedded within current law.
This research poster was created as a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium and is by The Solar Foundation.
The National Solar Jobs Census series is a product of The Solar Foundation®, conducted annually since 2010. The inaugural Census established the first credible employment baseline for the domestic solar industry.The Census surveys solar employers and quantifies jobs across all solar technologies and industry subsectors. Since 2010, employment has grown by 53%, representing nearly 50,000 new U.S. solar jobs.
This research poster was created as a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium and is by James Mueller and Amit Ronen.
Fitting Clean Energy into a Reformed Tax Code” Given the looming expiration of clean energy tax incentives and the likelihood of comprehensive tax reform, the clean energy sector need to be developing pragmatic and politically attuned alternatives that fit within the context of tax reform principles. The GW Solar Institute is launching a research series, Fitting Clean Energy into a Reformed Tax Code, which seeks to develop innovative policy solutions and inform policymakers on the full range of impacts that these potential options could have.
Consensus Recommendations on How to Catalyze Low-Income Solar in DCGW Solar Institute
This research poster was featured at the 2014 Solar Symposium and is by Amit Ronen and Anya Schoolman.
Extensive conversations among roughly 70 key stakeholders in the low-income housing, solar, finance, and government sectors revealed that the necessary leadership, consensus, and resources are available to launch a groundbreaking low-income solar initiative in the District. The Expanding Low-Income Solar in DC Roundtable, hosted by the GW Solar Institute and DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN) on April 9, 2014, developed the recommendation that the city pursue a direct dollar-per-watt rebate program that incentivizes low-income participation and community solar projects, combined with a credit enhancement program that unlocks needed capital.
This project was featured at the 2014 Solar Symposium and analyzes both the solar potential of low income areas in the District as well as the resulting economic impact a full build-out could have.
This poster was created by Dan Moring and Ekandayo Shittu.
Dan Moring is a Graduate Research Analyst at the GW Solar Institute. He is a a student in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at GW, where his research focuses on integrating and analyzing spatial components of energy and building data.
Ekandayo Shittu is an Assistant Profession at the George Washington University School of Engineering and an Affiliated Faculty member at the GW Solar Institute. His research focuses on the economics and management of energy technologies, the design and impacts of climate change response policies on sustainability efforts, and patterns of consumer behavior in energy consumption in the emerging era of smart grid technologies. He’s a Lead Author on he IPCC Fifth Assessment report on climate change mitigation.
The GW Solar Institute working paper, Bridging the Solar Income Gap, details a wide range of policy tools to increase access to affordable solar energy, particularly for lower income families. These urgently needed tools could help unlock solar energy for all Americans and drive billions of dollars of solar wealth into lower income communities.
The GW Solar Institute, a research partner on the National Solar Jobs Census 2014, joined The Solar Foundation and BW Research Partnership in announcing that the solar energy industry added over 31,000 new jobs in 2014. This remarkable growth rate is almost twenty times the national average and accounts for 1 out every 78 new jobs created in the US since Solar Jobs Census 2013.
Tax Reform, a Looming Threat to a Booming Solar IndustryGW Solar Institute
This policy brief investigates the impact that recent Congressional tax reform proposals would have on the solar industry. As the first policy brief in an ongoing series, it outlines both the challenges and the opportunities for the solar industry within tax reform. The GW Solar Institute's analysis finds that all recent tax reform proposals would increase the cost of solar energy substantially compared to current policy. Even the Baucus tax reform proposal, which includes a 20 percent Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar, would increase costs by 34 percent over current policy due to its drastic changes to current depreciation schedules and the minimal impact from a lower corporate rate. No matter which other broader changes to the tax system Congress adopts in tax reform, additional energy sector policies would still be necessary to maintain solar’s economic competitiveness relative to current law.
This whitepaper summarizes recommendations from the Expanding Low-Income Solar in DC Roundtable, hosted by the GW Solar Institute and DC Solar United Neighborhoods (DC SUN) on April 9, 2014. Extensive conversations among roughly 70 key stakeholders in the low-income housing, solar, finance, and government sectors revealed that the necessary leadership, consensus, and resources are available to launch a groundbreaking low-income solar initiative in the District.
Rhone Resch | Trends in Solar Energy Technology and Costs | 2014 Solar SymposiumGW Solar Institute
Solar panel prices have dropped 80% in the last five years, dramatically changing the economics and feasibility of going solar.
Long-time solar industry leader Rhone Resch will talk about the rapidly changing solar energy landscape and where he sees solar going in the future.
Jon Hillis | Innovation Showcase | 2014 Solar SymposiumGW Solar Institute
This is an Ignite Style presentation (five minute max presentations with slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds) that was a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium Innovation Showcase.
Jon Hillis, Vice President, Prospect Solar
Combining Solar with Green Roofs: Find out how Green Roof Integrated PV in urban areas like DC can take advantage of the symbiotic relationship between solar panels and green roof plants, alleviate competition for roof space, and address energy concerns and storm water drainage issues that are prevalent in larger cities.
Hannah Masterjohn | Innovation Showcase | 2014 Solar SymposiumGW Solar Institute
This is an Ignite Style presentation (five minute max presentations with slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds) that was a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium Innovation Showcase.
Hannah Masterjohn, Program Director of New Markets, VoteSolar
Taking Shared Solar Nationwide: Find out how shared solar is expanding nationwide, how it differs from green tariffs, and how different states are attempting to use the policy as a tool to address barriers to low-income solar investments.
Bracken Hendricks | Innovation Showcase | 2014 Solar SymposiumGW Solar Institute
This is an Ignite Style presentation (five minute max presentations with slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds) that was a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium Innovation Showcase.
Bracken Hendricks, CEO, Urban Ingenuity
PACE and Affordable Housing: Find out how Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing can fund clean energy retrofits and help solve broader financial challenges for affordable housing developers, owners, and property managers by providing a new capital solution for affordable housing preservation.
Annie Harper | Innovation Showcase | 2014 Solar SymposiumGW Solar Institute
This is an Ignite Style presentation (five minute max presentations with slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds) that was a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium Innovation Showcase.
Annie Harper, Coordinator, Yale Community Carbon Fund
Lessons Learned from Low-Income Retrofits: Find out how the Yale Community Carbon Fund overcame implementation challenges to implement energy efficiency and renewable projects in low-income communities in Connecticut.
Beth Galante | Innovation Showcase | 2014 Solar SymposiumGW Solar Institute
This is an Ignite Style presentation (five minute max presentations with slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds) that was a part of the 2014 Solar Symposium Innovation Showcase.
Beth Galante, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer, PosiGen LLC
Making Third Party Ownership Work for Lower-Income Clients: Find out how bundling energy efficiency and solar, government incentives, and standardization is helping low-income individuals, families, and businesses in Louisiana achieve greater fiscal autonomy and energy independence by lowering their energy consumption.
Welcome to the new Mizzima Weekly !
Mizzima Media Group is pleased to announce the relaunch of Mizzima Weekly. Mizzima is dedicated to helping our readers and viewers keep up to date on the latest developments in Myanmar and related to Myanmar by offering analysis and insight into the subjects that matter. Our websites and our social media channels provide readers and viewers with up-to-the-minute and up-to-date news, which we don’t necessarily need to replicate in our Mizzima Weekly magazine. But where we see a gap is in providing more analysis, insight and in-depth coverage of Myanmar, that is of particular interest to a range of readers.
31052024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
ys jagan mohan reddy political career, Biography.pdfVoterMood
Yeduguri Sandinti Jagan Mohan Reddy, often referred to as Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is an Indian politician who currently serves as the Chief Minister of the state of Andhra Pradesh. He was born on December 21, 1972, in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, to Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy (popularly known as YSR), a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and Y.S. Vijayamma.
Future Of Fintech In India | Evolution Of Fintech In IndiaTheUnitedIndian
Navigating the Future of Fintech in India: Insights into how AI, blockchain, and digital payments are driving unprecedented growth in India's fintech industry, redefining financial services and accessibility.
हम आग्रह करते हैं कि जो भी सत्ता में आए, वह संविधान का पालन करे, उसकी रक्षा करे और उसे बनाए रखे।" प्रस्ताव में कुल तीन प्रमुख हस्तक्षेप और उनके तंत्र भी प्रस्तुत किए गए। पहला हस्तक्षेप स्वतंत्र मीडिया को प्रोत्साहित करके, वास्तविकता पर आधारित काउंटर नैरेटिव का निर्माण करके और सत्तारूढ़ सरकार द्वारा नियोजित मनोवैज्ञानिक हेरफेर की रणनीति का मुकाबला करके लोगों द्वारा निर्धारित कथा को बनाए रखना और उस पर कार्यकरना था।
01062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
role of women and girls in various terror groupssadiakorobi2
Women have three distinct types of involvement: direct involvement in terrorist acts; enabling of others to commit such acts; and facilitating the disengagement of others from violent or extremist groups.
03062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
‘वोटर्स विल मस्ट प्रीवेल’ (मतदाताओं को जीतना होगा) अभियान द्वारा जारी हेल्पलाइन नंबर, 4 जून को सुबह 7 बजे से दोपहर 12 बजे तक मतगणना प्रक्रिया में कहीं भी किसी भी तरह के उल्लंघन की रिपोर्ट करने के लिए खुला रहेगा।
27052024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
In a May 9, 2024 paper, Juri Opitz from the University of Zurich, along with Shira Wein and Nathan Schneider form Georgetown University, discussed the importance of linguistic expertise in natural language processing (NLP) in an era dominated by large language models (LLMs).
The authors explained that while machine translation (MT) previously relied heavily on linguists, the landscape has shifted. “Linguistics is no longer front and center in the way we build NLP systems,” they said. With the emergence of LLMs, which can generate fluent text without the need for specialized modules to handle grammar or semantic coherence, the need for linguistic expertise in NLP is being questioned.
Do Linguistics Still Matter in the Age of Large Language Models.pptx
Eizenstat - Keynote Address
1. SOLAR ENERGY: ENCOURAGING PROGRESS DESPITE
SLOW GLOBAL GROWTH AND A CROWDED AND
CONTENTIOUS US POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Keynote Address by Stuart Eizenstat, Partner, Covington & Burling LLP
GW Solar Institute Symposium - April 19, 2010
I am very glad to be here and want to thank Ken Zweibel, the Executive Director of the
GW Solar Institute, for inviting me to lead off what will no doubt be a fascinating discussion
coming at a very important time. I appreciate the President of George Washington University
and the Dean being present, demonstrating their commitment to solar energy.
SOLAR ENERGY -- WE LOST TIME AND HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO
My association with solar energy goes back to my days as President Carter’s domestic
policy advisor. We developed the first solar energy credit and the President installed the first
solar panel on the White House. Neither survived the Reagan Administration. President Carter
was a prophet before his time, recognizing, before anyone heard the term “global warming”, that
conservation and alternative energy were crucial to reduce our demand for foreign oil. That
remains the case today. We also passed the Public Utilities Regulatory Act (PURPA) in 1978 as
part of the National Energy Act. That law mandated that electric utilities should buy power from
renewable energy producers to promote greater use of renewable. Now, as then, oil has been
used as a political weapon. But there is the added imperative that now we realize the threat to
our planet from the emission of hydro-carbons and the contribution solar and other forms of
renewable energy can make to dealing with global warming.
I felt like I was coming full circle when I was the lead climate change negotiator under
the Clinton Administration, and had the challenge of negotiating the Kyoto Protocol. Then, as
now, Congress is concerned about the economic and competitiveness consequences of taking
action, and deep political divides exist over how to solve the problem.
DC: 3543072-1
2. 2
Thankfully, we now have a President in Barack Obama who understands all the
dimensions of our need to reduce our dependence upon important oil. The largest component of
our massive trade deficit is imported oil.
As the head of Covington & Burling’s international practice, I am fortunate to remain
very active on energy and climate change issues. This still includes working with over 70
attorneys and policy advisors worldwide in our Clean Energy and Climate practice to promote
cost effective policies and solutions to climate change and energy diversification needs which
also help to promote growth and competitiveness here in the United States. These include solar
energy, of course. The drive to promote greater use of solar energy in the United States, for
example, to heat and cool building structures, to heat water and to produce power for a wide
variety of uses, as well as the development and deployment of more cost-effective solar
technologies, still has a long way to go.
Although we started decades ago, PURPA was implemented primarily at the State level.
While some States, such as California, made good use of its provisions to build a solar industry,
others did not. To some extent this is understandable; PURPA allows utilities to pay only the
“avoided cost” of generating or purchasing from another source, usually fossil fuel. The fossil
fuel often has had a lower financial cost per unit to the utility than what it cost solar energy
producers to provide solar power as an alternative. Also then, as now, the grid has not been well-
adapted yet to facilitate the use of renewables. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 -- twenty-eight
years later -- helped by adding a Renewable Portfolio Standard. And we have taken some other
steps in the last two to three years, such as the Obama administration’s $80 billion in clean
energy investments, but there is more we can and must do.
3. 3
SOLAR POWER’S GREAT POTENTIAL IS BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY OTHERS AND WE MUST
STEP UP
Solar power holds great untapped potential to reduce US dependence on foreign oil, to
reduce green house gas emissions per unit of GDP and overall, and -- using the efficiency and
innovation of the US market -- to bring down energy costs while enhancing our national security
by reducing our dependence on expensive foreign oil from troubled parts of the world.
If we are to keep up with China, India, and others in the market for solar energy, we need
to encourage both an efficient U.S. supply response at the same time we encourage market-based
demand and a modern energy grid capable of absorbing and distributing solar-generated energy.
China -- which has put the full weight of its government, its policy and, therefore, its industry
behind renewables and a modern power grid -- in the last two years sprinted ahead to become the
largest manufacturer of solar panels. By the end of 2010, some two-thirds of the solar panels in
the world will be made in China!
Although China is building one new coal-fired power plant per week, and is now the
largest emitter of CO2 in the world, surpassing the U.S., to fill its demand for power, which is
growing by 15% per year, China is also serious about alternative energy. They recognize the
importance of “green jobs” and of a more energy efficient economy. China is serious about and
cognizant of every aspect of the economic equation involved in solar and alternative energy,
including the need to attract investment from US and other global investors to meet the massive
demands of China’s growing market. At the same time, the Chinese government is providing
loans (at interest rates as low as 2%) and grants to both producers and consumers to promote
solar energy development and use. This strategy includes developing both domestic as well as
global supplies of strategic inputs, from rare earth minerals to critical chemical supplies. They
are also collaborating with their research and production sectors against a specific target of
4. 4
growing the use of solar power from the current 4% (the same as in the US) to 8% by 2020. The
Chinese approach is expensive, cumbersome and relies heavily upon top-down approaches and
mandates, but it certainly shows that they are serious about the policy commitment and
understand the need to focus both on demand and supply in the solar power market.
Fortunately, the United States is making progress in promoting solar energy and there are
numerous options for us to do more, and to do it efficiently.
MAKING SOLAR POWER ATTRACTIVE, FEASIBLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE
The Nobel-prize winning UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) cites
three categories of emission reduction policies that countries can use: 1) economic instruments
(e.g., taxes, subsidies, tax exemptions and tax credits, carbon markets); 2) regulatory instruments
(e.g., mandated targets, minimum performance standards, sector specific emission controls and
caps); and, 3) policy processes (e.g., voluntary agreements and consultation, dissemination of
information, standards/certifications, strategic planning). There are many opportunities to
develop and enhance existing U.S. efforts along these lines, and in so doing to leverage both
domestic and international resources to meet our goals. One clear advantage for solar power is
that people really like it. Public opinion polls indicate that over 90 percent of Americans believe
that it is important to develop and use solar power.
Politically, support for solar power should be an easy sell, but there are many challenges
that need to be addressed. Solar power still gets but a small fraction of the government economic
support provided to fossil fuels, which remain the mainstay of our energy supplies. Moreover,
despite sharp reductions in the price of solar panels, the global downturn, combined with more
plentiful natural gas, have combined to make it somewhat harder for solar power to compete and
expand here without stronger policy support. In addition, our power system is fragmented, and
its structure and regulation offer poor incentives for the types of innovation and risk-taking
5. 5
required to effectively promote and incorporate alternative energy sources. Yet, the political
momentum in the United States is running against additional stimulus efforts and government
incentives because of our massive deficit, and deep divisions exist not only with respect to
climate change policy, but in regard to comprehensive energy reform. While I am heartened to
see that solar power-related stocks were included in the rising tide that has lifted the broader
stock market in recent weeks, the economic and political landscape in the United States remain
very difficult, so we have to focus on some specific actions needed to move forward on solar
power more vigorously.
President Obama and his Administration are now giving solar energy the priority it
deserves. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has a variety of
important incentives for solar and alternative energy As the excellent SEIA Year in Review
2009 Report indicates, more than 46 MW of solar capacity has been deployed under Section
1603 Treasury grants, established by ARRA. This allows the commercial tax credit to be taken
as a cash grant; the $2000 cap on the residential investment tax credit for solar thermal
installations was lifted, allowing a full 30% ITC on solar water heating for homeowners. Solar
equipment manufacturers have received some $600 million in manufacturing tax credits under
ARRA. The Department of Energy has awarded 60 of their 183 manufacturing tax credits to
factories supplying the solar energy industry.
The private sector is also stepping up. SEIA indicates that in 2009, venture capitalists
invested more in solar technologies than in any other clean energy technology, and total U.S.
solar capacity from photovoltaic and other solar technologies exceeded 2000 MW, enough,
according to SEIA, to serve more than 350,000 homes.
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But more needs to be done. We should encourage Congress and the Administration to
renew, expend and clarify existing US policies and laws. Under current law, producers may
claim a production tax credit for producing renewable energy at a qualified facility during a
specified period. For solar energy facilities, the current time limit on facilities “placed in
service” is December 31, 2013. The current bill before Congress does not envision an extension.
Under current law, taxpayers may claim an investment tax credit of around 30 percent of the cost
and they are subject to the same “placed in service” date limitations. There are no proposals or
legislation pending to enhance these provisions in any way. Current law also allows taxpayers to
apply for section 1603 grants for qualifying costs related to qualifying properties with the same
December 31, 2013 “placed in service” limit on solar facilities as under the other programs.
Moreover, in March, Senator Chuck Schumer introduced legislation that would impose on 1603
grantees the “Buy America” provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA). While I recognize concerns about competition from overseas, in a globalized world,
our producers need to be able to price competitively, and often that requires them to source
inputs competitively. Rather than restrict, it may make more sense to enhance 1603 grant
programs. Finally, an existing program allowing tax payers to claim a discretionary income tax
credit for building or expanding certain manufacturing facilities, including solar energy facilities,
has effectively expired because it hit its $2.3 billion cap in January. That could be revisited as
well.
We also will have to open up the US energy network to create a smart grid system that
goes far beyond the use of smart meters -- as good as that is -- to allow for the role of non-
traditional players and energy supplies, and to give consumers more choices. It will be more of
an adaptable network than a one-way grid. For example, Kurt Yeager of EPRI recently
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remarked that every one of our big buildings should be a power plant, not a power consumer. I
work with Roger Platt and the US Green Building Council and they properly believe that solar
power is one of the critical ways to help us achieve Kurt’s well-stated goal. But electricity
generated by buildings in that way cannot yet be easily absorbed into the grid, and those who
can, or might, generate power in excess of their own needs are not able to be compensated at
retail rates.
There are many ways our system can be made more open, more integrated and able to
promote more and better choices by consumers. The Solar Bill of Rights set forth by the Solar
Energy Industry Association sets forth a range of issues beyond those I have mentioned that
ought to be considered. The federal government could be far more active in setting goals and
standards -- including via Home Star and Energy Star programs and the Renewables Portfolio
Standard along with other approaches to the power network -- that would encourage stronger
competition and more innovation than what we currently see with the current system. Some
estimate that it will take $400 billion to fully modernize our whole power system, both
distribution and transmission. Clearly, resources of that magnitude have to come from the
private sector, but they have to see the value proposition in making those investments.
The Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently sought formal public
comments on the extent to which barriers impede the reliable and efficient integration of variable
energy resources (VERs) into the electric grid, and on the reforms needed to eliminate those
barriers. It is critical that solar power proponents take full advantage of that opportunity. It is
important to tell FERC and Congress what will work well and sustainable. We need to explore
all of the tools available to us to bring down barriers.
8. 8
We must also use international markets and processes to build bridges, not barriers, to
expanded solar power. China and India, which at climate negotiations in Copenhagen for the
first time ever committed to take on commitments regarding climate change albeit energy
efficiency standards, not actual greenhouse gas reductions, are both our competitors and our
partners on clean energy, including solar energy. The Obama administration has active
dialogues with them on clean energy, and these involve industry from both sides. So while we
must ask them to adhere to WTO and other international rules, and to take on more ambitious
and real climate change commitments, we do not gain by isolating our solar and other clean
energy production activities from partnerships with them. While we may not achieve a binding
treaty in Cancun this year, action by the United States and others, domestically and
internationally, on solar energy and other practical solutions is helping to strengthen the resolve
of other major emerging economies to act on climate change. Solar energy, like cooperation on
protecting the world’s tropical forests, is a cost-effective and feasible way in which all nations
can be part of the solution to climate change.
Today is the second day of President Obama’s meetings with the Major Economies
Forum (MEF) here in Washington. The group includes Brazil, India, China, Indonesia, Mexico
and other major emerging economies that are playing an increasingly important role in energy
markets and in generating emissions. It is in the US’ interest that the MEF, and the G20,
cooperate effectively to generate cooperation on expanding and diversifying clean energy
supplies while addressing climate change. Ultimately, this is good for the global economy and
for global stability. And it may even pave the way for a truly path breaking and effective global
approach to climate and resource use that encourages low-carbon sustainable growth.
9. 9
THE US POLITICAL LANDSCAPE -- CROWDED, CONTENTIOUS AND DYNAMIC
As you all know, the lengthy debate over health care reform and deep divisions over how
best to stimulate growth and job creation took most of the oxygen out of the room for Congress.
A bruising battle now looms over financial sector reform. Despite this, and even though the mid-
term elections’ season is fast-approaching, the White House is renewing its commitment to pass
energy and climate change legislation this year. Carol Browner has been outspoken, and NEC
Director Larry Summers gave a rousing speech on April 6 setting forth the economic and
security rationale for action by this Congress. But it will not be easy to get the sixty votes
needed in the Senate, not only for a climate and energy bill, but for an energy-only bill.
Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman within days will unveil an energy and climate
bill to be carried forward by Senator Harry Reid. It will reference all of S1462, passed out of the
Energy and Natural Resources Committee last summer, which includes a renewable energy
mandate for electric utilities, but goes beyond it to cap specific economic sectors in a phased
manner, and to try to ensure that a carbon has a price, even without an economy wide target.
Many in industry want the certainty of a price on carbon and clear rules of the road, but there are
vast differences across various industry groups. For moderate Democrats as well as
Republicans, this territory is fraught with peril. On April 15, 2010 Democratic senators, led by
Sherrod Brown, wrote to Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman with a long list of the demands
by those in States with energy intensive industries. Senator Reid has his work cut out for him.
But as Larry Summers said in his recent speech in support of comprehensive energy sector
reform, “Read the history of great nations...Read how they succeed and how they fail…Their
ability to mobilize to solve problems before they are absolutely imminent crises is what
determines their longevity.”
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I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and look forward to working with you to
see that solar energy is a key component of our energy future.