Letter from the President's Desk: Join Us for the Energy Efficiency Global Forum, April 12-14 in Brussels

Dear Friends,

We’re entering the home stretch to EE Global, April 12-14 in Brussels, Belgium. In less than three weeks, I will join an all-star lineup of international energy efficiency figures, including UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres and European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek. Add to that our stellar workshops and roster of sponsors – including Intel, Siemens and Schneider Electric – and you have what is sure to be the most diverse and enriching energy efficiency event with a global focus during EU Sustainable Energy Week. While we put the finishing touches on this year’s agenda, check out the heavy hitters who will be giving you the insider’s view on the past, present and future of energy efficiency. And don’t forget to visit our Solutions Showcase floor plan to see who’s exhibiting at EE Global, and who you could network with while in Brussels.

If energy’s role in the business, academic and policy arenas matters to you, there’s no question: Register for EE Global today.

I am also heartened to see our daily work here at the Alliance mirroring the goals of EE Global – namely, to change the energy landscape through the expert sharing of ideas. To that end, we have been spreading our message to the public online, in print and over the airwaves. On E&E TV, I told consumers that they could be the unfortunate victims if those in Congress pushing to repeal the new lighting standards were to prevail. Supporting the point that the new light bulb regulations are a “win-win”, our Senior Vice President for Programs Jeff Harris went on Washington’s NBC-4 to explain how new light bulb regulations provide consumers with more choice and more savings.

And if our TV spots weren’t enough, we also got the word out in print and online media. Our Senior Policy and Research Associate Tom Simchak told USA Today about the 2011 tax credit for plug-in electric vehicles and explained that vehicle tax credits can significantly reduce what consumers end up paying for their cars. Finally, as the EPA rolls out new guidelines as part of the Clean Air Act, I reminded readers of the National Journal’s Energy and Environment blog that despite any controversy over the EPA’s actions, enhancing energy efficiency is a solution that transcends politics.

I’d like to thank all of our Associates who have supported us during this busy time, and send out a special welcome to our five new board members: Schneider Electric U.S. Country President Jeff Drees; EnerGreen Capital Management co-founder and Managing Partner Carolyn Green; Best Buy Co., Inc. Senior Vice President and General Manager Neil McPhail; former U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Policy Susan Tierney; and Exelon Corp. Executive Vice President, Finance and Legal, William Von Hoene, Jr. 

I hope to see you in Brussels!