This year’s EUEC conference was held in Phoenix, Arizona. I presented a paper with colleague, Lynne McIntosh, CPA of Excellerate Energy, LLC who came to the conference from Delaware. Our topic was titled “Why Should You Be Thinking about Sustainability, Emissions Trading Schemes and their Impacts on Financial Statements?” We presented on Tuesday morning so having arrived on Sunday we had plenty of time to listen to other presenters and to visit the Exhibit Hall for fresh ideas and a little networking.
This is one of the largest conferences of its kind in the country. This year there were over 1,800 registered attendees and more than 600 speakers. A wide array of subjects were covered, including: clean air policy and legislation; technologies; multi-pollutant control; energy and climate policy; wind and solar; carbon markets; biofuels and biogas; sustainability; and corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy. For anyone interested in talking with representatives of companies deploying new technologies, or examining software solutions for data collection, or simply meeting people on the cutting edge of technological development in the energy and environmental sector, this was the place to be.
I am more enthusiastic about EUEC this year than in previous years not only because of the number of people who attended the conference but also because the atmosphere was alive and full of creative energy. There was an ongoing exchange of ideas and a flow of information that had me taking notes and shaking hands for two full days. California is unlike many other states in that we enacted the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, also known as AB32, and we are moving towards a cap-and-trade system in 2012 that will allow us to take part in carbon market trading. This is the first carbon trading of its kind under regulatory requirements in the nation. It has spurred new ideas and technologies to reduce GHG emissions. The production of new equipment and the development of new software brings with it new jobs.
There was a buzz at EUEC this year that indicated there will be some big changes in the economic and environmental conditions throughout California. The Chevrolet Volt and Cruze were showcased at the conference and while the exhibit drew a crowd on the first day, attendees' enthusiasm was the greatest when asking presenters questions, or looking for ways to collaborate on new projects, and exchanging contact details for follow-up after the conference. If this year’s EUEC is any indication, there will be some new ideas and jobs to look forward to over the next 18 months.
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