Third Annual Governor's Conference on Energy to Take Place Oct. 2-4 in Richmond
– Full Agenda and Registration Available Online Here –

RICHMOND - Continuing energy month in Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell will host the 3nd annual Governor's Conference on Energy next week in Richmond. This year's conference will bring together some of the nation's leaders in the energy industry. This year's conference features a comprehensive program that will examine energy in the global marketplace, and consider ways that our global context is likely to influence our domestic energy security.

The conference will provide an opportunity to discuss domestic issues like energy education and workforce preparation that are critical to our energy future. It will open on Tuesday, Oct. 2 with a panel of senior experts who will discuss the important balance between energy, the environment and the economy. We will hear from a public utility Commissioner from Georgia, where the first new domestic nuclear plant in decades is under construction, on the future of nuclear power. Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Bolling will lead a panel discussion of his efforts to make the most of the valuable skills and experience of our returning veterans by linking them with jobs in the energy sector. Governor McDonnell will address the closing luncheon on Thursday, October 4. Other speakers and moderators include Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Secretary & Executive Director of the Southern States Energy Board Ken Nemeth, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Michael Krancer, Executive Director for the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research Bob Bailey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for 21st Century Energy at the US Chamber of Commerce Karen Harbert and many others. The full conference agenda and list of speakers is available online at http://www.cvent.com/events/2012-governor-s-conference-on-energy/agenda-2ddae690cfd549adb4a6515197e81281.aspx

Speaking about the conference, Governor McDonnell said, "It is my pleasure to host the third annual Governor's Conference on Energy in Richmond to talk about the global and national issues that impact energy development and what it will take to ensure our nation's energy security. In order to grow our economy we must embrace an "all of the above" approach to energy development not just in Virginia, but across our nation. It is vital that we make decisions now that will support abundant supplies of reliable energy at a reasonable cost for our future. Energy development creates and supports good, high paying jobs and can put Americans back to work. We need to let the states pursue the development of the resources that make sense for them, like offshore oil and natural gas here in Virginia and eliminate costly administrative barriers to responsible domestic energy production. Domestic energy security, economic expansion, and protection of our environment are inextricably intertwined. It is imperative that all three goals be accomplished with balance and a full appreciation of the impacts each has on the other. We do this every day in many other sectors, and energy should be no exception. I look forward to an engaging and productive discussion at the third annual Governor's Conference on Energy."

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