On June 21, the Sustainable Energy Coalition – in cooperation with Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses – will host the 15^th annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum.

This year’s EXPO expects to bring together over fifty businesses, sustainable energy industry trade associations, government agencies, and energy policy research organizations to showcase the status and near-term potential of the cross-section of renewable energy (biofuels/biomass, geothermal, solar, water, wind) and energy efficiency technologies.  The morning program will feature Members of the U.S. Congress while afternoon speakers will discuss the role sustainable energy technologies can play in meeting America’s energy needs.

As Congress, the Administration, the business community, environmental advocates, and American voters search for options to stimulate the economy and “green jobs,” as well as address issues of national security, higher energy costs, increased reliance on energy imports, and the environmental threats associated with energy consumption, the EXPO will help address the role that sustainable energy technologies might play.  This will include not only the technical aspects of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies but also related issues such as economics, jobs potential, environmental benefits, current and near-term market potential, model programs in the public and private sectors, and institutional, financial and legal barriers.

The EXPO is free, open to the public, and no RSVPs are required.

NHA’s Alaska Regional Meeting on August 21-23, 2012.  The following information is provided to help you make your travel plans to Sitka, Alaska.

Overview:

Monday, August 20 – 5:30 – 6:30 Welcome reception at the Alaska Raptor Center, 1000 Raptor Way

Tuesday, August 21 – Registration, continental breakfast, and an opportunity for networking will start at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 8:15 a.m. 

Tuesday, August 21 – Optional Networking Cruise 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 22 – Registration, continental breakfast, and an opportunity for networking will start at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 8:30 a.m. 

Thursday, August 23 – 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. U.S. Department of the Interior and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Joint Workshop - The purpose of this workshop is to share information with prospective developers on tools the Commission has recently made available on preparing small hydropower project applications.  Specifically, the workshop will walk participants through the licensing and exemption processes using the FERC Small/Low-Impact Hydropower program website.  Additionally, participants will learn how to get more information and assistance from FERC staff and ask questions.  The workshop will also include participation from the Department of the Interior and other entities regarding their involvement in the review of hydropower licenses and exemptions.

Thursday, August 23 – 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Optional site tour of City of Sitka’s Blue Lake Project

Meeting Facility Address:

Harrigan Centennial Hall

300 Harbor Drive

Sitka, AK  99835

(907) 747-3225

Travel and Ground Transportation

 Airport:           Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport

Ground:           Hotel Airport shuttles or car rentals

Or

Airport:            Juneau International Airport

Ferry:               Fast Ferry – Alaska Marine Highway http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/

Overnight Accommodations:

Please make your hotel reservations today!  This is high season for Sitka, so rooms fill up quickly.

Hotel blocks have been secured at several Sitka hotels and booking early is strongly encouraged. All hotels are within walking distance to Centennial Hall and offer free internet access.  The Westmark, Hotel Sitka and Totem Square offer free airport shuttle service for hotel guests.  Please ask for the NHA group rate when contacting these hotels:

Westmark Sitka             $119/night               907 747 6241 / 800 544 0970

Hotel Sitka                    $99/night                  907 747 3288

Sitka Super 8                $139/night                907-747-8804

                                     $119 government

Totem Square               $119/night                 907-747-3693

Reservations must be made by July 30^th. 

Utility Host:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Associations Hosts:

NHA Hydraulic Power Committee Fall Meeting – Chattanooga, TN – October 1-3, 2012.

Preliminary Meeting overview:

Monday, October 1

7:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. –Sessions to include

NHA – Update

Safety Survey Results

EPRI Update

Technical Presentations

Hot Topics Roundtable

6:00 p.m.  Dinner for Attendees and Spouses/Guests

Tuesday, October 2

7:00a.m. – 4:30p.m.

Tennessee Valley Authority Project Tours

Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage

Chickamauga Hydroelectric Project

6:30 p.m.  Dinner for Attendees and Spouses/Guests

Wednesday, October 3

7:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. – Member Sessions to include:

DOE – R&D Program Update

Dam Safety Discussion with the regulators

Breakout sessions for dam safety and O&M

Dam safety and O&M subcommittee report outs

Hot Topics

General business session – meeting to conclude by noon

Meeting Date – October 1-3, 2012

Venue:

DoubleTree Hotel Chattanooga

407 Chestnut Street

Chattanooga, TN  37401

423 756 5150

Special amenities / Discounts:

As part of the room block the following amenities have been negotiated for your convenience: complimentary wired and wireless internet access throughout hotel; self-parking $8/day, valet $12/day; conveniently located in the heart of Chattanooga’s Riverfront District.  For all hotel amenities, visit www.chattanooga.doubletree.com.

Airports:

Lovell Field (Chattanooga)

• Distance from hotel: 15 mi.
• Drive time: 20 min.

Directions: South on Airport Connector Rd. East on Shepard Rd. Turn right onto TN 153S towards I-75.Take exit 2 to merge I-24 West toward I-59.Take exit 178 merge onto I-27 North. Exit 1C first light make a right

Get turn by turn directions.

Transportation to and from the Airport

Atlanta and Nashville

You can fly into Atlanta (Delta) Hub or Nashville (Southwest) Hub and make arrangements with Groom Transportation for Shuttle services, two hour trip from either location.  This service will take you to Groom’s depot in Chattanooga.  You will have to make arrangements to get to the DoubleTree by calling Millennium Taxi at 423.267.2008.  Details at: http://www.groometransportation.com/chattanooga.htm

Driving Directions:
From Knoxville: Take I-75 South to I-24 West. Then take Highway 27 North and get off at exit 1C. Take a right at first stoplight and a right turn into the DoubleTree Hotel entrance.

From Atlanta: Take I-75 North to I-24 West. Then take Highway 27 North and get off at exit 1C. Take a right at first stoplight and a right turn into the DoubleTree Hotel entrance.

From Nashville: Take I-24 East to Highway 27 North and get off at exit 1C. Take a right at the stoplight and a right turn into the DoubleTree Hotel entrance.

Parking:

$8 per day for self parking

Attire / Weather:

Business casual attire is suggested, – leave your tie at home and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.  Sturdy, closed toe shoes are suggested for the hydro plant tours.   Weather in Chattanooga in October is usually quite pleasant, but a light jacket is recommended for your comfort.

Thanks to member companies, HDR Engineering, Inc., Hydro Consulting and Maintenance Service, Mead & Hunt, Peak Hydro Services, and Tennessee Valley Authority, for their generous support of this meeting.

Questions, please contact Diane Lear at 202-682-1700 x 16, diane@hydro.org, Dave Zayas at x 20 , dave@hydro.org  or Jim Thrasher at jrthrasher@aep.com.