Energy Alternatives Headline Collaborative Educational Symposium

California Governor, Attorney General give keynote addresses


“Energy Alternatives: America's Challenge in the Global Economy,” an educational symposium organized by the University of California, Irvine, the Milken Institute, and the New Majority California Energy Task Force, attracted more than 300 guests for the day-long event on May 13, 2008 at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif.


California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger gave the keynote address during the morning session, and California Attorney General Edmund J. Brown, Jr. served as the luncheon keynote speaker.  Governor Schwarzenegger discussed the state’s progress in finding alternative energy sources and voiced his goal of making California the first state in the nation to fight global warming, while also achieving energy independence.


A focus on transcending political party divisions highlighted Attorney General Brown’s luncheon address, where he discussed working together as a collaborative team to address the energy crisis and California’s role in using “bold, persistent experimentation” to develop policy that has, and will continue to affect, global energy strategies.


Renowned speakers from across the country, who are all leaders in their respective fields, sparked interactive dialogue and debate on one of the most critical issues facing our nation today – finding alternative energy sources that will allow the United States to be energy independent .  Attendees had the opportunity to participate in multiple sessions, which gave profound insight into the world’s energy markets and the innovative efforts to find alternative sources and advance technology that will help the nation cope with its growing demand.


Major challenges, successes, and perceived next steps in diversifying energy sources to meet the country’s growing energy needs were outlined in panel discussions, and five specific alternative energy sources were featured in afternoon breakout sessions that allowed attendees to learn more about particular energy sources in-depth and discuss issues relevant to implementing each method.


Symposium speakers included:

  • Dr. Martha S. Amram, Chief Executive Officer, GreenNow USA, and Senior Fellow, Milken Institute

  • G. Chris Andersen, Founder and Partner, G.C. Andersen Partners, LLC

  • Dr. Albert F. Bennett, Dean, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine

  • Dr. Peter D. Blair, Executive Director, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, The National Academies’ National Research Council

  • Dr. Jack Brouwer, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Technical Director, National Fuel Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine

  • John E. Bryson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Edison International

  • Chuck Devore, California State Assemblyman, 70th District

  • Karen Douglas, Commissioner, California Energy Commission

  • Dr. Derek Dunn-Rankin, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine

  • Dr. Rodney C. Ewing, Professor, Geological Sciences, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, and Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan

  • Dr. John C. Hemminger, Dean, School of Physical Sciences, University of California, Irvine

  • Dr. Faryar Jabbari, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Irvine

  • Richard L. Kauffman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Good Energies, Inc.

  • Anne Korin, Co-Director, Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, and Chair, Set Free Coalition.

  • Beth Krom, Mayor, City of Irvine

  • Joel Kurtzman, Senior Fellow, Milken Institute, and Publisher, The Milken Institute Review

  • Dr. Nathan S. Lewis, Professor, Chemistry, California Institute of Technology

  • Dr. Roger D. McWilliams, Professor, Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine

  • Joseph H. Pettus, Senior Vice President, Fuel and Energy, Safeway, Inc.

  • Richard C. Pietrafesa, Jr., Managing Director, Destiny

  • Dr. Michael J. Prather, Professor, Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine

  • Miguel Pulido, Mayor, City of Santa Ana

  • William (Bill) N. Reinert, National Manager, Advanced Technology, Toyota Motor Sales,

  • Dr. G. Scott Samuelsen, Professor, Mechanical, Aerospace and Environmental Engineering, and Director, National Fuel Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine

  • Blake A. Schaefer, Director, Global Environmental Finance, Stark Investments

  • Dr. Wm. Randall Seeker, Manager, New Product Development GE Environmental Services

  • Dr. Ronald E. Stoltz, Manager, California Energy Liaison Office, Sandia National Laboratories

  • Douglas A. Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Next Solutions, Inc.


“Researching, discussing, and debating different energy initiatives and options not only affects our local community, state, and nation, but also directly impacts the future of our planet.  I am pleased that engineering research at UC Irvine is at the forefront of exploring many innovative advancements in these essential areas,” said Dr. Nicolaos G. Alexopoulos, dean of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering.  “This event served as an excellent platform to encourage dialogue about energy among the brightest, most talented, and knowledgeable experts, spanning political, industrial, and academic sectors.”

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