National Clean Energy Summit 5.0

Since the dawn of time the core of human existence has been fueled by fire. Human beings have always loved gathering around the hearth, whether a small fire in a cave 50,000 years ago or the latest induction stove in the kitchen.

We started by burning wood, but more recently added coal, oil and natural gas to the mix. In one mistaken turn down a dead-end road, we even invented the most expensive and dangerous Rube Goldberg-esque machines in the world. All they do is boil water, but it will take us a while before we are ever free of the nuclear energy quagmire.

Nuclear energy is far less practical than this:

Regardless of its twists and turns, our energy path has been both prolific and profligate, leading to this current and very unique point in the evolution of our species and our planet. We have chopped, mined, drilled, and refined our way to an unlikely amalgamation of incredible energy abundance and equally incredible energy waste.

In other words, we have created the most potent social, environmental and economic opportunities ever known to man (and woman) kind.

If the last century of energy gluttony has provided anything, it is that there is plenty of room for improvement. We are becoming inundated by growing signals (more like gigantic natural billboards with brightly flashing lights) that change is more necessary than ever. Rising energy prices combine with ever-mounting costs of fighting record-breaking firestorms, heat waves and other severe climate-related events. It is clear there are two things we cannot afford: Failure to act and business-as-usual.

The knockout combination of energy-efficiency and clean renewable energy is poised to transform almost every aspect of our society. The choices have never been more varied, affordable or vitally important.

The Importance of Action

That is why the National Clean Energy Summit is such an important event. It is all about action, involving clean energy visionaries and leaders, public officials, business executives and entrepreneurs, investors, students and the media. The day-long event will be hosted by Center for American Progress, Clean Energy Project, MGM Resorts International, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. You can find out more at www.cleanenergyprojectnv.org.

This year the National Clean Energy Summit 5.0: The Power of Choice will focus on empowering individuals, governments, and businesses with the ability to choose clean energy. It will take place at the Bellagio Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Michael Donley will join business leaders Chairman, President and CEO of FedEx Fred Smith, CEO of Valley Electric Association Inc. Tom Husted, President and CEO of Tesla Elon Musk and other influencers to lead the nation’s foremost conversation about clean energy options. President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote address.

Attend the National Clean Energy Summit. Bring an open mind and fill it with a vision of the future that is better, cleaner, healthier and more affordable than ever before.

The knockout combination of energy-efficiency and clean renewable energy is poised to transform almost every aspect of our society. The choices have never been more varied, affordable or vitally important. Summit speakers will discuss how the freedom to make clean energy choices can save families and businesses money, grow the economy, create jobs, and safeguard public health. Insight from these experts will provide the tools to empower every citizen to promote a clean energy economy.

Efficiency and Renewable Energy Works

I know from personal experience that investing in efficiency and clean, renewable energy not only works, it is just about the safest, most dependable investment around and can provide substantial returns too. Don’t take my word for it though. Attend the National Clean Energy Summit. Bring an open mind and fill it with a vision of the future that is better, cleaner, healthier and more affordable than ever before.

If you want to get the most out of the event, or if you cannot attend but still want to learn more, I strongly recommend reading the new book by Amory Lovins and Rocky Mountain Institute, “Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era.” This is a book for every home, business and government office in the land. Let’s get to work reinventing fire…. Once again.

---

 More Information on the Summit

National Clean Energy Summit 5.0: The Power of Choice is pleased to announce exciting new additions to the impressive speaker lineup at the annual summit on August 7 in Las Vegas at Bellagio Hotel & Resort. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Michael Donley will join business leaders Chairman, President and CEO of FedEx Fred Smith, Principal of the Brattle Group Peter Fox-Penner, CEO of Valley Electric Association Inc. Tom Husted, and other influencers to lead the nation’s foremost conversation about clean energy options. President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote address.

The speakers will discuss how the freedom to make clean energy choices can save families and businesses money, grow the economy, create jobs, and safeguard public health. Insight from these experts will provide the tools to empower the public to promote the clean energy economy.

This 5th annual summit will once again put Nevada center stage in the national discussion on creating a clean energy economy, and with good reason. Since the first National Clean Energy Summit in 2008, Nevada has seen a boom in clean energy and is now producing nearly 4-and-a-half times the amount of clean megawatts it was just four years ago.

For a full list of confirmed speakers, more information on the summit infograph above, registration and attendance or exhibitor details, please visit: www.cleanenergysummit.org