Clean Energy and Clean Technology continue to play increasingly significant roles in meeting future energy needs, as evidenced by the growth of numerous markets across the U.S. and globally. As an example, worldwide spending on solar projects in 2011 totaled $136 billion while U.S. spending equaled $56 billion. At the same time, worldwide investments from venture capital, corporate RD&D and government R&D sources in the development of Clean Tech exceeded $10 billion. (Bloomberg New Energy Finance)

The use of Clean Technology has not been without debate. Is there a path for Republicans and Democrats, government and industry, and the U.S. and the rest of the world to come together and advance the role for Clean Tech? 

On April 18, plan to join an outstanding discussion on this important topic with Reid Detchon, executive director, Energy Future Coalition and Jay Hakes, director, Carter Presidential Library.

Participants can attend for free in person at the Centergy Building on Georgia Tech's campus or via webinar. For more information and to register for this program, visit www.secleanenergy.gatech.edu. 

About Reid

The Energy Future Coalition is a broad-based, non-partisan alliance that seeks to bridge the differences among business, labor and environmental groups and identify energy policy options with broad political support. The Energy Future Coalition works closely with the United Nations Foundation on energy and climate policy, especially energy efficiency and bioenergy issues. 

From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Detchon served as the principal deputy assistant secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. Previously he was principal speechwriter for Vice President George H. W. Bush. Mr. Detchon worked for five years in the U.S. Senate, advising Senator John Danforth of Missouri on energy and environmental issues and serving as his legislative director. 

About Jay

Most recently, Dr. Hakes has served as Director for Policy and Research, National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, 2010-11. He serves as Director of the Carter Presidential Library, a position he’s held since 2000. From 1993 to 2000, Dr. Hakes served as Administrator, Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy. Prior to EIA, Dr. Hakes served as assistant to Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus during the Carter administration, Director of the Governor’s Energy Office for Florida Governor (later U.S. Senator). Dr. Hakes is the author of A Declaration of Energy Independence (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2008).