Follow this branch for a more technical approach to the policy and science behind the movement for renewable energy sources.
Workshop, Speaker
Special Panel Discussion: The Science Behind Renewables Sat 9:30-10:20 Torgersen 1020
Students: Organizing with Appalachia, Ce Garrison & Jason Von Kundra (GMU students) Sat 9-10:20 Squires 238
- Students who attend George Mason University will talk about their work in the coal fields of Appalachia. They will discuss the movement to end Mountain Top Removal coal mining and the impact this has on communities and the environment. Students have played a major role in the fight against MTR, and these students have not just talked about it on campus, but they have organized in the coal fields and seen MTR first-hand.
Biochar for Carbon Capture and The JOBS Project, Chris Fields-Johnson, VT Grad Student Sat 10:40-12 Squires 236
- Pyrolysis converts biomass into liquid fuel and biochar. Biochar is a stable from of carbon that can be added to soils to improve their productivity and reduce atmospheric carbon. The JOBS Project of WV is taking an integrative approach to sustainable energy and jobs in the Appalachian coalfields, including solar and pyrolisis energy systems.
Space-Based Solar Power, Austin Phoenix, VT Grad Student Sat. 10:40-12 Squires 238
- As energy demand skyrockets there are no technologies ready to tackle the needs of the near term while leaving a healthy future quite like Space Based Solar Power can. Come learn about what makes this technology so different from any other energy source and what technical and political challenges are holding it back. This technology will be the key energy source for an efficient and truly renewable energy grid.
Mountaintop Removal Roadshow, Dave Cooper, Mountain Justice Sat 10:40-12 McBryde 341
Wind Energy in VA and in Campus, Remy Pangle, JMU/VA Center for Wind Energy Sat 10:40-12
- We will discuss the potential for wind energy in Virginia and some of the strategies that JMU is taking to bring wind energy into their sustainability plan for campus. We will also take time to understand where a turbine could fit on campus and how to go about getting it installed to add to your campus’ sustainability – lessons to take home to your campus!
Wind Power on Reclaimed Mine Land, Alek Duerkson, VT Graduate Student Sat 1:20-2:40 Squires 236
- I’ll start with an overview of wind power in general, followed by an in-depth discussion of my research (the feasibility of post-mining wind power). In light of my research, the last section will be about the integration of new energy technologies with our current infrastructure and how we can continue moving forward.
Fukushima & Nuclear Power, Paul Gunter, Beyond Nuclear Sat 1:20-2:40 Squires 238
- Fukushima demonstrates that a nuclear accident anywhere is a nuclear accident everywhere. What are the consequences of the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe for Japan, the United States and the world?
Community Involvement for Sustainable Futures, Joe Gorman, Build-It-Up!West Virginia Sat 3-4:20 Squires 341
Special Panel Discussion: The Surry Coal Plant in Hampton Roads Sun 9:30-10:20 Torgerson 1020
Follow the Money: Taking the fight to Coal’s financiers, Marley Green, Rainforest Action Network, Sat 3-4:20 Squires 238
- Big Coal need’s lots of money and capital to level mountains and change the climate. Rainforest Action Network is taking the grassroots fight for a coal free future to the steps of Wall St., targeting the banks that loan Big Coal it’s money. We’ll talk about what this looks like, and how you can help.
The Shale Gas Rush: Issues, Impacts, and Action , Nadia Stenizor, Earthworks Oil & Gas Accountability Project Sun 9-10:20 McBryde 134
- I provide an overview of what natural gas development using the controversial technique of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”) means for communities, landowners, air and water quality, and public health. The gas rush underway across the Marcellus Shale region–including Virginia–is closely tied to the energy choices before us, and highlights the importance of citizen awareness and action.
Tour of the New River Center for Energy Research and Training Sun 9:30-11:30
- Learn: a basic understanding of energy efficiency beyond conservation, what we call “building science 101;” the trainin programs for renewable energy in Blacksburg; discuss the difference between a 4 year degree and how you can supplement that to really get out in to the workforce quick (for people who want to be wind turbine technicians or PV installers, etc).
Open Discussions
The Beyond Coal campaigns in VA: A time for SSC leaders from VA schools to meet and collaborate on how to transition from coal to renewable energy by 2020. Facilitated by Kara Dodson (VT Beyond Coal)
