Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam welcomed more than 500 attendees to the Florida Energy Summit, hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, today through Friday. The three-day summit brings together leaders from the public and private sectors to discuss the changing landscape of the energy industry and the future of energy in Florida.
“The 2012 Florida Energy Summit features a balanced program, including discussions on everything from traditional fuels to emerging technologies to energy efficiency,” said Commissioner Putnam. “I look forward to taking part in the dialogue during panel discussions and in the hallways as we explore the future of Florida’s energy industry.”
John Hofmeister, former president of Shell Oil, will deliver the keynote speech on Thursday. Upon retiring from Shell Oil Company as president, Hofmeister founded the not-for-profit Citizens for Affordable Energy, which promotes sound U.S. energy security solutions for the nation. Hofmeister is a key member of the United States Energy Security Council and member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Technical Advisory Committee. He is also the author of “Why We Hate the Oil Companies,” a book in which he offers an insider’s view of the energy industry and a framework of solutions that will lead to affordable and clean energy.
The summit agenda also features panel discussions among members of the Legislature about Florida’s energy policy, H.B. 7117, and conversations on the economic impact of increased energy production, how businesses can cut costs by increasing energy efficiency and the influence of energy on the housing market.
This year, the department partnered with the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC) to highlight the great accomplishments and research findings from Florida’s world-class universities. This is the second annual Florida Energy Summit, which was created last year after the responsibilities of the state’s Energy Office were transferred by the Legislature to the department. The summit was built on the department’s successful Farm to Fuel Summit.
For a complete list of speakers at the Florida Energy Summit, visit http://www.floridaenergysummit.com/agenda.html.
You can also view speaker updates throughout the event on the summit’s blog, http://www.floridaenergysummit.com/blog.html.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.