Born in West Virginia and raised in Virginia, Senator Tom Carper attended The Ohio State University on a Navy R.O.T.C. scholarship, graduating in 1968 with a B.A. in economics. He went on to complete five years of service as a naval flight officer, serve three tours of duty in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve as a P-3 aircraft mission commander until retiring with the rank of captain in 1991 after 23 years of military service. With the war winding down in Southeast Asia, Tom Carper moved to Delaware in 1973 where he earned his M.B.A. at the University of Delaware.

After serving five terms as a U.S. congressman, where he earned a reputation as a results-oriented centrist, Tom Carper was elected the 78th governor of Delaware in 1992 and served two terms in that role. During his second term as governor, Tom Carper was selected by his colleagues to serve as vice-chairman, then as chairman, of the National Governors' Association (NGA). After serving as chairman, he led the NGA's 'Center for Best Practices,' which focused on developing and implementing innovative solutions to policy challenges faced by governors across the nation. From 1994-1998, he served as a member of Amtrak's board of directors and, later, as founding vice-chairman of the American Legacy Foundation to combat youth smoking and as vice-chairman of Jobs for America's Graduates, a national non-profit to reduce high school dropouts.

On Jan. 3, 2001, Governor Carper stepped down two weeks early to become Delaware's junior senator. During more than 30 years of public service, Senator Carper has worked tirelessly to develop practical solutions to real problems. His ability to work across party lines has earned him a reputation for consensus-building that is unique in today's political climate. The Washington Post's late David Broder calls him "a notably effective and non-partisan leader, admired and trusted on both sides of the aisle."

As chair of the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety subcommittee, Senator Carper has fought tirelessly to clean our air, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels and to create American jobs while doing it. The senator plays an influential role in crafting comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Additionally, he continues to serve as co-chairman of the Senate Nuclear Caucus, the Senate Recycling Caucus and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

After being elected the 78th Governor of Delaware in 1992 he served as a member of Amtrak's Board of Directors from 1994-1998. As chair of the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety subcommittee, Senator Carper has fought tirelessly to clean our air, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels and to create American jobs while doing it. The senator plays an influential role in crafting comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Additionally, he continues to serve as co-chairman of the Senate Nuclear Caucus, the Senate Recycling Caucus and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

Senator McDowell has a long and distinguished career in energy efficiency and renewable energy leadership. He has worked on the issue at both the national and state level, and chaired the Council of State Government's Executive Committee/Energy and Environment Committee for four years. He also has served on the Governor's Energy Commission, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Northeast United States Task Force on Global Warming. Senator McDowell served as Majority Whip in the State Senate at several points in the 1980s and 1990s, and served as Majority Leader from 2003-2006.

McDowell has advanced legislation that includes requiring a new renewable portfolio standard that requires the state's utilities to draw 20 percent of their power from renewable sources, such as solar or wind by 2020. He also authored legislation increasing incentives for homeowners and business to sell excess renewable energy. One of his crowning legislative victories is legislation that will reduce electricity consumption in Delaware 15 percent by 2015, and requires energy efficiency to be considered as an energy supply before any fossil fuels are tapped.

Prior to serving in the State Senate, Senator McDowell served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. He attended the University of Delaware and Georgetown University.

The Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) is a unique non-profit organization offering a one-stop resource through its Energize Delaware initiative to help residents and businesses save money through clean energy and efficiency. The SEU was created in 2007 by the state of Delaware to foster a sustainable energy future for the state. The SEU model is the first of its kind to be established in the United States, and is being replicated in several other communities around the world.

While most programs have been operating for a short time, the collective action of Delawareans taking advantage of the energy efficiency solutions is adding up to big energy savings. This is particularly important for a state that where per capita energy consumption is higher than uses more energy than its neighbors. Delaware's leadership was recently recognized by the Alliance to Save Energy, which encouraged other states to adopt comprehensive energy-saving programs like Delaware's.

The portfolio of programs that help Delawareans save energy and money includes rebates for a range of home and business energy efficiency improvements, performance contracting to cut enegy waste in state and local government buildings, schools, and universities, and multi-family low-income new construction and rehab construction.

Through the programs and participation expected, Delaware aims to reduce energy waste by 30% by 2015 for each participant, and in addition, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2020. This aggressive reduction will spur rapid green job creation in an economy hard hit by recent business closings and cutbacks.

Casey is the Plant Health Care Leader at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. His team directs the IPM program - solving the indoor and outdoor horticultural pest, disease, and weed problems at the 1077 acre institution. They guide Longwood's large soil and compost operations - diverting almost all of Longwood's organic waste from landfills and transform it into the highest quality amendment. All land management and conservation programs on 700+ acres of extensive natural areas and farmlands fall under their stewardship. They help lead Longwood's organizational recycling and ecofootprinting programs, and are actively engaged in developing a public gardens sustainability index. Casey has authored many publications and has presented widely on IPM and other topics. Working in horticulture for over 25 years, he received the Professional Citation Award from the APGA for significant achievements in public horticulture. He holds a B.S. degree in horticulture from California Polytechnic State University, S.L.O., and M.S/Ph.D. degrees in entomology from Colorado State University.

Public Gardens are unique institutions that combine elements of horticulture, hospitality, education, interpretation, and cultural sensitivity. As such, they have a responsibility to not only promote, but follow sustainable practices on a daily basis. Longwood Gardens began the journey towards operational sustainability by conducting a comprehensive ecofootprint that assessed its daily practices against social, economic, and environmental criteria. We studied and recruited other public gardens to benchmark and improve our sector's sustainable practices. Come hear how Public Gardens are becoming better prepared to prove they "walk the walk" and are great stewards as they follow a "soil to sky" strategy.

Ellen Vancko is Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Project Manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington, DC, where she directs UCS research and policy analysis concerning the viability of nuclear power as a potential climate solution. Ms. Vancko also serves as UCS' senior advisor on federal and state policies concerning electricity markets, transmission system planning and operations, and the reliable integration of renewable energy and demand-side resources into the electric system.

Ms. Vancko has more than 25 years of experience as an energy policy professional with expertise in policy analysis, government relations, communications, media relations, stakeholder relations, coalition building, and technical analysis for industry and non-profit organizations at the state, federal and international levels. Prior to coming to UCS, she was director of communications and government affairs for the North American Electric Reliability Council, directed policy analysis for Allegheny Energy and the Edison Electric Institute, and served as an energy consultant on a range of energy issues. She holds a B.A. in political science from the George Washington University and an M.S. in energy management and policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

As the nuclear disaster in Japan continues to unfold, one thing is clear, nuclear power poses serious risks that are unique among the energy options being considered to reduce global warming emissions. The future risks of nuclear energy will depend in large part on whether governments, industry, and international bodies undertake a serious effort to address these risks before plunging headlong into a rapid expansion of this technology. Prudence dictates that we develop as many options to reduce global warming emissions as possible, and that we take into account their impact on public health, safety, and security, the time required for large scale deployment, and their costs. We should begin by deploying those technologies that achieve the largest reductions most quickly and with the lowest costs and risk. Nuclear power does not meet these criteria today.

The destruction of the reactors at Fukushima Daiichi has had a significant effect on the nuclear industry worldwide. The first impact has been on existing reactors as governments and plant owners around the world assess whether those reactors are being operated as safely and securely as possible. Some countries, most notably Switzerland, Germany and Italy, have decided to turn away from nuclear power all together by shuttering existing plants or cancelling plans for new ones. On the other hand, China has slowed down but not halted its nuclear expansion plans as it reviews the safety of its existing fleet and the quality of new reactor construction. Fukushima's impact on the outlook for new reactors in the United States is less clear as the so-called nuclear renaissance in this country was in trouble long before the disaster in Japan occurred. Spiraling construction cost estimates, declining energy demand, low natural gas costs and the failure to place a price on carbon already spelled trouble for the industry. Moreover, recent natural disasters have brought even greater scrutiny to existing plants in the US. Thus, although events in Fukushima are not responsible for the industry's current problems, they certainly haven't helped.

Dr. Brian C. Murray is Director for Economic Analysis at the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and Research Professor at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. He is widely recognized for his work on the economics of climate change policy, including the design of cap-and-trade policy elements to address cost containment and inclusion of offsets from traditionally uncapped sectors such as forestry and agriculture. Members of the United States Congress and their staff have sought the counsel of Dr. Murray and Nicholas Institute colleagues as they have developed climate change legislative proposals. Dr. Murray has been invited as a co-author of several national and international assessments of forest resources, especially related to climate change. Of particular note, he was a convening lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Special Report on Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry, which confers status shared by all other IPCC authors as joint contributors to the IPCC's 2007 Nobel Peace prize. He has convened several forums of economic modeling experts to examine and communicate the results of their climate, energy and land use policy efforts to the public and private sectors. His research has examined the economic effects of traditional command-based regulatory strategies for pollution control and more market-oriented approaches such as cap-and-trade programs and emission taxes. He has been a consultant to a wide range of clientele in the public and private sector, including numerous federal government agencies, members of Congress and their staff, state regulatory agencies, CEOs and senior staff from Fortune 500 companies, trade groups, nongovernmental organizations, and other academic institutions. His work has been published in books, edited volumes, and professional journals. Prior to coming to the Nicholas Institute in 2006, Dr. Murray was Director of the Center for Regulatory Economics and Policy Research at RTI International, a university-affiliated not-for-profit research institution.

This panel will look at tools to combat climate change, from both a business and a policy point of view. Dr. Sarah King of DuPont will share experiences of a multinational corporation dealing with a changing business climate, both from public opinion and policy. Mayor Jim Ford of Lewes, DE will share his experience of being a mayor of a town very exposed to sea level rise and potential climate related storms. Dr. Nikki Roy will give an overview of policy and technology tools, both in hand and on the horizon, to combat climate change. Finally Dr. Brian Murray will discuss the economic implications of these tools. The audience will be asked to present questions and join in a lively debate about climate change, to hopefully answer where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow.

Manik Roy is the Vice President of Federal Government Outreach for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, where he manages communication between the Center and the U.S. Congress. Dr. Roy has twenty-five years of experience in environmental policy, having worked, before coming to the Pew Center, for Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, Representative Henry A. Waxman, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Defense Fund. Dr. Roy holds a Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University. He also holds a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, both from Stanford University.

This panel will look at tools to combat climate change, from both a business and a policy point of view. Dr. Sarah King of DuPont will share experiences of a multinational corporation dealing with a changing business climate, both from public opinion and policy. Mayor Jim Ford of Lewes, DE will share his experience of being a mayor of a town very exposed to sea level rise and potential climate related storms. Dr. Nikki Roy will give an overview of policy and technology tools, both in hand and on the horizon, to combat climate change. Finally Dr. Brian Murray will discuss the economic implications of these tools. The audience will be asked to present questions and join in a lively debate about climate change, to hopefully answer where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow.

Sarah B. King is Climate & Sustainability Manager for DuPont, part of the company's Sustainable Growth Center. Based in Washington, DC, Sarah works with DuPont businesses to help them identify and manage climate-related business risks and opportunities, and leads efforts on a corporate goal to grow annual revenue to $2 billion by 2015 from products that help customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prior to joining DuPont, Ms. King was the Climate Change Program Manager for GLOBE USA, a bipartisan network of members of the U.S. Congress interested in energy and environment issues. Sarah was also a Senior Research Associate at the Environmental Law Institute, where she focused on international environmental law and governance. Ms. King holds BA in economics with a minor in environmental policy from Carleton College and an MBA from The George Washington University School of Business and Public Management. Sarah is one of the Aspen Institute's Catto Fellows - 2010 class.

This panel will look at tools to combat climate change, from both a business and a policy point of view. Dr. Sarah King of DuPont will share experiences of a multinational corporation dealing with a changing business climate, both from public opinion and policy. Mayor Jim Ford of Lewes, DE will share his experience of being a mayor of a town very exposed to sea level rise and potential climate related storms. Dr. Nikki Roy will give an overview of policy and technology tools, both in hand and on the horizon, to combat climate change. Finally Dr. Brian Murray will discuss the economic implications of these tools. The audience will be asked to present questions and join in a lively debate about climate change, to hopefully answer where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow.

Mayor Ford has been a resident of Lewes since 1976. In addition to being the Mayor of Lewes, he owns his own building contracting business, specializing in historic restoration. His wife, Teresa, is the owner of Kids' Ketch on Second Street in Lewes. The Fords have two children, Jacob and Maren. Mayor Ford graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences. His hobbies are outdoor activities and he and his wife enjoy traveling.

Mayor Ford was appointed to the Lewes Planning Commission in 1987, elected to City Council 1992, appointed Deputy Mayor in 1998 and became Mayor in 2004. He is a member of the National League of Cities; serving on the Crime Prevention & Public Safety Committee, Small Cities Committee, and Small Cities Steering Committee. He is Past President of the Delaware League of Local Governments; serving on the League's Executive and Legislative Committees. Mayor Ford is also a member of the Sea Grant Advisory Council and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Lewes Foundation, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Lewes Historical Society, and as a member of the Fort Miles Historical Association, Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation, Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Association, Lewes Chamber of Commerce and is an Honorary member of the Lewes Fire Department.

This panel will look at tools to combat climate change, from both a business and a policy point of view. Dr. Sarah King of DuPont will share experiences of a multinational corporation dealing with a changing business climate, both from public opinion and policy. Mayor Jim Ford of Lewes, DE will share his experience of being a mayor of a town very exposed to sea level rise and potential climate related storms. Dr. Nikki Roy will give an overview of policy and technology tools, both in hand and on the horizon, to combat climate change. Finally Dr. Brian Murray will discuss the economic implications of these tools. The audience will be asked to present questions and join in a lively debate about climate change, to hopefully answer where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow.

Robin is currently a Master's candidate at the University of Delaware, studying sustainable energy economics and serving as a Research Associate in the university's Center for Energy and Environmental Policy. He is a two-time winner of the University Graduate Scholarship, awarded by the University of Delaware to its top graduate students. This summer, Robin joined the staff of U.S. Senator Thomas R. Carper (D-Del) as a Legislative Fellow, where he worked on energy and environmental policy issues including nuclear safety, clean air mitigation, and the promotion of sustainable energy policy. Robin is a native of New Jersey, and earned his BA in Political Science from Drew University in 2008. His research in at the University of Delaware has included the design for local government energy efficiency programs and bond finance for renewable energy systems.

States, counties, and municipal entities are able to promote the deployment of renewable energy through a range of financial mechanisms. There is no primary model for financing renewable energy projects. The research literature focuses on the impacts of state rebate and tax credit programs in this area. Little light has been shed, however, upon the potential for federal bond financing mechanisms to spur deployment of renewable energy infrastructure. This paper evaluates the deployment of New Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (NCREBs) as well as the potential for improved impact in the renewable energy market. The authors' posit that design and implementation flaws in the NCREBs program contributed to its low deployment rate. Two phases for reform are presented: one where the IRS continues to administer the program to public power providers, cooperative electric companies, and government entities; and a second phase where NCREBs program is administered by a Sustainable Energy Utility, on behalf of power providers and government entities, as part of their array of green financing tools.

Christopher Richard is a PhD Candidate at the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy (CEEP) at the University of Delaware. He is a NSF-IGERT Fellow for Solar Hydrogen and is interested in a wide spectrum of renewable energy applications. Prior to joining CEEP, Christopher completed his MBA at the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business and Economics and more recently completed the inaugural class of the National Geothermal Academy in Reno, NV. His research is based in finance and economic policy applications and analysis for renewable energy, with a specific focus on geothermal power.

States, counties, and municipal entities are able to promote the deployment of renewable energy through a range of financial mechanisms. There is no primary model for financing renewable energy projects. The research literature focuses on the impacts of state rebate and tax credit programs in this area. Little light has been shed, however, upon the potential for federal bond financing mechanisms to spur deployment of renewable energy infrastructure. This paper evaluates the deployment of New Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (NCREBs) as well as the potential for improved impact in the renewable energy market. The authors' posit that design and implementation flaws in the NCREBs program contributed to its low deployment rate. Two phases for reform are presented: one where the IRS continues to administer the program to public power providers, cooperative electric companies, and government entities; and a second phase where NCREBs program is administered by a Sustainable Energy Utility, on behalf of power providers and government entities, as part of their array of green financing tools.