Mason to Host Energy Panel Discussions

Once a week during the four weeks of February, George Mason University will host roundtable panel discussions on the future of energy. Each roundtable will feature a moderator and three expert panelists, who will discuss the given topic and talk about the pros and cons of each type of energy. Following brief introductory presentations by each panelist, the moderator will ask the audience if they have any questions for the panelists.

The first roundtable on Tuesday, Feb. 3 will be Clean Coal: Myths, Realities, and Possibilities. This panel will feature a discussion by Jay Braitsch of the Office of Fossil Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, Lauren Glickman of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and Lisa Moerner of Dominion Virginia Power. Professor Frank Dukes of Mason’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution will moderate the event. Seating will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Johnson Center, 3rd floor, Meeting Room C.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the second roundtable will focus on liquid fuels (oil, biofuels, hydrogen, etc.). Seating will begin at 7 p.m. in Research I, Room 163.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the third roundtable will focus on nuclear energy. Seating will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the JC, 3rd floor, Meeting Room C.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the final roundtable will focus on renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.). Seating will begin at 7 p.m. in Student Union Building II, Room 5.
For more details, to RSVP or to get on a mailing list to be notified about topic themes and get reminders for the events, please contact Colin Bennett in Mason’s Office of Sustainability at cbennet6@gmu.edu. We hope to see you there!

Living the Green Life
Here are five easy ways to help reduce your energy use:
•Use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of the normal light bulbs
•Turn off the lights when you leave your room
•Utilize sunlight instead of turning on electricity
•Buy Energy Star certified products to help reduce energy consumption
•Use public transportation or carpool to campus

Green Calendar
Tuesday, Feb. 3: Clean Coal: Myths, Realities, and Possibilities 4:30 p.m. JC 3rd Floor, Meeting Room C.
Next week’s article will feature more information about the Mason Energy Roundtable Series.
For more green events please visit: green.gmu.edu/calendar.

Aaron Hartman is the Sustainability Council Member and Energy and Climate Working Group Co-chair.

Dan Waxman is the Sustainability Projects Manager for University Services and can be contacted at dwaxman@gmu.edu.

Know of a green event that is coming soon or want more information about sustainability? E-mail the Sustainability Office at gogreen@gmu.edu.