Top energy experts to address solutions for evolving energy industry A group of the nation's top energy experts has been assembled for the opening panel at the upcoming Air Quality VI Conference beginning Sept. 24, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va. The panel will debate the challenges and opportunities facing the evolving energy industry. Panelists include Larry Monroe, program manager for research at Southern Company Services, Inc.; Tom Sarkus, FutureGen project director, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL); John Harju, associate director for research at the Energy & Environmental Research Center; Robert Wayland, leader, Energy Strategies Group, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and Teresa Pugh, director, Environmental Services, American Public Power Association. The electric utility industry is currently dealing with many uncertainties and issues relating to environmental regulations and emerging policy. The Clean Air Mercury Rule, the Clean Air Interstate Rule, recent state legislative actions, regional haze considerations, and the call for global carbon dioxide reduction all demand attention as utilities plan to meet existing and future generation needs. "This panel consists of leading experts representing industry, government, environment, and research areas who will address emerging policy and issues facing the nation while considering the need to balance energy reliance with environmental responsibility and economic growth," said panel coordinator Mike Holmes, deputy associate director for research at the EERC. More than 400 people from 40 states, four Canadian provinces, and 12 foreign countries are currently registered for Air Quality VI, which is the world's premier conference for discussing the current state of science, control technology, and policy for mercury, trace elements, SO3, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases in the environment. The conference also provides informative sessions for industry, government, and research organizations on topics critical to our nation's energy infrastructure. Air Quality VI is sponsored by the EERC, DOE NETL, the Center for Air Toxic Metals® through the EPA Office of Research and Development National Center for Environmental Research, and EPRI. Keynote speakers include U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad, U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, and Carl Bauer, director of NETL. The four-day event runs through Sept. 27 and is open to the public. For details about the program or to register, visit www.undeerc.org/AQVI.