Conference to Explore Innovative Water Supply Opportunities

WHAT: “Water 2.0: New Ideas for a Secure Water Future,” a conference exploring three innovative concepts that could help secure Texas’ future water supply:

  • Water-neutral New Residential and Commercial Development – offsetting new water demands by using new development to achieve a higher standard of water use efficiency and conservation in existing communities.
  • Reverse Auctions for Protecting Environmental Flows – utilizing reverse auctions as a way for the state to buy back unused water rights and free up water to meet environmental needs.
  • Energy-Water Nexus – integrating energy and water policy with planning to reap the benefits of increased efficiencies in both realms.

WHY: When it comes to our future water supply, business as usual is not an option. Creativity and ingenuity will be needed to assure a water supply that meets human needs and sustains a healthy, natural environment. 

WHO: Presenters include: Richard Harris, Manager of Water Conservation for the California-based East Bay Municipal Utility District; Mary E. Kelly, Senior Counsel of Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Center for Rivers and Deltas; and Amy Hardberger, EDF Attorney. Panelists and moderators include experts from The Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin; Green Builders, Inc.; San Antonio Water System; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Austin Water Utility; National Wildlife Federation; Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club and Environmental Defense Fund.

WHERE: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 801 LaCrosse Ave., Austin

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2009

HOW: $35 fee includes lunch and materials. [Fees waived for media.] Send RSVP to [email protected]. Visit conference website for agenda and more information: http://www.texaswatermatters.org/2009/index.htm.

MORE: A presentation on Green Roofs will also be given by GRoWERS (Green Roofs: Working Expertise, Regional Solutions)

MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Williamson at (512) 691-3447-w or (512) 828-1690-c or [email protected]
 

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund