Guided by the theme, Efficiency First: Transforming America’s Energy Future, the two-day event kicks off at the Newseum on June 15 by inducting 23 energy leaders from the past 20 years into the Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame. The Energy Efficiency Forum commences June 16 at the National Press Club.

The mission of the Energy Efficiency Forum is to be the premier forum that promotes an energy efficiency ethic through the presentation of national and worldwide views on energy efficiency and the resulting impact on the environment, national security and economic growth.

Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will deliver the keynote address at the Forum. Heading a staff of approximately 18,000 professionals dedicated to safeguarding the environment, the Administrator will share remarks about the goals, milestones, and progress of the EPA under the Obama administration, and share her insights on the importance of making the country more energy efficient. Jackson is responsible for leading initiatives in energy efficiency, solar and wind power, geothermal energy, clean car technology, and other forms of renewable energy.

Kristina M. Johnson, Undersecretary of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will also comment on the Obama administration’s energy policies and priorities on energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy infrastructure. Johnson’s remarks come on the heels of recent approvals by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee of building efficiency codes provisions, directives at the State level, and the insistence of benchmarks and labels related to energy efficiency.

Christoph W. Frei of Switzerland, who was recently appointed Secretary General of the World Energy Council (WEC), will share his thoughts on the significance of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Copenhagen later this year. Prior to his April 2009 appointment, Frei served as Senior Director of Energy Industry & Strategy at the World Economic Forum in Geneva.

Also speaking at the Energy Efficiency Forum is Anthony E. Malkin, owner of the Empire State Building and president of W&M Properties, Wein & Malkin, and W&H Properties. Mr. Malkin will share his perspectives on a major energy efficiency project that will result in a 38 percent annual energy savings for the iconic New York City skyscraper.

Other esteemed speakers, panelists and moderators include:
- Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ranking Republican member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
- Dan W. Reicher, Director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives, Google.org
- Reid Detchon, Executive Director, Energy and Climate, United Nations Foundation
- Mayor Tom Leppert of Dallas, Texas
- Steven Specker, president and CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute

In addition, Roger Cooper, executive vice president, American Gas Association and Thomas Kuhn, president, Edison Electric Institute will participate in a dialogue on the need for “Efficiency First.” Finally, a panel discussion on “Advances in Vehicle Efficiency,” will be led by David Cole, chairman at the Center for Automotive Research. He will be joined by Alexander “Andy” Karsner, Former Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit johnsoncontrols.com.

 About USEA:
The United States Energy Association (USEA) is the U.S. Member Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC). USEA is an association of public and private energy-related organizations, corporations, and government agencies. USEA represents the broad interests of the U.S. energy sector by increasing the understanding of energy issues, both domestically and internationally. USEA coordinates participation of the United States in the WEC by nominating representatives to WEC activities, organizes the U.S. delegation to the triennial WEC Congress, WEC Executive Assembly Meetings and Regional Energy Forums. USEA members serve on WEC technical and study committees. In conjunction with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Energy, USEA sponsors our nation’s Energy Partnership Program. USEA sponsors policy reports and conferences dealing with global and domestic energy issues as well as sponsors trade and educational exchange visits with other countries. Membership in USEA is open to all organizations having an interest in the energy sector of the United States.

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