Insuring Our Energy Future Conference Sept. 18

Illinois State University's Center for Renewable Energy and Katie School of Insurance and Financial Services will host an "Insuring Our Energy Future: Renewable Energy and Risk Management Conference" on Friday, Sept. 18, in Illinois State University's Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom.

The conference runs from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and will provide insight into the growth patterns for renewable energy and risk management treatment of this energy sector.  Speakers will discuss commercial property and liability risks for renewable energy sources, especially wind and biofuels, and how these risks can be managed. 

The registration fee is $150.  A reduced rate is offered for members of the Center for Renewable Energy and corporate partners of the Katie School, as well as college and university faculty and students.

For the current conference program agenda and to register online visit www.RenewableEnergy.ilstu.edu/events/RiskManagement2009.shtml   For more information, call the Center for Renewable Energy at 309-438-7919 or email RenewableEnergy@ilstu.edu

Conference speakers include U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson (IL-11),Thomas Weirich, director of membership and corporate relations at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE); George Sterzinger, executive director of the Renewable Energy Policy Project;  Barry Matchett, co-legislative director and policy advocate at the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC);  Ross Nordstrom,  managing director of insurance services at Mesirow Financial; Darren Small, assistant vice president, energy resources specialty and biofuels segment leader at Chubb; and Rob Collecott, director of energy at Miller Insurance in London.

"Continuted development of renewable energy offers us opportunities for more job growth and a reduction of our reliance on foreign oil," said U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson. "As this industry matures, it is important we discuss policies that will encourage more growth and stability for renewables."

"Renewable energy has grown rapidly in the last several years," said David Loomis, director of the Center for Renewable Energy.  "In 2008, the United States added 8,558 MW of new wind generation representing $16.4 billion of new investment.  Illinois has already passed the first 1,000 megawatt mark for wind energy and interest in this industry continues to be strong around the state."

"Because of the new emphasis placed on renewable energy, insurance companies are viewing new opportunities in this area to keep pace with residential and commercial products for wind, solar, and other renewable energy technologies," said Jim Jones, director of the Katie School.