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 aisaac-cura@edf.org. 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 lwilliamson@edf.org