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Transitioning to the New Energy Economy

On Thursday, October 5, 2017, the Wheeling Academy of Law and Science (WALS) Foundation invited all members of the community to participate in the discussion program, “Transitioning to the New Energy Economy.”

Forty people gathered at the First State Capitol to hear a program focused on the growth of jobs and opportunity in energy efficiency and renewable energy for our region and our coal mining communities.  A panel of experts in the New Energy Economy provided an overview of where we are now, and where we are headed, followed by an audience and panel discussion session.

Our panelists included:

Dan Conant, founder of Solar Holler. He has an MS in Energy Policy from Johns Hopkins and is a former advisor to the US Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative. Dan partners with Coalfield Development, to provide WV coal workers access to education and work opportunities, and Rewire Appalachia enterprise, specializing in renewable energy training and jobs.

Evan Hansen founder and president of Downstream Strategies. Downstream Strategies offers consulting services to help build resilient communities, promote economic development, and protect the environment. Hansen received a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from M.I.T. and an M.S. in Energy and Resources from U.C.- Berkeley.

James Van Nostrand, Professor and Director of the Center for Energy and Sustainable Development at WVU College of Law. He received his LL.M. in Environmental Law from Pace Law School, his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, his master’s degree in economics from SUNY at Albany, and a B.S. in economics from the University of Northern Iowa.

Sean O’Leary, Senior Policy Analyst with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. He has authored numerous reports on working family issues, economic development, and state and federal budget and tax policy. Sean holds a B.A. in political science and economics and a Master of Public Administration from West Virginia University.

Feature image courtesy Rosemary Ketchum