James Clyburn Environmental Justice Braintrust 2009

The theme of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) 39th Annual Legislative Conference is "Reinvest...Rebuild...Renew," and is being held at the Washington Convention Center from September 23-26.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn, right, hosted an Environmental Justice Braintrust that discussed various energy alternatives, including nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, clean coal, biofuels, and more, in the development of a comprehensive national energy policy that could reduce our dependency on foreign fuel, meet the challenges of climate change, and create new green economies. Congressman Clyburn insists that any comprehensive energy policy must focus on the relationship between these issues and human health.

This year's Braintrust focused on the creation of jobs and business opportunities for minority and small businesses. Representative James E. Clyburn moderated the forum and panelists included: Cynthia V. Anderson, Director EM Recovery Act Program, Office of Environmental Management, U.S. DOE; Jeffrey M. Allison, Manager, Savannah River Operations; Sam W. Artis, CPCM, Director, Small Business Liaison Office, URS Corporation; Bud DeFlaviis, Director, Government Affairs, U.S. Fuel Cell Council; Dennis Fitzgibbons, V.P., Federal Affairs, First Solar; Dave Harden, Director, Energy City, SC; Edward S. Harrbard, Jr., Esq., Director, Government Affairs, Renewable Fuels Association; Charles L. Munns, President & CEO, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC.