The University of Texas Presents Two-Day Symposium to Improve Approach to Energy Technology Innovation and Policies

With an Emphasis on Texas, Energy Expert Provides a View of Energy Policy, Technologies, and the Role of Energy in the Economy, International Affairs, and American Culture

Austin, Texas -- July 2, 2007 -- The University of Texas today announced the addition of the Energy Technology and Policy short course which will be held July 26-27, 2007. Spearheaded by noted public speaker and researcher on energy technology and policy, Dr. Michael Webber, the short course will also feature guest lectures by Dr. Jeremy Meyers (UT), Dr. Phil Schmidt (UT) and John Baker, Chief Strategy Officer at Austin Energy. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in an even-handed discussion on all energy options and the trade-offs associated with each.

"Energy is in the news every single day, but often with misleading or incomplete information. This short course is great opportunity for participants to learn the truth about energy from an objective collection of experts," said Dr. Michael Webber, Associate Director of the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of Texas at Austin. "We believe Austin, which was recently listed as one of the greenest cities by Treehugger.com, is the ideal setting for delivering a 360 degree perspective of energy technologies and the policies that directly affect the industry."

Dr. Webber will cover the technical and engineering fundamentals of energy and its global implications by examining history, using real-world examples, and looking towards the future. Notable topics include:

• Peak Oil: Is it real? Should we care?
• Global Climate Change
• Texas as World Energy Leader (and Laggard)
• Hybrid and other advanced vehicle technologies, guest lecture by Dr. Phil Schmidt
• Electrochemical energy systems: fuel cells and batteries, guest lecture by Dr. Jeremy Meyers
• Challenges and Opportunities for Tomorrow's Electrical Sector, guest lecture by John Baker, Chief Strategy Officer, Austin Energy

Packed into two days, the short course is designed to bring decision-makers, policymakers, and mid- and senior-level managers up to speed on a wealth of issues that will be valuable to any industry or government position related to or heavily affected by energy.

Discussions will also include the following items:

• Energy basics and fundamentals
• Energy uses in America
• Fuels and technologies
• Energy and the environment
• Futuristic and renewable energy technologies and fuels
• Energy and the economy
• Energy geography and international affairs
• Approaches to conservation
• Energy at the movies (energy and culture)

Course Registration

The course will be held at the Thompson Conference Center. Course fee is $750 and will provide 1.5 CEUs. Register by phone at 512.471.3506, by email at tdobbs@mail.utexas.edu, or online at http://lifelong.engr.utexas.edu/shortcourse.cfm?course_num=1073.

About CLEE

The Center for Lifelong Engineering Education (CLEE) is an innovative leader in the training and professional development industry. For over 30 years, CLEE's commitment has remained simple: to provide training that makes a profound difference in people's lives and work. With more than 150 programs worldwide offered across multi-disciplines, CLEE acts as an information bridge for the top ranked College of Engineering to bring to individuals, organizations, and industry the best the College has to offer: cutting-edge research, solid academic reputation, industry expert support, and extensive faculty experience. The end result is relevant, diverse education opportunities that transform lives. CLEE's services include public classroom training, conferences, eTraining, on-site courses, and customizable training. For more information, please visit www.UTclee.org.