Governor Kaine to Speak May 6 in Blue Planet Forum Series

Governor Timothy M. Kaine will be the speaker for the Blue Planet Forum: Exploring the Bay and Beyond environmental lecture series at Old Dominion University on Wednesday, May 6. His topic will be "The Renew Virginia Initiative on Energy and the Environment."

The forum, which will be held in Webb University Center, is free and open to the public. Those attending are asked to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m.; Governor Kaine's talk will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Governor Kaine has proclaimed 2009 as the Year of Energy and the Environment. Renew Virginia, which was launched late in 2008 by the governor, calls for legislative and executive actions to make the state a leader in energy conservation/efficiency and in protecting the environment. The initiative seeks to create "green" jobs to promote economic recovery.

The Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC), which is headquartered at ODU and includes scientists and engineers from other state universities, is studying several "green" technologies that could be cornerstones of Renew Virginia. One such technology involves the production of biodiesel fuel from algae. Others involve harnessing wind and wave power.

The forum is presented by Nauticus, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Old Dominion University. Its mission is to educate and engage the public on important environmental issues facing affecting Hampton Roads and the nation.

Because seating is limited for Blue Planet Forum events, advance registration is recommended by phone at 622-1964, via e-mail at blueplanet@cbf.org or by Internet at www.cbf.org/blueplanet.