Focused on Building a Strong and Sustainable Clean Energy Economy

Over the past few days, I have had the opportunity to participate in events focused on building a strong and sustainable clean energy economy for America.  First, at the Applied Solutions Annual Conference in Boulder, Colorado, I spoke with local officials from around the country about our shared goal of creating healthy and prosperous American communities by growing the clean energy economy.  It was great to engage with local leaders on ways we can work together to protect the environmental and economic health of our country.

Later, I joined Colorado Senator Mark Udall on a tour of the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden, Colorado.  While we were at NREL, we had an interesting roundtable discussion focused on how we can build a smart grid that works well for American businesses and residents by allowing them to make informed energy choices and save money on their electricity bills.

Chair Sutley tours the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, CO. (Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL Public Affairs Office)

Next, in San Jose, California, I joined women business leaders at the Women's Network for a Sustainable Future to discuss how to integrate sustainability into operations both in government and in the private sector.  It was a fruitful discussion and a good opportunity to engage with leading businesswomen on an issue critical to building a clean energy economy.

Chair Sutley speaks at the Women's Network for a Sustainable Future Conference. (Photo by Cynthia Cheak.) November 12, 2010. (by Cynthia R. Cheak)

Finally, I participated in the third Governors' Global Climate Summit, hosted by California Governor Schwarzenegger at the University of California, Davis.  This year's Summit examined how leaders from across the government, academic, business and nonprofit sectors can collaborate to build a strong and sustainable economy in the face of global issues such as climate change. 

Overall, it was a successful trip and a wonderful opportunity to engage with and hear the ideas of sustainability and clean energy leaders out west.

Nancy Sutley is Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality