House Subcommittee on Energy & Environment Hosts Field Hearing in Houston

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science & Technology, Subcommittee on Energy & Environment, will hold a field hearing titled, “Energizing Houston: Sustainability, Technological Innovation, and Growth in the Energy Capital of the World.” The hearing will be held on February 29, 2008, 10:00 a.m., at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy on the campus of Rice University in Houston, Texas.  The Houston region and the energy industry that drives much of the economy face a wide range of challenges as complex issues such as energy independence and national security, global climate change, and economic growth become increasingly intertwined at the local, national, and international levels. Chairman Nick Lampson and other Members of the Committee will hear from witnesses addressing how the industry, academic community, and public leaders confront these challenges with tools that range from common sense energy efficiency initiatives, to space-age technologies to access previously unrecoverable oil and natural gas resources.  Confirmed witnesses for the hearing include: Panel I -

• Mayor Bill White – Mayor, City of Houston    
• Mr. John Hofmeister – President, Shell Oil Company    
• Mr. Thomas Standish – President, Regulated Operations, CenterPoint Energy 

Panel II –

• Dr. Walter Chapman – Director, Rice University Energy and Environment Systems Institute
• Dr. Robert Harriss – President & CEO, Houston Advanced Research Center 
• Dr. Robert Hirsch – Senior Energy Advisor, Management Information Services Incorporated
• Mr. Michael Ming –President, Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America

This event is open to the public, however, individuals who plan to attend are asked to RSVP so that staff may make appropriate seating arrangements. Please RSVP to Nicholas Williams in Congressman Nick Lampson's office by either calling: 281-240-3700 or by email at: nicholas.williams@mail.house.gov