Steve Patterson, executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF), will be the featured speaker at the Putting Green to Work lunch series at the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The presentation coincides with the annual observance of National Pollution Prevention Week.
The lunch will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 19 at the ADEQ Headquarters Building (5301 Northshore Drive) in North Little Rock.
The AAEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to research and public education to support the advanced energy economic development goals of its sister organization, the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA). The AAEA has a diverse membership, including manufacturers, energy providers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, educators, researchers, consultants and public officials whose common interest and expertise focuses on advanced energy development and economic expansion in Arkansas.
One of the topics Patterson will cover deals with a new state law that authorizes government entities to voluntarily form energy improvement districts that can issue tax-exempt bonds to fund low-interest, long-term loans to interested property owners for energy efficiency improvements, water conservation, and renewable energy projects.
The lunches feature businesses and organizations that have excelled at energy conservation and other sustainable practices. The ADEQ, in partnership with Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, created the Putting Green to Work lunches. The series aims to help industry leaders learn from each other how to save energy, prevent pollution. and conserve resources, all while helping their bottom lines.
The series, an effort of the ADEQ’s Business Assistance Program, is an outgrowth of the agency’s annual Environmental Stewardship Award. Dubbed the ENVY award, the honor is given annually to individuals, businesses, or groups for exceptional efforts to protect or enhance the Arkansas environment.
Admission is free, but registration is required for the event, as seating is limited. Attendees bring their own lunch.
To register, contact Audree Miller at (501) 682-0015 or email miller@adeq.state.ar.us by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18.
