Energy & Responsibility:
A Conference on Ethics and the Environment

Conference date:  April 10-12, 2008

Conference location: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Downtown Hilton Hotel, Knoxville, Tennessee

Conflicts and controversies about energy have become familiar features of the political and economic landscape around the globe.  The environmental consequences of energy production, distribution and consumption and energy policy invite consideration of the ethical implications of both practice and policy. What are our ethical obligations to manage the earth’s resources and natural environment in a ‘sustainable’ manner? How should these obligations be enacted, institutionalized and implemented?

This conference invites ethicists, legal theorists, energy policy makers, energy enterprises and environmental activists to engage in a conversation about ethics and responsibility in the contested terrain of energy and the environment.

Confirmed Keynote Speakers:

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Planning Committee:

  • Denis Arnold, Department of Philosophy and Center for Applied and Professional Ethics, The University of Tennessee
  • Heather Douglas, Department of Philosophy, The University of Tennessee
  • Mary English, Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, The University of Tennessee
  • Nina Gregg, Charter of Human Responsibilities (US)
  • Donald Huisingh, Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, The University of Tennessee
  • Becky Jacobs, The University of Tennessee College of Law
  • Corinne Martin, The University of Tennessee College of Law
  • John Nolt, Department of Philosophy, The University of Tennessee

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Advisory Committee:

  • Don Barger, Senior Director, Southeast Regional Office, National Parks Conservation Association
  • Kevin J. Anton, President, Alcoa Materials Management
  • John B.(Jack) Brellenthin, Senior Manager, Environmental Policy, Tennessee Valley Authority
  • Bruce Bursten, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tennessee; President, American Chemical Society
  • Wayne Davis, Associate Dean, College of Engineering, The University of Tennessee
  • Sarah Gardial, Associate Dean, College of Business Administration, The University of Tennessee
  • Paul Gilman, Director, Oak Ridge Center for Advanced Studies
  • Alan Lowe, Director, Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy, The University of Tennessee
  • Gregg Marland, Carbon-Climate Simulation Science Group, Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Lee Riedinger, Interim Vice Chancellor for Research, The University of Tennessee
  • Robert Shelton, Research Professor of Economics, Senior Associate for Energy Policy, Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy, The University of Tennessee
  • Stephen Smith, Executive Director, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
  • Bruce Tonn, Department of Political Science, The University of Tennessee
  • Timothy Valentine, Strategic Planning and Communications,
    Energy and Engineering Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Madeleine Weil, Deputy Director, Policy Development, City of Knoxville

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Hotel Information

The Knoxville Hilton (501 W. Church Avenue Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37902-2591) is the conference hotel. Conference room rates (if reserved by March 15, 2008) are $75.00 plus tax for single/double (or upgrade to a King room for $85.00 plus tax per night). The group code for these rooms is PHI. Reservations may be made by calling:

Hotel—865-523-2300 (8AM-4PM)
Direct—865-251-2578 (8AM-4PM)
Toll-free—800-HILTONS

Green Car and Courier provides transportation service to West Knoxville / Downtown / and the airports from 4am till midnight. Green is Knoxville's only 100% bio-fueled fleet.

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Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit

Tennessee CLE has accredited 3 of the sessions on Saturday, April 12, awarding a total of 4.25 hours (2.75 general and 1.50 dual).  The total fee for the 4.25 hours is $5.00.  CLE is only available for attorneys registered for the conference; the $5.00 fee is not part of the Registration Fee for the Conference and must be paid at the on site Registration Table on the day of the CLE sessions.  Register today: there are only 20 places open for those seeking CLE credit.

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Student Attendees

Student attendees may caucus during lunch on Saturday. Caucus discussion will include:

  • The responsibility of higher education in addressing energy issues
  • The role of students in addressing energy issues with respect to current generations, our future, and our prosperity.

From this discussion students are invited help draft a statement as part of the generation who will be most responsible for solving our energy related issues.

Registration: Students attending colleges or universities other than the University of Tennessee may register for the conference at the cost of $60 per registrant. University of Tennessee students may attend the conference free of charge. UT students do not need to register, but must bring their UT ID for access to conference events.

Housing and Meal Support: SPEAK (Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville) will be helping to provide housing and meals for student attendees to help in reducing the cost of attending the conference. Students attending who do not wish to or are unable to pay for hotel expenses can request housing with a UT student. Sleeping arrangement will be extra beds, couches, and floor space. SPEAK will host a dinner on Friday night for the student attendees and work to provide host with food for attendees. If you plan to attend the student caucus or are in need of housing please contact speak@utk.edu or rrichmo2@utk.edu. Also contact speak@utk.edu for additional questions regarding student involvement.

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