Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
29th environmental conference to focus on healthy state

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2005) - The relationships between a healthy economy, healthy citizens and a healthy environment in Kentucky are the focus of the 29th Governor's Conference on the Environment Nov. 3-4 in Louisville. The theme of this year's conference, at the Hyatt Regency Louisville, is "A Healthy State."

Governor Ernie Fletcher will be the luncheon speaker at the conference with a 1 p.m. EST address on Nov. 4.

The conference will begin at 5 p.m. Nov. 3 with the Secretaries' Reception in the ballroom. The conference's program begins at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 4 with a presentation by Mark Stoler, director of Environment, Health and Safety Operations (EHS) for General Electric Co.  Stoler is responsible for GE's annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHG) and led the team that developed GE's recently announced GHG reduction targets.

Dr. James Holsinger, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services; Andrew McNeill, chief of staff of the Commerce Cabinet, and Sylvia Lovely, executive director of the Kentucky League of Cities, will participate in a panel discussion on "A Healthy State" at 9 a.m. on Nov. 4.

At 10 a.m., a panel on "A Healthy Environment" will discuss air toxics, sewer overflows, mine safety issues, children's environmental health in Kentucky and the new KY EXCEL program.

The first afternoon session on Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m., will focus on emergency preparedness to protect public health and the environment. The panel will feature Franklin Hill, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IV, and Andrew Cline, deputy director for preparedness for the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

At 2:30 p.m., a panel will preview the 2006 General Assembly session and expected legislative issues.

Registration is $80 at the door paid by cash or check only. Conference and registration information is available at http://www.environment.ky.gov/govconference/.