Even
as portions of the National Energy Policy were being drafted, the
second AAPG President's Conference on National Issues presented
information to decision makers in Washington, D.C., on "Energy &
Environment: A Partnership That Works."
The half-day session, held September 23 at the Reserve
Officer Association Building across the street from the U.S. Capitol,
included presentations on supply and demand issues, industry environmental
practices and impact and evidence of environmental responsibility
— with the intent to bring a view of rational science into the
policy debate.
Presentations were highly visual, with short, to-the-point
topics that pulled few punches before the audience of about 50 that
included U.S. Senate staffers and top management from three regulatory
agencies.
The program was spearheaded by Lee Gerhard, of Gerhard
& Associates, with logistical support provided by Carl J. Smith,
newly named director of the West Virginia Geological Survey, and
David Applegate, of the American Geological Institute. Environmental
activist and lawyer Victor Yannacone
provided a lunch-time address.