Join NCAC-USAEE and Dr. Joel Hicks to discuss efforts to address climate change mitigation and adaptation in the U.S..
Domestic climate change efforts tend to focus on federal and state policies such as subsidies, regulations, and clean energy standards. Local governments are often left out of the public discussion because of inherent constraints that limit their span of authority, such as requirements to balance their budgets and to accommodate state/federal roadway projects. However, local governments have a critical role in the successful implementation of climate policies. The lack of planning can constrain or choke off opportunities for effective climate policies.
Several state governments, including Pennsylvania, have dedicated resources to help local governments, especially smaller, rural communities, develop local GHG inventories and climate action plans that are tailored to address local conditions.. George Mason University (GMU) is piloting a program to help small municipalities in Virginia develop GHG inventories and climate action plans. The proof-of-concept is expected to encourage Virginia’s state government to invest in climate planning opportunities at the local level.
Joel Hicks received his Ph.D. (Public Policy) from George Mason University’s (GMU’s) Schar School of Policy and Government where he is currently an adjunct professor. He is a former U.S. Naval Officer who served in the nuclear submarine community as well as completing multiple assignments in DoD space acquisition and operational communities. He obtained his Nuclear Engineer credentials through Naval Reactors, and his last active-duty assignment was as Deputy Director, Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC), Vandenberg AFB, CA. Prior to his tenure at GMU, Dr. Hicks taught two graduate courses, “International Issues in Energy Policy” and “Science, Technology, and Energy Policy” at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA). He frequently writes about demand side management (DSM) of energy systems with a focus on energy efficiency, behavioral economics, and public sector energy governance/institutions. In 2019, he successfully ran for Carlisle Borough Council and serves as Chair, Climate Action Commission for Carlisle Borough.
This event is free to NCAC-USAEE members. The Zoom link will be at the very bottom of the confirmation email from NCAC-USAEE, after you register. Non-members can sign up for membership at: https://www.ncac-usaee.org/membership and then sign-up for the event on the website calendar. 2021 membership entitles participation for the remainder of the year.