Kermit the Frog Would be Happy: It's Getting Easier to be Green

National organization and state lawmakers from across the country take steps to use more renewable energy and recyclable materials at meeting in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - July 24, 2008 - By reducing paper, using more biodegradable material and accepting renewable energy credits, the National Conference of State Legislatures is making an effort to minimize its environmental impact during the Legislative Summit in New Orleans.

More than 6,000 legislators, staff and business professionals will gather at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in the Crescent City for NCSL's 34th annual Legislative Summit. More than 150 sessions will address an array of timely topics including renewable energy, sustainability and climate change policy.

“Citizens in Louisiana are global citizens and are concerned about their environment, particularly wetland preservation and restoration," said NCSL's executive director William T. Pound. “NCSL is trying to take the needs of our members and the environment into consideration while we meet in New Orleans.”

Several companies are helping NCSL host a greener meeting. Constellation NewEnergy, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy based in Baltimore, is working with the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to match electricity consumption during the conference with renewable energy. Constellation NewEnergy will supply Green-e Certified wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to the Legislative Summit. A REC represents the clean air benefits from electricity generated from wind, solar or other renewable power facility.

“Constellation NewEnergy is committed to helping NCSL limit its impact on the environment by providing a source of clean renewable power to match the Summit’s electricity usage,” said Carrie Cullen Hitt, vice president of product management and renewable products for Constellation NewEnergy. “It’s exciting to see so many legislators come together to discuss these environmental issues, which are closely aligned with Constellation NewEnergy’s commitment to offer renewable energy solutions to businesses across North America.”

ARAMARK and the Morial Convention Center also are helping conserve water with low-flow faucets in restrooms, energy efficient lighting, and clean air practices.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] The American Beverage Association, which represents the leading non-alcoholic beverage companies including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Nestlé Waters, will donate recycling bins to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to be used during NCSL's Legislative Summit. In addition, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. is providing recycling bins at the Summit’s opening and closing receptions at the Louisiana Superdome and the National World War II Museum and at the host hotel, the Hilton Riverside. CCE, in partnership with these venues, is handling the sorting and pickup of recycled beverage containers during the five-day meeting.

“Our industry is one of the few that makes fully recyclable products," said Susan K. Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association. "By providing recycle bins, we’re allowing those materials to be used again to make a variety of new consumer goods, including new beverage containers. "

“These bins will have a lasting impact on recycling opportunities, not only during NCSL’s Legislative Summit, but for future events held at the Morial Convention Center,” said Senator Joel T. Chaisson II, Senate president of the Louisiana Legislature.

Centerplate Catering will provide compostable and biodegradable products to be used at several social events.

This is the second year NCSL has taken significant steps to make its Legislative Summit more environmentally friendly. Last year, NCSL began a five-year effort to adopt green meeting standards for its Legislative Summit in cities across the country. In 2009, NCSL will be in Philadelphia.

NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.

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