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Highlights from 2004's Superconference |
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Over 500 people gathered at the 16 th Annual Environmental Superconference, held in Austin on August 5-6, 2004. “Reality TV” was the theme of this year’s Superconference Jeff Civins, chair of the Superconference planning committee, kicked off the conference by donning his Donald Trump wig and proclaiming “While there are other environmental seminars out there, ours has the best hair.”
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In addition to learning the latest in Texas environmental law, attendees got to participate in the Superconference’s own version of Reality TV. |
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 (Pictured above: Mary Sahs, as Paris Hilton, prepares to moderate the panel on “Alternative Energy – the Simple Life,” featuring Railroad Commission Chairman, Victor Carillo.)
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Would-be American Idols took turns with the Karoke machine and bravely withstood the critique of the panel of judges: Mike “Randy Jackson” Nasi, Jim “Simon Cowell” Braddock, and Manisha “Paula Abdul” Patel. The winner, Laura Lavalle, who has a day job as an attorney with Lloyd Gosselink, wowed the audience with “The Jury Sleeps Today,” sung to the tune of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
The audience witnessed the Extreme Makeover of Eric Groten , who was remarkably transformed from corporate attorney to Austin activist bent on saving the grackles.
On the enforcement panel, “Fear Factor,” Pam Giblin bravely reached into a box, finding a dreaded TCEQ enforcement order. |
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 (Pictured Left: State Representative, Dennis Bonner expresses his frustration with the status of Municipal Settings Designation Programs.)
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An illustrious group of officials spoke at the Conference, including State Representative Dennis Bonnen, Railroad Commission Chairman, Victor Carillo, and newly-appointed Assistant Administrator/General Counsel of EPA, Ann Klee.
The Thursday evening reception, sponsored by the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, was held in honor of Ms. Klee. |
Another conference highlight was the discussion on issues of federalism by Larry Starfield, Deputy Regional Administrator of EPA Region 6, and Larry Soward, TCEQ Commissioner. As always, the program ended with an open mike question and answer session with high-level representatives from TCEQ and EPA, followed by “Temptation Island” ice cream sundaes. |
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Joining the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section in sponsoring the Environmental Superconference were the Air and Waste Management Association – Southwest Section, Water Environment Association of Texas, Texas Association of Environmental Professionals, The Auditing Roundtable, and American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy & Resources.
More photos>>>
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