Highlights from the 21st Annual Environmental Superconference

	Fitting this year's legislative session, Elvis (Mike Nasi) presents Texas Senator Kirk Watson with a six-pack of Chub Beer before Watson's presentation on legislative highlights.

Rolling into its 21st year, the theme for this year's Environmental Superconference was "Viva Las Vegas." The premier Environmental Conference was held August 6-7, 2009 at the Austin Four Seasons Hotel. The Superconference is unique: In addition to having a theme that the participants embrace, it includes skits and the awarding of prizes, interspersed among the substantive presentations on timely topics.

After a surprise appearance by Elvis, singing an ode to the 21st Annual Superconference (to the tune of "Viva Las Vegas"), the conference started with a bang, with Commissioner Dale Klein of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission discussing the rebirth of nuclear power ("What are the Odds?"). For a Texas Legislative legislative session most likely to be remembered for procedural moves – the Senate breaking its tradition of the 2/3rds rule and the House’s critically timed 5-day "chubbing" marathon – Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin) treated the attendees to a candid assessment ("Circus Circus"): "It was a Seinfeld session. A session about nothing." Senator Watson discussed the ins and outs of S.B. 16, an omnibus clean air bill, which died on the House calendar, a victim of "chubbing." However, major provisions of S.B. 16 found a home on a House carbon sequestration bill that passed.

Posing as a Las Vegas dealer, the theme of TCEQ Commissioner Larry Soward's talk was cards, including a king of diamonds for permitting, a two of clubs for public participation, king of clubs for enhanced federal involvement, and the ace of spades for TCEQ sunset.

The audience heard from high level officials from EPA Headquarters ("The Golden Nugget") and Region 6, including Acting EPA Regional Administrator Larry Starfield. Outgoing TCEQ Commissioner Larry Soward was frank in discussing his topic of The Future of Environmental Regulation in Texas ("Texas Hold ‘Em"), receiving a standing ovation from the audience. He noted a showdown was looming and, in keeping with the Superconference's theme, the outcome would depend on the players’ cards, how the various players played their hands, and their ability to bluff.

The Superconference was preceded by a very well-attended Wednesday night seminar focusing on climate change ("Tropicana"), including proposed greenhouse gas reporting requirements ("Counting Cards") and the regulation of CO2 injection ("Over/Under").

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