Collaborative Conversations: Talking About Sustainable Fuels to Students, Investors, and the Public

How do we talk about sustainable fuels? The public has heard a lot about EVs and ethanol, but what else is there, today and in the future?

This roundtable discussion will address strategies to facilitate a public discourse around sustainable fuels that reflects a deeper understanding of their benefits, challenges, risks and where they fit in the transition to a sustainable, renewable future. Participants will consider how key points and accurate information about the sector can be better communicated to the public, including educators and students (the potential future workforce), investors, influencers, and decision-makers. Topics to be considered include:

• What are sustainable fuels? What are they, how are they made, and how are they used?
• What are the key points and misconceptions about sustainable fuels that need to be better communicated? How?
• What skills and knowledge can help the workforce, corporations and investors successfully navigate the world of sustainable fuels?
• How can educators incorporate issues related to sustainable fuels, transport and industrial processes into their existing and future courses?
• How can corporations include sustainable fuels into the environmental and social aspects of their ESG goals?
• What is the role of sustainable fuels for equitable participation in climate change mitigation?
• What should the sustainable fuels sector be doing now to assure equity is integral to its growth?
• How do we shift the conversation from seeing various fuels and mobility options as competitive to complementary?
• How do we choose how to move into the future?

The goals for this roundtable are to bring thoughtful voices into this important conversation and to disseminate the ideas and information gathered. People of all experience levels are welcome and will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and questions, thereby shaping the content and creating a useful resource that will be later disseminated in written and video formats.

Doors open at 12:30 pm and a light lunch will be available. Those who are unable to attend the entire discussion are encouraged to attend for the portions they can.

Co-Moderators

• Joanne Ivancic, JD ‘87, Executive Director, Advanced Biofuels USA
• Donna M. Attanasio, Assistant Dean, Energy Law, GW Law

Co-Sponsors

• GW Law Sustainable Energy Initiative
• GW Law Journal of Energy & Environmental Law
• GW Environmental & Energy Management Institute
• SustainableGW
• GW Climate & Health Institute
• GW Law Environmental & Energy Law Association