We are thrilled to announce the following speakers for the Planning and Conservation League’s 2006 Environmental Legislative Symposium, A Climate of Change:

Pete McCloskey will speak in the morning. A former U.S. Congressman, and the Republican challenger to Congressman Richard Pombo, McCloskey is a staunch environmentalist, running against an incumbent who many people believe is the most anti environmental member of the U.S. Congress.

Assembly Member Fran Pavley is recognized worldwide for authoring landmark 2002 legislation limiting greenhouse gases statewide and putting California in the lead on tackling Global Climate Change. This year she’s back at it with AB 32, a new bill that, if passed, would take another giant step in the right direction. Profiled in Time Magazine, Fran Pavley is doing the job Bush won’t.

John Van de Kamp is former State Attorney General and PCL’s new board President, with a long record of environmental achievements, including a successful fight to protect Lake Tahoe and establishing a moratorium on oil drilling off the California Coast.

Over lunch you’ll hear from Paul Dolan and Phil Angelides.

Paul Dolan, is the former President of Fetzer Vineyards and current partner in the Mendocino Wine Company, and is an inspiring speaker. Under his leadership, Fetzer converted to buying 100% green energy, saw a 94% reduction in landfill waste, and implemented 100% organic gardening. His book, True To Our Roots: Fermenting a Business Revolution, details his triple-bottom-line business approach: balancing environmental, economic and social equity needs to achieve success.

Phil Angelides is California’s State Treasurer and a leading Democratic Party candidate for Governor. He will give a presentation on the environmental challenges facing California. Angelides’ Democratic opponent, Controller Steve Westly, has now told PCL that he has a schedule conflict on April 29th, and can't attend. A representative of Governor Schwarzenegger is also expected to speak.

The keynote dinner begins with Larry J. Schweiger, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. Mr. Schweiger brings a national perspective to the fight against Climate Change and the ramifications of climate change for disadvantaged communities across the United States. He will present an award from the Federation to Senator Michael Machado, for his dedication to improving California’s water policy.

Michel Gelobter, the visionary Executive Director of Redefining Progress, will continue this keynote event with his speech on Environmental Protection and Justice For All. A former Congressional Black Caucus Fellow, and Director of Environmental Quality for the City of New York, Mr. Gelobter received his Ph.D. studying race and income distribution of air pollution in the United States. He has written broadly about environmental justice, lead poisoning, global warming, sustainability, commons management, and the relationship between environmental protection and tourism in developing countries.

During our pre-dinner complimentary wine and cheese reception PCL will present our 2006 Legislator of the Year award to Assembly Member Sally Lieber for protecting California’s environment from polluting automobiles and out-of-control Off-Highway Vehicles.

Wines for the reception have been generously donated by Paul Dolan’s Parducci Wines, Frey Wines, Galante Vineyards, and Barra of Mendocino.

Bill Lockyer, State Attorney General, candidate for State Treasurer and former State Senator will also address the Symposium. As the state’s top law enforcement official, Lockyer has made prosecution of environmental crimes a high priority, aggressively pursuing companies and individuals who violate our state’s laws. Look for an update confirming his time and announcing more speakers!