Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities to join GEA Geothermal Energy Finance Forum 2012

“We are extremely fortunate to have the Governor's office represented at this important industry event. Michael Picker’s experience and knowledge in renewable energy policy will provide great insight to attendees,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell.

Picker, who serves as the Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities, was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in January 2011. Prior to his appointment, Picker served as senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2008 to 2010.  

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee remarked, “This valuable conference brings the finance and investment community together and provides a tutorial on geothermal energy investment with top experts and major players in geothermal development and finance. I know the discussions fostered by this important conference will be tremendously beneficial to the future of renewable energy.”

California is a policy leader in the United States with one of the most ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standards in the country. California’s landmark renewable energy standard legislation was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown this year, and will require California utilities to provide at least a third of their electricity from clean and safe renewable sources like geothermal by the year 2020. With 48 operating geothermal power plants and approximately 2,500 MW of installed geothermal capacity, California is No. 1 in United States’ geothermal generation. It is estimated that the state has a potential of more than 3,000 megawatts of additional power from geothermal energy, using current technologies. 

To register for the event, please visit: http://geo-energy.org/events/finance_forum_2012.aspx.  Significant discounts for GEA Members and Students are available. For more information or to receive media credentials, please contact Leni Schimpf, 646-695-7045, or Leni@rosengrouppr.com.

About the Geothermal Energy Association:

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses.  GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/.  Check out GEA’s YouTube Channel.  Follow GEA on Twitter.  Become a fan on Facebook.