Solar panels and wind turbines
Fowler School of Law

ยป 2015 Nexus Symposium

A Sustainable Future: The Advancement and Implementation of Renewable Energy

Friday, October 23, 2015
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kennedy Hall Room 237 AB

Presented by Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law's Nexus Journal of Law and Policy

Chapman University is a State Bar of California approved MCLE provider and certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit in the amount of 5 general MCLE credits.

The advancement of renewable energy as a long term solution to climate change is at the forefront of political debate. The benefits of independent, sustainable energy sources are being weighed against the constraints of economic viability. Energy policies are inconsistent from state to state, and antiquated at the federal level when compared to policies in place for traditional energy sources. The result has been a deadlock in the political discussion and varied progress in renewable energy advancement and implementation.

Our symposium brings policy influencers, industry professionals, and legal scholars together to foster and encourage healthy conversation and debate on the subject. The topics covered will include: current and prospective federal and state laws; policy initiatives that are beneficial or burdensome to growing renewable sources in the U.S. and their implementation barriers; and future trends in the renewable energy sector.

Symposium Schedule

Check in and Registration (9 – 9:30 a.m.)

Introduction (9:30 a.m.) : Hugh Hewitt, Professor of Law

Morning Address (9:45 – 10:15 a.m.): Dino E. Barajas, Partner, Akin Gump

Moderator: Hugh Hewitt, Professor of Law

Panel I: Renewable Realities (10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.) (View Webcast)

Moderator: Melissa Berry, Asst. Dean of Career Services

  • Troy Arthur Rule, Associate Professor of Law & Faculty Director, Program on Law and Sustainability, Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
  • Brian Nese, Partner, Stoel Rives LLP
  • Dr. Robert Michaels, Professor of Economics, California State University, Fullerton

Lunch Keynote Presentation (12 – 1:30 p.m.): Todd Foley, Chief Strategy Officer, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)

Moderator: Hugh Hewitt, Professor of Law

Panel II: Policy Perspectives (2 – 3:15 p.m.)(View Webcast)

Moderator: Dr. Deepa Badrinarayana, Professor of Law

  • Gregory Trimarche, Chairman & President, CleanTech OC; Of Counsel, Ring Bender; COO, e-Car Solar
  • Dr. Timothy Krantz, Professor, Environmental Studies Program, University of Redlands
  • Carrie Anne Downey, Adjunct Professor of Law and member of the Board of Advisors of the Energy Policy Initiatives Center, University of San Diego Law School; City Councilwoman, City of Coronado; Principal, Law Office of Carrie Anne Downey
  • Steven Ferrey, Professor of Law, Suffolk University Law School

Panel III: Advancing New Technology and What the Future Holds (3:25 – 4:35 p.m.) (View Webcast)

Moderator: Kenneth Stahl, Professor of Law

  • Tim Duane, Professor of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz; Visiting Professor of Law, University of San Diego; Private practice attorney/consultant
  • Melissa Miyashiro, Operations Director, Blue Planet Foundation
  • Brian Moffat, Co-Founder and CEO, Spindrift Energy
  • Steve Kosowski, National Manager, Long Range Strategy and Planning, Kia Motors America

"En Banc" Reception: Cocktails and Appetizers for all guests, presenters, faculty and students (4:45 – 6:45 p.m.) 

If you are unable to make it to the symposium you can watch a live Webcast of the Symposium. Must attend live event to receive MCLE credit.

Disability Services will be provided upon request. If you require specific accommodations, your request must be submitted no later than seven days prior to the event, October 17, 2015. Please submit requests or questions to: Ian Jones, Assistant Director of Student and Alumni Services at ijones@chapman.edu or (714) 628-2619.


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Todd Foley, Chief Strategy Officer, American Council on Renewable Energy

Todd Foley


Chief Strategy Officer, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)

Mr. Foley leads strategic integration of policy development, research, external communications and interaction with federal and state government and regulatory officials. He has more than 25 years experience in federal and state policy, renewable energy market design and business development. Prior to joining ACORE, he directed global and U.S. policy, market development and communications for BP Solar. He also served in several U.S. government positions, including the White House, U.S. Senate, U.S. EPA and OSHA. He has served on the board of directors of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the Solar Alliance, Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Associations (TREIA). He received his B.S. from Boston College and JD from the Washington College of Law at American University.