NEWSROOM
Former
Congressman Sherwood L. Boehlert to Speak at LSU
Longtime politician to address global warming and public policy
March 6, 2007
Former Congressman
Sherwood L. Boehlert will visit the LSU campus on Friday, March
9, to speak in the Holliday Forum in the Journalism Building at
3 p.m. All members of the media and the general public are invited
to attend the event.
Boehlert will deliver
a lecture on climate change and public policy, titled “Lessons
from a Flat World.” Throughout his long and decorated career
in Congress representing upstate New York, which spanned from
1983 – 2006, Boehlert was best known to his colleagues as
a moderate Republican who pushed for federal investment in science
and technology. Dubbed the “Green Hornet” by the National
Journal, Boehlert had an intense focus on the strength of U.S.
national security, environmental protection and the fight against
global warming.
In his first speech
as Chairman of the Committee on Science, Boehlert said that he
planned to “ensure that we have a healthy, sustainable and
productive R&D establishment – one that educates students,
increases human knowledge, strengthens U.S. competitiveness and
contributes to the well-being of the nation and the world.”
He immediately laid out priorities for Congress that he called
“The Three Es:” science and math education, energy
policy and the environment.
“Global warming
is a supremely relevant topic at the moment, and we’re honored
to have Chairman Boehlert visiting at LSU to give us his perspective
on the situation,” said O’Keefe. “During his
many years of distinguished public service in Congress he fought
hard to champion science and technology policy. His years of experience
and sterling reputation as an environmental crusader should combine
to make an interesting and educational presentation for all those
who attend.”
Before leaving office,
Boehlert took an active role in promoting the development of alternative
energy sources, with his science committee penning several key
provisions in the Energy Policy Act in 2005. He was also instrumental
in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, which would have
significantly cut oil consumption in the transportation sector.
In 2006, when he announced
that he would not seek reelection, it was to the great disappointment
of many party members and environmentalists everywhere.
Boehlert’s lecture
is by invitation of O’Keefe and is sponsored by the Office
of the Chancellor, the Office of Research and Economic Development
and the Manship School of Mass Communication.
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