Who Were the Conference Sponsors?
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The conference was collaboratively organized and sponsored by the
Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) which also took the
lead role in organizing the conference, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) through the EERC’s Center
for Air Toxic Metals, the U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory
(NETL), and EPRI .
Why Was This Conference Held? top
Mercury and airborne particulate matter are two air pollutants that
continue to receive much attention and be of great concern. The first
two Air Quality Conferences reviewed the state of science and policy on
airborne pollutants, mainly from utility power generation, with a focus
on mercury and particulate matter emissions. The Air Quality III Conference
comprised two streams of discussion: one focused on mercury and the other
on trace elements and particulate matter. The Air Quality Conferences
have provided an opportunity for science, government, and business representatives
to meet, discuss, and develop proactive responses to breakthroughs, questions,
and concerns involving air quality. These interactions proved to be very
valuable at the Air Quality III Conference, particularly in regard to
EPA’s schedule to propose regulations for mercury emissions from coal-
and oil-fired power plants by December 15, 2003.
What Did the Technical Program Include?
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Keynote presentations were provided by The Honorable Byron Dorgan,
U.S. Senator (ND); Jeffrey Holmstead, Assistant Administrator of Air and
Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Rita Bajura, Director,
U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory. In addition
to the two streams of technical papers, a Panel on Environmental Policy
was held, as well as a poster session focusing on the same session topics
provided in the two technical streams.
A number of key individuals representing industry and government participated
in the conference as session chairs and presenters. To find out more about
the presenters and topics covered, please access the conference final program.
Was an Exhibit Held? top
A limited exhibit was provided for 16 vendors, and exhibit space was
filled for the conference. An Air Quality III Exhibitor Directory
is included here for your information.
Who Attended the Air Quality III Conference?
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The conference was considered a great success on the part of the organizers,
with over 400 attendees from 36 states and 15 countries attending. The
demographic breakdown showed approximately 49% of the attendees represented
industry, followed by government at 23%, and research at 23%. The remaining
5% included consulting organizations, media, and students.
What Did Attendees Have to Say About the
Conference? top
Extremely positive feedback was received from the attendees, including
the following: