CNN International Anchor to Headline 2011 Southern Solar Summit

ATLANTA, June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CNN International Anchor Natalie Allen will bring her extensive knowledge of sustainable technology, environmental research and climate science to the luncheon keynote address at the third Annual Southern Solar Summit on June 24.

Allen joins a notable program of solar experts from throughout the nation who will provide the latest information on technology, policy and innovation in sustainable energy as they discuss how "Solar Works in Georgia." The day-long symposium will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, June 24, at the GTRI Conference Center, 250 14th St. NW, Atlanta, and continue through a networking session at 4 p.m.

For two years beginning in 2007, Allen served as The Weather Channel's first full-time environment and climate correspondent and primary anchor for the network's weekly news program, "Forecast Earth." She has interviewed environmental pioneers, profiled the greenest CEO in the country, the greenest team in the NFL and numerous green venture capitalists.

Col. Dan Nolan, U.S. Army(Ret.) leader of the military "Green Hawks" and featured energy expert in the documentary, "Carbon Nation" will deliver the morning keynote. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Col. Nolan holds a Masters in strategic planning from the U.S. Naval War College and was a principal advisor to General Tommy Franks at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla.

On June 7th, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Bubba McDonald issued a directive to the PSC staff and Georgia Power to prepare a discussion on "expansion of larger-scale solar projects for Georgia" within 30 days. GSEA Chairman, Doug Beebe welcomed the news and Solar Summit Chair, Steve Chiariello added: "Solar Summit will bring key players together for an objective look at how sound solar policies can contribute to making Georgia more competitive for jobs and private investment."

Expert panels through the day will outline solar development among Southeast utilities, solar's contribution to economic development, solar policy in other states, and in Georgia. Panelists include Jennifer DeCesaro - U.S. Department of Energy; Chuck Eaton- Georgia Public Service Commissioner; Steve Lomax -Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA); Jaime Hockin- Georgia Power, State Senator Doug Stoner, State Rep Don Parsons, Richard Polich - KEMA and Scott Sklar - ACORE.

For information on the GSEA's Solar Summit, visit  http://www.gasolar.org/solar_summit.php.

SOURCE Georgia Solar Energy Association