8th Annual Environmental Summit launches common environmental agenda, features panel of top public officialsEnvironmental activists, green business owners, small farmers, students and others interested in protecting Missouri’s environment gathered at the 8th Annual Statewide Environmental Summit to learn about a range of key issues facing our state, and about the role of citizen advocacy in advocating for better policy.
The Summit, held in Fulton on November 7, 2009, drew more than 125 people who collectively represented over 40 different groups. It was an important act of collaboration among the diverse segments of Missouri’s environmental community. The work done at the day-long session will set the stage for advancing common goals in the next legislative session.
A summary of the policies discussed at the Summit and links to the facts sheets distributed are available here.Panelists from left: Patrick Lynn (MDHSS), Kathy Harvey (MoDOT), Joel McNutt (MDED), Dr. Jon Hagler (MDA), Aaron Jeffries (MDC), Mark Templeton (MDNR). Standing: Liz Forrestal (MVC Education Fund)
The Summit kicked off with a lively panel discussion on ‘The State of Missouri’s Environment,’ with panelists Mark Templeton, director of the Department of Natural Resources, Dr. Jon Hagler, director of the Department of Agriculture, and representatives from the Departments of Conservation, Economic Development, Health and Senior Services, and Transportation. The discussion touched on planning for Missouri’s energy future, inter-agency collaboration to manage the impacts of industrial agriculture on natural resources, approaches to land management, improved enforcement of water quality regs, and the effect of decreased state revenues on all state agencies. You can
watch the video recording online here.