Austin, Texas
Aug 5-6, 2021
EDGE Attendees – Robin Mann and Jessica Ross
Theme – “We’re Baaaack”
EDGE was proud to be a sponsor of this well-organized and information-packed conference. As always, the conference had a theme, which was represented by songs cleverly associated with the panel discussion. Presentations ranged from Emerging Contaminants to Environmental Justice, and Climate Change.
The Emergent Contaminants presentation focused primarily on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs) compounds. These compounds are found in numerous products, including non-stick pans, carpet, firefighting foam, and personal care products like mascara and shampoo. This discussion was tied to the song “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” a signature song by Frank Sinatra. The panel discussed the compounds’ pervasiveness in the environment, development of regulatory guidance, and current legal actions.
Environmental Justice, per the EPA, is “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” A panel of three, including the EPA’s Director of the Office of Environmental Justice, the TCEQ’s Director of the Office of Legal Services, and Counsel for Valero Energy Corporation, addressed the topic from a regulatory and industry perspective. They were introduced with the song “Don’t Stop Believin.” The EPA and TCEQ Directors discussed the current regulatory landscape, which is still evolving. The Valero representative highlighted how they are partnering with communities around their facilities.
The Beatles and “Here Comes the Sun” warmed up the room for a panel discussion on climate change. Climate change was addressed by panelists from the EPA, Rice University, Hunton Andrews Kurth, and the American Petroleum Institute. James Blackburn, a seasoned environmental attorney and now a Professor of Environmental Law at Rice University, discussed BCarbon, a standard created by the Baker Institute. BCarbon is a system to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester it in soil as organic carbon. James discussed how the Baker Institute is working with landowners and how they plan to connect landowners and soil carbon storage buyers (industry).
In addition to panel discussions, the conference provided valuable networking opportunities for attendees through seated lunches and a reception.