June 25, 2009 | Metro New York
CEN NYC: “The Ramifications of Carbon Mitigation Paradigms: Can the Public Win when Politics Overshadow the Science of Engineering?”
CEN NYC: “The Ramifications of Carbon Mitigation Paradigms: Can the Public Win when Politics Overshadow the Science of Engineering?” featuring Power Plant Developer, Adam Victor ‘74
At this event we’ll explore Adam’s experiences as an energy entrepreneur and passionate supporter of a stronger, more self sufficient USA. Adam is what’s called a PPP or Private Power Producer (i.e. he builds his own power plants). We will discuss what Adam calls the “politicization of engineering” as well as what he views as a necessity for energy solutions for our world.
We came across Adam after he was recently interviewed by The New Yorker. There’s also another New Yorker article which has more depth. Adam offers a counterpoint to many of the other presentations we’ve done on the subject of sustainability.
As a material science engineer from Cornell, it’s almost hard to describe Adam without getting into some deep science, math, and political discussions, which are all subjects he loves. He presents some fascinating points and is sure to create some great dialogue.
“The decentralization of democracy down to community activists combined with the newest environmental laws is leading to the deindustrialization of the US.” That’s a quote from Adam. He’s smart, funny, engaging, and he makes you think.
Adam’s point? People don’t like to have industrial stuff built in their backyards, yet without it, what kind of US would we be? Can Starbucks employ us all? Is it smart to import all of our industrial needs?
At the heart of Adam’s personal experience is NYC. As evidenced by the blackouts, NYC has its fair share of energy issues. Adam architected a plan to place a plant in Brooklyn that would use natural gas to generate electricity and steam, improve grid stability, increase reliability and solve many of the cities energy problems. There is a concept that the closer the power is to the source, the more reliable it is. He offered 700M for a site whose last offer was about 100M and still lost. And there’s our story.
At this event Adam will take you on a tour of the counterpoints to clean energy.
· Do wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear energy have any downsides?
· Many would paint one less power plant as one less eyesore, but are there actually any other trade-offs?
· Carbon emissions are talked about everywhere, but what happens when you look at the problem from a different angle?
· Why did West Virginia, and not NYC, welcome and support Adam’s 3 Billion dollar coal gasification application?
· Why are NYC and NYS so against important energy infrastructure projects?
If you’re interested in a thought provoking conversation about US energy policy and are willing to have an open dialogue, you’ll really enjoy this event.
Also, we’d like to welcome current Cornell students for free at this event as Adam is very fond of his undergraduate engineer background and would be thrilled to meet some of the next generation of students and leaders!
This event will sell out so please register early!!
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
6:30 PM Reception Networking
7:20 PM Welcoming Remarks by Interim Dean of Engineering, Christopher K. Ober
7:30 PM Presentation/Q&A
8:30 PM Open Mic & Networking Continues
9:00 PM Event Concludes
Cost: $40 Includes Reception, Networking, Presentation
Location: The Cornell Club of New York ~ 6 East 44th Street ~ 212.986.0300
Public Transportation: The Cornell Club New York is located 2 blocks from Grand Central Station. Grand Central is easily accessible via Metro North Railroad, and subway lines 4, 5, 6, 7 and S. Once you arrive at Grand Central, exit on the Vanderbilt Avenue side and walk up E. 44th a total of 2 blocks. Club will be on your left.
Parking Information: Central Parking located at 100 W 44th Street, 6th and Broadway for a charge of $22.00 with Cornell Club Validation or Valet Parking for a fee of $40 for 24hrs.
