April 29, 2024 – 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm EDT
| As the world’s largest buyer of products and services, with roughly $750 billion in products and services purchased each year, the U.S. government has enormous climate-related risks and opportunities in its supply chains. If supply chain disruptions caused by extreme weather and other climate risks are not managed effectively, taxpayers and program delivery—including programs designed to protect our national security—will suffer. On the other hand, if the government collaborates with suppliers around emissions reductions and resilience-building, it can strengthen national security while boosting the economy and protecting the environment. Two proposed Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) amendments, expected to be finalized in 2024, will take giant steps toward making federal supply chains less vulnerable to climate-related risks and more effective in delivering on national security and federal program priorities. One requires the largest contractors (roughly 6,000 of the 500,000 total suppliers) to report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The biggest (roughly 1,000 companies) must also assess climate risks and set science-based emissions reduction targets. The other requires federal agencies to choose products with ecolabels or federal sustainability recommendations when making procurements.  |
| This webinar, co-hosted by Ceres and the Security and Sustainability Forum, will provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed rules, including their scope, compliance requirements, and broader relevance to meeting climate goals, saving taxpayers money, and promoting national security. |
| Meet the Panel |
 Miranda Ballentine brings a wealth of experience in clean energy and federal procurement to the panel. As the founding CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Alliance, she spearheaded the addition of over 71 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in the U.S., expanding the organization significantly in terms of staff, revenue, and influence.Her tenure as the 4th Assistant Secretary of the Air Force under President Obama saw her oversee a $9 billion energy budget, with responsibilities spanning installations, the environment, and energy across extensive military lands and coastlines. Ms. Ballentine’s expertise in federal energy initiatives and sustainable procurement practices makes her a critical voice in discussions on green federal procurement. |
 With over 30 years in federal service, Richard Kidd has been pivotal in driving environmental stewardship and energy resilience at various federal agencies and the White House. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment and Energy Security, he led major climate resilience and sustainability initiatives, including developing the Department of Defense’s Climate Adaptation and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Plans.His tenure at the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy and Sustainability saw significant advancements in clean energy technology adoption and energy efficiency across federal agencies, showcasing his critical role in shaping the U.S. government’s approach to sustainable energy and environmental protection. |
 Karla Perri is the Senior Counsel and Executive Vice-President at the Spectrum Group and a former Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Environment, Department of Defense. Ms. Perri primarily provides strategic advice and support to corporate clients who market their products and services to the federal government. For the past several years, she has focused on policy, legislative, and regulatory issues in the defense energy sector. |
 Steven Rothstein is the founding Managing Director of the Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets, focusing on guiding capital markets toward climate sustainability.His 40-year career encompasses founding roles and leadership positions across nonprofit, social change, and government organizations, including Citizens Energy Corporation and Environmental Futures. At Constellation, he led the New England market as a successful electricity broker. Mr. Rothstein’s tenure as leader of the Perkins School for the Blind, Citizen Schools, and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation underscores his diverse impact. Steven’s extensive work at various levels of government, alongside his numerous board positions and contributions as a speaker and writer, highlights his significant influence in driving environmental and social change. |
Posted in Finance & Risk, Policy and Equity
