Speaking Engagement

New Initiatives and Regulation to Prevent Oil Spills on the California Coast

Friday, October 17, 2008 - Monday, October 20, 2008

04:00 AM BST - 04:00 AM BST

The Environmental Law Conference at YosemiteOctober 16-19, 2008Tenaya Lodge at YosemiteFish Camp, California (Gateway to Yosemite)

The Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite is an annual conference sponsored by the State Bar of California.  The conference is nationally recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious gatherings for the leaders in environmental, land use, and natural resources law.  More information is available at:  www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=12461.

The panel:

"In the Wake of the Cosco Busan: New Initiatives and Regulation to Prevent Oil Spills on the California Coast"October 19, 20089:15 am to 10:45 am

Moderator: Jon Welner, Attorney, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP

Speakers:Stephen Edinger, Assistant Chief, California Department of Fish and Game - Office of Spill Prevention and ResponseRoss L. Sargent, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (JAG)Linda Sheehan, Executive Director, California Coastkeeper AllianceJoseph A. Walsh II, Attorney, Keesal, Young & Logan, PC

On November 7, 2007, the Cosco Busan collided with the Bay Bridge and spilled more than 53,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil into the San Francisco Bay. The response to the spill was widely criticized as sluggish and disorganized. What changes are being considered to improve the response of key agencies to future oil spills along the California coast? Perhaps more importantly, what steps are being taken to prevent oil spills like this from happening in the future?  The panel consists of officials responsible for preventing and managing oil spills, as well as environmental and industry representatives. They will discuss their perspectives, what is being done, and what should be done.