Earth Council Alliance and Tommy E. Short Charitable Foundation are proud sponsors of the 6th Annual Environmental and Clean Energy Inaugural Ball

Washington, DC, January 12, 2009:  President-elect Obama’s nominee for Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and his Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality will be among the participants representing a wide range of environmental and clean energy interests at the Environmental Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2009.  This black-tie event, which is the sixth consecutive Inaugural Ball focusing on these important issues, will be held at the Sequoia Restaurant complex in Georgetown (3000 K Street) on January 20, 2009 from 8:00 pm until 12:00 am. 

 The addition of Lisa Jackson, nominated for the top EPA post, and Nancy Utley, named to Chair the White House Council on Environmental Quality, promises to make this event truly special, according to ball organizers.

“We have had an overwhelming response to this event from the environmental and clean energy communities.  The level of excitement and interest in highlighting the importance of our message has never been greater. We will reinforce to the Obama Administration our spirit of cooperation and goodwill, to make America the Beautiful a reality for future generations,” said Ball Co-Chair Jan Hartke, representing the Clinton Climate Initiative.

Ball Co-Chair Douglas A. Durante of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition said, “President-elect Obama has made it clear that energy and the environment will remain top priorities and this incredibly unique event brings the entire political, environmental, and energy communities together. Some of the legends of the environmental movement are working with us and it promises to be the best event in Washington.”

Durante noted that the broad appeal of the ball includes an Honorary Committee comprised of members of Congress.  Major environmental leaders in the House and Senate are on the Honorary Committee such as Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee;  Henry Waxman (D-CA), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Ed Markey (D-MA), Chair of the new House  Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment; Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Zach Wamp (R-TN), Co-Chairs of the House Renewable Energy Caucus; Senator Mark Udall, (D-CO), immediate past Chair of the Renewable Energy Caucus, and many others.

Because of the audience of the environmental and clean energy communities it has become a “must stop” for Congressional, Administration, industry officials, and occasionally celebrities.  Former EPA Administrator Carol Browner, who will serve as a special advisor to the President on Energy and Environmental Issues has been invited as have numerous cabinet nominees.  Former EPA Administrator Bill Reilly and several past and current EPA officials will be on hand.

 It will also be a fun event, according to ball organizers.  A “green screen” photo booth will provide photos for attendees with various Washington backdrops like the capitol, the monuments, and an image of the President. The entire event will be filmed and roving reporters will be conducting interviews with attendees for inclusion in a future video.  A You.tube webstream is being set up for broadcast around the world. The famous Challenger American Eagle seen at the Super Bowl and other national events will be there.  Actresses Glenn Close and Daryl Hannah will be among the celebrities attending. And live music from

The Main Event, a big band style orchestra, will keep toes tapping. 

The Organizing Committee for the Environmental Inaugural Ball consists of many dedicated individuals who have worked to improve the environment throughout the past several decades.  In addition to the Co-chairs, organizers of the ball include William Holmberg of the Biomass Coordinating Council, Scott Sklar of the Stella Group, Carol Werner of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Burl Haigwood of the Clean Fuels Foundation, and John Topping of the Climate Institute.

Press inquiries pls. contact Douglas Durante at 301 718 0077. Any other information pls. email atCFDCinc@AOL.COM