California, here we come

In my role as editor of Renewable Energy from Waste magazine for the Recycling Today Media Group, I attend my fair share of conferences. Over the years I have heard many a speaker discuss what it is like to do business in California. Phrases like, “What happens in California doesn’t stay in California,” and “If you can get it done in California, you can get it done anywhere,” have really stuck with me.

Certainly California’s regulations are considered quite rigorous. Based on those types of remarks and legislation requiring greenhouse gas emissions reductions and high waste diversion goals, it seems like perfect time for the Renewable Energy from Waste (REW) Conference to be held there. If the sentiments of the speakers I have heard over the years are correct, then it is only a matter of time before other states adopt similar policies. It also means companies are trying to get projects off the ground in California, knowing if they can overcome obstacles there, developing projects elsewhere will be less challenging.

The conference, Nov. 14-16, in Long Beach, California, won’t just focus on California, though some of the topics addressed will include projects and market conditions in that state. The conference is designed to provide a host of sessions and networking opportunities that those in the industry based anywhere can benefit from. Any business owner, waste manager, technology provider or government official trying to figure out solutions to waste challenges will gain insights from two full days of educational sessions.

Speakers at this year’s REW Conference come from all over the U.S., Canada and Europe. Each speaker will share his or her experiences with various aspects of waste conversion processes and projects. As well, suppliers of equipment and services from across the globe will be available to discuss their products. The conference even offers a half-day workshop the afternoon of Nov. 14 that just focuses in the planning and implementation of projects.

I hope you will consider attending this conference, now in its fourth year. It is an exciting time for the industry as businesses work to achieve zero-waste-to-landfill, communities look for options for organics and government passes rules guiding sustainable materials management and emissions. Waste-to-energy and waste conversion are part of the solution, and with the REW Conference, they continue to be part of the conversation.