ATLANTA – State Representative Don Parsons (R-Marietta) recently joined Minister Gregory Barker, of Great Britain’s Department of Energy and Climate Change, and other local and British business and political leaders in an international round table discussion on the importance of balancing energy needs and environmental concerns.
“It was an honor to be included in this roundtable discussion on renewable energy and a green economy with Great Britain’s Energy and Climate Change Minister,” said Rep. Parsons. “As chairman of the House Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications Committee, I’m proud to help lead our state policy as we become a leader in the ‘clean tech’ and sustainable energy fields. The visit from Minister Barker was a great opportunity for us to exchange information and ideas in order to further develop these emerging industries.”
Hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, this week’s panel discussion was part of the Minister’s trade mission to the southern United States. During his tour of the southeast, the Minister aims to strengthening the US-UK trade relationship and build the economic and business case for the move to a low-carbon economy.
The UK delegation included corporate leaders of sustainable businesses who have primary knowledge of the compatibility of green and growth, and want to connect with new or existing business partners in the US. During the round table discussion, the group shared their perspectives on the economic benefits of implementing sustainable measures.
The Metro Atlanta Chamber hosted the event because it has identified clean technology as a new area of job growth and recently launched the Clean Tech Leadership Council to grow companies and jobs in this area.
Representative Don Parsons represents the citizens of District 42, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1994, and is currently the Chairman of the Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Health & Human Services, and Ways & Means committees.
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