The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will co-host the second annual Water Quality Trading Conference in Pittsburgh on May 23-25 with the theme, "Implementation at the Watershed Level."

The conference is expected to draw over 500 attendees, including federal and state water officials, land-use managers, economists, conservationists, and international trading experts.

The conference examines the fundamentals and mechanics of trading and focus on examples of trading programs around the country. It will highlight the economic and environmental benefits of trading, explore the opportunities and challenges associated with developing and implementing trading programs, and encourage discussion on the future of trading.

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson will deliver a keynote address. Other keynoters invited include James Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; USDA Secretary Mike Johanns; and Secretary Katie McGinty, of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Scott Van de Mark from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Suzie Greenhalgh from World Resources Institute will give a presentation on the Conestoga River Reverse Auction held last year in Lancaster County.

For more information and to register, visit the Water Quality Trading Conference webpage.

5/19/2006