University of Guam President Dr. Robert Underwood has been invited to testify at an oversight hearing on Tuesday, July 14, 10 a.m. at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to enable the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) to receive testimony on remote and isolated energy systems, including energy and infrastructure challenges and opportunities in Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territories.

President Underwood will present ideas on how energy issues in remote, isolated communities can be holistically addressed. He will shed light on the challenges these communities face, and given their similarities, what solutions may be proposed. President Underwood will also share effective examples of reducing energy costs and improving service reliability, as well as provide insight into how federal agencies affect the local government and community’s ability to address areas of concern.

 

“It is a great honor to be invited to testify before the committee, and there’s an even greater opportunity to talk about both Guam’s successes and needs on such a tremendous platform,” said Underwood. “This hearing is being held in the context of the ENR’s work on comprehensive energy legislation, so there could be potential to draft meaningful legislation that may eventually impact our island.”

 

President Underwood established the Center for Island Sustainability at the University of Guam in 2009. The CIS is the focal point for research and outreach activities for the University on sustainability issues as they pertain to energy, the natural environment, culture and the economy. It has sponsored five annual conferences, which annually draw hundreds of participants. He has also been co-chair of the Guam Energy Task Force for five years. The task force developed the Guam Strategic Energy Plan.