As cleanup from Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath progresses, the Air & Waste Management Association is proud to announce that its 99th Annual Conference & Exhibition will take place in New Orleans as originally scheduled, June 20-23, 2006. With the theme, “Healthy Environments: Rebirth & Renewal,” the conference is expected to bring nearly 3000 of the world’s leading environmental professionals to New Orleans.

In addition to the program tracks that attendees are accustomed to, the conference will feature a special session devoted to waste management responses to Hurricane Katrina, focusing on the analysis, transportation, disposal, and cleanup of debris and potentially contaminated soil and sediment. Papers also will address environmental readiness to aid in responses to future natural disasters. Also featured at the conference:

*The Keynote Program, with a presentation by Shell Oil Company President John Hofmeister on the company’s plans for energy diversification;
*A symposium dedicated to Particulate Matter and Health;
*An Exhibition on the latest technologies used in the Katrina cleanup, as well as other environmental products and services; and
*More than 160 sessions covering a range of air, environmental, and waste issues.

“The Air & Waste Management Association is excited about the opportunity to meet in New Orleans,” said Association President Edith M. Ardiente. “In recognition of the hard work and dedication shown by the Association’s Local Host Committee, as well as our continued confidence in the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and city leaders, the Association’s board of directors voted unanimously to hold our conference in New Orleans as scheduled. We anticipate a highly successful experience for everyone involved!”

“We recognize that Hurricane Katrina was devastating,” she added. “Yet the city is showing signs of returning to normalcy and has taken impressive steps down the long path to recovery. In addition, the cleanup efforts present a unique opportunity for the conference program to closely examine the air quality and waste management challenges faced by the Gulf Coast region — and hopefully to find solutions to aid in recovery.”

For more information on the conference program, visit www.awma.org/ACE2006.

The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan professional organization that enhances knowledge and expertise by providing a neutral forum for technology exchange, professional development, networking opportunities, public education, and outreach to more than 8,000 environmental professionals in 65 countries. A&WMA also promotes global environmental responsibility and increases the effectiveness of organizations to make critical decisions that benefit society.