RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. -- The California Governor’s “right hand man” on the environment, Dan Pellissier, will be a guest speaker at the upcoming California/Nevada/Arizona Wholesalers Association (CAWA) Board meeting , Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas during Industry Week. Pellissier will share with attendees firsthand knowledge about working in “the horse shoe “ of the state capitol and insights into environmental policy that will affect their respective businesses. This is a unique opportunity for industry representatives to ask questions of Pellissier after he discusses how the Schwarzenegger administration is balancing the interests of business and the economy with the goals of the State’s climate change policy.

Pellissier, acting deputy cabinet secretary, is a public affairs professional with more than 20 years of legislative, regulatory and media relations experience in both the public and private sectors. He is responsible for developing and coordinating energy policy with environmental groups, the business community and other state agencies. Key responsibilities include regulatory measures that would achieve CO2 emissions reductions from the electricity sector, transportation fuels, goods movement policies, the cement industry and market based compliance strategies.

Prior to joining Cal/EPA, Pellissier served as chief of staff to California Assemblyman Keith Richman, where he worked on energy, health care, political reform and state fiscal policy. He also served as Assembly Republican Leader Scott Baugh's energy adviser during the first year of California's energy crisis and led Republican staff efforts to address the crisis during 2001.

In the campaign world, Pellissier has managed and supported statewide initiative campaigns on energy regulation, infrastructure financing, tribal gaming and pension reform issues. He has worked for candidates for U.S. President, California Governor, U.S. Senator, State Treasurer, U.S. Congress and many legislative seats.

Pellissier gained a broad insight into energy and environmental issues during five years in the Southern California Gas Company's public affairs department and for three years as Assistant Secretary in the California Environmental Protection Agency under Governor Pete Wilson.