BOULDER - Representatives from the city of Boulder and Xcel Energy Inc. will participate in a discussion of "Boulder's Energy Future: What's Next?" at the Green Summit: Blending Business & The Environment, a daylong conference presented by the Boulder County Business Report.

Boulder voters in November authorized the city to create a municipally owned utility. What are the next steps down this path? How will the city go about making decisions related to developing the new utility mandated by voters? Susan Graf, former president and chief executive of the Boulder Chamber, will moderate a discussion starting at 8 a.m. between Heather Bailey, executive director of energy strategy and electric utility development for the city of Boulder, and Jerome Davis, regional vice president of Xcel Energy Inc.

The Green Summit will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the Millennium Harvest House Boulder, 1345 28th St., Boulder. The conference will include expert breakout sessions, green-business exhibitors, lunch and an awards reception at the end of the day. Cost is $49. A reception-only ticket costs $20. Register online at bcbr.com and click on the events tab.

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols will be the keynote luncheon speaker. Nichols is a scientist, activist, community organizer and author. He works to inspire a deeper connection with nature, sometimes simply by walking and talking and other times through writing or images.

A research associate at the California Academy of Sciences, Nichols has authored and co-authored more than 50 scientific papers and reports. His work has been broadcast on NPR, BBC, PBS, National Geographic and Animal Planet, and featured in magazines including Time, Newsweek, GQ, Outside, Fast Company, Scientific American and New Scientist.

Topics of breakout sessions are:

What the Frack? Hydraulic fracturing, commonly called fracking, has released record amounts of fossil fuels in the Niobrara formation and generated enormous controversy. The panel will discuss the economic and environmental effects of this process on communities throughout Boulder County and neighboring counties. 9:15 a.m.

SlowTracks: Is Boulder on a light-rail fast track to nowhere? Higher expenses and lower-than-expected tax revenue have forced the Regional Transportation District to delay plans for rail service through the Boulder Valley. Panelists will examine issues surrounding the FasTracks project, including alternatives and possible solutions. The panel consists of John Tayer, District O representative on the RTD board of directors; Andy Williams, director of public affairs for the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad; Matt Appelbaum, mayor of Boulder; and George Gerstle, Boulder County commissioner and chairman of the board of the U.S. 36 Mayors and Commissioners Coalition. Clif Harald, interim president of the Boulder Chamber, will serve as moderator. 9:15 a.m.

Building the Business Case: The financial bottom line often is the most important element a company considers when it undertakes sustainability initiatives. Panelists will detail the elements that go into a study of the economic benefits of green initiatives. 10:30 a.m.

Municipal Initiatives: Cities throughout the Boulder Valley are considering new sustainability measures that will have direct impacts on businesses. Leaders from local municipalities will discuss new policies and their effects. 10:30 a.m.

High Fives: Moderated by Pam Milmoe, Boulder County's air quality and business sustainability coordinator, this session features 10 companies that will make five-minute lightning-round presentations on one of their greatest successes in sustainability, providing actionable ideas and accessible resources. 2 p.m.

Big Ideas in Clean Tech: Clean tech has emerged as a major industry in Colorado. Panelists will be representatives of established companies and startups in the Boulder Valley that are developing new innovations. Panelists include Peter Lilienthal, CEO, Homer Energy; Rick Bernheim, CEO, Power Tagging Inc.; and Sam Weaver, Cool Energy Inc. 2 p.m.

Awards: Western Disposal will present the Waste Diversion Awards during lunch. Businesses being honored for their success at reducing landfill waste by diverting materials and recycling are IBM Corp. and Hotel Boulderado in Boulder; Lucile's Creole Café in Boulder and Longmont; Georgia Boys BBQ in Longmont; Cake Top Publishing in Louisville; and Planet Bluegrass in Lyons. Noon.

To close out the day, the Boulder County Business Report will honor Eco Heroes, individuals who are contributing to sustainable business services. Awards will be presented to: Shaun LeBarre, Center for ReSource Conservation; Julie Herman, Colorado Green Building Guild; Kai Abelkis, Boulder Community Hospital; Elizabeth Train, Boulder B-cycle; Barry Bennett, Native Ecology Inc.; and Margaret Rogers, Populus Inc.

Also, the Colorado Green Building Guild and the Boulder County Business Report will honor projects nominated as outstanding examples of construction or renovation sustainability. 3:30 p.m.