Alstom CEO Patrick Kron Meets Customers on Capitol Hill to Explore U.S. Policy

How will new regulations impact energy investments? Is there hope for long-term transportation funding? How are policies helping or hurting American competitiveness.

Those are just a few of the questions raised during a forum held yesterday at the United States Capitol where Alstom Chairman and CEO Patrick Kron joined senior industry leaders and more than 50 customers for a series of panel discussions on U.S. energy and transportation policy.

The event opened with remarks from two special guest speakers Tennessee Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker - who offered insight on the political dynamic surrounding Americas energy and transportation sectors. Mr. Kron met personally with Senator Alexander prior to the start of the forum, discussed Alstoms outlook on the global market, and expressed appreciation for the Senators support of the companys presence in Tennessee. Alstom employs nearly 1,500 people in Tennessee and maintains major operations in the cities of Chattanooga and Knoxville.

Each of the forums two discussions opened with remarks from the panelists including the President of Amtrak, Americas national passenger rail operator; the CEO of PJM Interconnection, a major energy transmission network operator; a senior executive from the Shaw Group, a major engineering and construction company, and others.

The moderators, representing respected trade and industry associations, fostered an interactive discussion where the audience and panelists identified areas of consensus and opportunities to advance mutually-acceptable policy concepts.

Alstoms contribution to the discussion focused largely on the need for clear and consistent long-term policy to create certainty in the marketplace, and in turn allow customers to move forward with large-scale, job-creating investments.

Many compelling views were shared during the three-hour dialogue. Most participants agreed that in a charged political environment and against the backdrop of Americas upcoming presidential election, success in advancing policy goals will be determined by a commitment to the art of the possible.'