Environmental and geo-political concerns drive the development of diverse sources of energy. Indeed, chemical engineers have the unique combination of education and skill to discover the new energy technologies that will allow society to utilize available resources more efficiently and sustainably. Growing public concern surrounding environmental protection is exerting a significant influence on the political and economic activities in the U.S. and around the world. Consequently, there is increasing need and motivation for the scientific and engineering communities to develop clean, environmentally friendly technologies while maintaining our high standards of living. The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at UCLA has a long and distinguished record of making pioneering contributions to Environmental Chemical Engineering and has been the hub of environmental research for over a decade.