Diverse Groups to Discuss Renewable Energy Policy at 25x’25 ConferenceCOLUMBUS, Ohio - Farmers, scientists, environmentalists and industry and government leaders will be taking the next collaborative step in creating renewable energy policy at Energy Connections – Networking to Achieve the 25x’25 Vision. The conference will be held at Hocking College in Nelsonville on Friday, Nov. 21.
“25x’25 is becoming a rallying cry for renewable energy and a goal for America – to get 25 percent of our nation’s energy from renewable resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by the year 2025,” said Circleville farmer Bill Richards, the former chief of the USDA – Soil Conservation Service and current member of the National 25x’25 Steering Committee. “Agriculture plays a key role in meeting this objective, but we are not alone.” Membership in the alliance includes a cross section of farm, and forestry organizations, and is quickly growing to include environmentalists, scientists, business, labor and religious groups. “Southeastern Ohio is becoming a key area for alternative energy development,” said Jerry Hutton, dean for Advanced Energy and Transportation Technologies and director for the Hocking College Energy Institute. “There are several academic and research institutions in the region working on fuel cells, automotive technology and advanced biofuels. Several companies already installing on-site wind and solar technologies call the area home. Area farmers and forest managers are working with companies to create cellulosic biomass and other feed stocks for the alternative energy and biopolymer industries.” Program speakers include those representing USDA – Rural Development, the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio, the Ohio Environmental Council, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the Ohio Climate Change Dialogue Group, the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Buckeye Renewable Fuels Association, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio Corn Growers Association. Download the conference agenda, registration materials and media release below, or contact Dale Arnold at darnold@ofbf.org or phone (614) 246-8294. Download the Conference Agenda | |