Clean, renewable energy, like wind power, could also help develop Colorado’s rural economies.
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As rising prices and security concerns dominate the energy debate, Environment Colorado and rural leaders want to make sure local agriculture is part of the solution. The Intermountain Harvesting Energy Summit, scheduled for March 27-28 in Loveland, Colorado, will explore how renewable energy and energy efficiency can increase farm income and revitalize rural communities.
The Summit will focus on establishing a series of statewide networks to promote agriculture-driven forms of energy, and bring together over 200 leaders from agriculture, business, finance, academia, government, and advocacy organizations.Topics will include increasing the production of ethanol and biodiesel, generating electricity by harnessing wind and solar energy, and turning crop residues and livestock waste into enriched feedstock.
The event also will mark the launch of the Intermountain Harvesting Energy Network, which will provide an ongoing forum for leaders in the region. The network will share the excitement generated throughout Colorado from last year’s “Harvesting Energy Tour” with neighboring states Wyoming, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
“Utilization of America’s natural resources and waste materials provides our nation with new and innovative energy sources that can assist in increasing our national energy security,” said Thomas C. Dorr, USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development. USDA will be represented by Jack Gleason at the summit.
“The timing could not be better. This country is facing serious energy challenges and agriculture has a lot to offer,” said Mike Bowman with the 25 x ‘25 Ag-Energy Working Group, a group that advocates increasing agriculture’s share of energy production to 25 percent by 2025. |
