WGA to Co-sponsor National Bioenergy Conference (2/10/06)
WGA to Co-sponsor National Bioenergy Conference FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Teaming up with the WGA to host the event are the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and Energy; the Intertribal Timber Council; National Association of Conservation Districts; National Association of Counties; National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils; and Western Forestry Leadership Coalition. All interested parties from government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and academia are encouraged to attend the conference at the Hyatt Convention Center. Using biomass makes sense for many reasons, Napolitano said. We can reduce the hazardous fuel build-up in our forests, improve our rural economies, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil by increasing the use of a renewable energy source at home. Napolitano last year issued an Executive Order in Arizona called, Implementing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in New State Buildings. It acknowledges the potential of developing thermal energy using forest biomass, while creating the economic incentives necessary to support commercial thinning of forests. Expert presentations, field tours, displays, poster sessions and other activities will concentrate on utilizing woody biomass from public and private forests as a reliable supply for bioenergy production and wood products businesses. Attendees will explore woody biomass utilization within the contexts of energy diversification, wildfire management and homeland security. Regional breakout sessions also will give participants the opportunity to network with leaders in the biomass industry from the West, Midwest, South and East. Attendees may sign up for field tours prior to and after the meeting. Tours include the Community Power Corporation in Lakewood, the Boulder County Heating Biomass Facility and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden. For more information on the conference and to register online and make hotel reservations, visit the conference Web site. The Western Governors' Association is an independent, nonprofit organization representing the governors of 18 states and three U.S.-Flag islands in the Pacific. Through their Association, the Western governors identify and address key policy and governance issues in natural resources, the environment, human services, economic development, international relations and public management. # # # # #
February 10, 2006
Contact: Gayle Gordon, (303) 623-9378
DENVER -- The Western Governors' Association will cosponsor the second national Bioenergy and Wood Products Conference, Innovations in Restoring Forests and Strengthening Economies, March 14 - 16 in Denver. WGA co-leads for biomass and forest health issues are Gov. Janet Napolitano (Ariz.), WGA Chair, and Gov. Dirk Kempthorne (Idaho).
Gov. Kempthorne said, Forest health and the risk of wildfires continue to be a major concern in Idaho and across the West. Meeting participants will explore successes and innovations in woody biomass utilization and learn how strong partnerships are developing successful local strategies.