Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Friday, September 26, 2008

SHELBURNE– Governor Jim Douglas, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie and national representatives of the 25 x '25 Alliance will host a panel discussion of renewable energy efforts in Vermont and New England on Tuesday, September 30, from 2 to 5:30 p.m., at the Shelburne Farms Coach Barn.

The forum promises to be a fresh and thoughtful discussion that will focus on challenges, opportunities and, as an agricultural state, Vermont’s role in expanding our already strong renewable energy sector.

“As the greenest state in the nation, Vermont’s agricultural industry provides resources to produce renewable energy, which is good for the state’s economy, local job creation and the environment,” said Governor Douglas.

WHAT: Vermont 25 x ’25 Renewable Energy Forum and Panel Discussion

WHEN: Tuesday, September 30, 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Shelburne Farms; 1611 Harbor Road; Shelburne, Vermont
Directions: from Burlington, follow Route 7 South to the first traffic light in the center of Shelburne. Turn right at this light onto Harbor Road. Follow to the first stop sign and turn left into Shelburne Farms.

Who:
• Governor Jim Douglas
• Lt. Governor Brian Dubie
• Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretaries Roger Allbee and George Crombie
• 25 x ’25 National Steering Committee Representatives

This panel discussion is part of the three-day national gathering of 25 x '25 members, which runs from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 and includes a renewable energy farm tour.

The vision of the 25 x ’25 initiative is to have America’s farms, forests and ranches provide 25 percent of total energy consumed in the United States, while continuing to produce a safe, abundant and affordable supply of food, feed and fiber.

In 2006, Vermont became the14th state to join the 25 X ’25 Alliance, a coalition of more than 750 agricultural, forestry, businesses, labor, environmental and civic organizations working to advance renewable energy solutions originating from farms, forestry and other working lands nationally.

The panel discussion will include representatives from Biomass Energy Research Center, Central Vermont Public Service, Green Mountain Power, Northern Power Systems, Solar Works, the Agency of Natural Resources as well as representatives from Maine and Massachusetts. For a complete list of participants, please contact Kelly Loftus at 802-224-6928 or kelly.loftus@state.vt.us.

Editors: A media feed is available; photos will be available following the event. Contact Kelly Loftus at 802-224-6928 or kelly.loftus@state.vt.us for more information.