Clean Energy Pioneers Meet in Great Falls

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Generations ago, Montana pioneers homesteaded Big Sky
Country. This month, pioneering farmers and ranchers are meeting with clean
energy experts to explore ways of turning sun, wind and crops into energy and
money.

Montana and the Pacific Northwest agricultural producers can make energy a
profitable new crop by learning about using renewable sources like wind,
biofuels and solar at the Harvesting Clean Energy Conference, Jan. 20-21, 2005,
in Great Falls, Mont., at the Heritage Inn.

Harvesting Clean Energy is a regional event bringing the agriculture and energy
industries together to share how to profit from clean energy sources. This is
the first time the conference has been held in Montana.

"Today’s pioneers carry laptops and cell phones and are exploring the frontier
of clean energy," said Dave Ryan, energy specialist for National Center for
Appropriate Technology.

"These pioneers are keenly aware of the true costs and impacts of their energy
use and are committed to reducing energy waste, and developing new energy
sources. Our crops, wind and sun can benefit farmers and ranchers and help put
America on the road to energy independence. Folks can learn how at Great Falls."

Now in its fifth year, the Harvesting Clean Energy conference will feature
experts and farmers with direct experience in successful clean energy projects.†
Speakers will walk through renewable energy feasibility and economic
assessments, technical and financial resources, and finding markets.

The conference is being held in conjunction with the Montana Agricultural &
Industrial Exposition (MAGIE), an annual draw for Montana farmers and ranchers.

To pre-register visit http://www.harvestcleanenergy.org/conference, or call (360)
943-4241.

Harvesting Clean Energy is organized by Montana’s Office of the Governor, the
Office of the Montana Secretary of State, National Center for Appropriate
Technology, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana
Farm Bureau, U.S. Department of Energy, Bonneville Power Administration,
Alternative Energy Resources Organization, Montana Department of Environmental
Quality, Climate Solutions, the Montana and Northwest Co-operative Development
Centers, and others.

Contact: Dave Ryan, energy specialist, National Center for Appropriate
Technology.† 406.494.8644 [email protected]