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Montana Secretary of State Bob Brown Organizes Bus Tour to Explore Benefits Farmers, Ranchers Can Reap from Renewable Energy

Secretary of State Bob Brown will host a three-day bus tour May 1-3 aimed at
exploring the potential economic, national security, and environmental
opportunities that wind and biofuel energy have to offer Montana farmers and
ranchers. Participants also will learn how the Farm Bill can help rural
residents take advantage of these opportunities.

The tour, called "Energy from the Farm," will include visits to:

* Biodiesel refueling stations in and around Yellowstone
National Park.

* The vehicle maintenance facility in Yellowstone, which fuels
its buses with biodiesel.

* Bozeman for a presentation on oilseed research, growth and
yields.

* The Foote Creek Wind Production Facility in southeastern
Wyoming.

Alternative-energy experts, including representatives of the National
Renewable Energy Laboratories and the National Biodiesel Board, will
accompany the bus tour and will speak to participants between stops. The bus
itself will be powered by biodiesel.

"The development of wind and biofuel energy offers an intriguing new
economic opportunity for our rural and agricultural communities," Secretary
Brown said. "In other states, farmers and ranchers are making thousands of
dollars a year by leasing land to wind-energy companies for wind generators.
Others are making a profit growing oilseed crops such as rapeseed, canola,
and safflower."

Montana is well suited to both wind and biofuel development, Brown noted.

"We rank fifth in the nation for wind-energy potential, and we have a
climate and land base ideal for the cultivation of oilseeds," he added. "Our
rural residents deserve to benefit economically from the development of
these resources. This tour will explore how we can make that happen."

Discussion will also feature the environmental and energy security
advantages of alternative energy, as well as provisions of the Farm Bill
related to on-farm energy production.

The tour will begin and end at the State Capitol in Helena, May 1-3. The
cost per person is $100, which will cover transportation and two nights’
lodging. Participants will be responsible for their own meal costs. Seating
on the bus is limited to 45 people, and participants will be accepted on a
first-come, first-served basis.

To register or to get more information, contact Gayle Shirley, Secretary of
State’s Office, at 444-4195 or [email protected]
.

The registration deadline is Friday, April 18.

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