Free Renewable Energy Forum - Grinnell, Iowa Saturday, July 16th

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What: A free public forum on renewable energy
Where: The Old Glove Factory, 733 Broad Street, Grinnell Iowa
When: Saturday, July 16th, 9AM – noon
For more information, contact Rich Dana [phone]

Renewable Energy Forum at Grinnell’s Old Glove Factory

A free forum in Grinnell will show the public the opportunities
renewable energy presents for Iowa’s consumers, farmers, and
businesses. The Iowa Renewable Energy Association, along with the
Union of Concerned Scientists and Grinnell’s E Community are joining
forces to present the free 3 hour public forum on Saturday, July
16th, from 9am to noon at the Old Glove Factory, 733 Broad Street,
Grinnell, Iowa.

Topics will include small-scale biodiesel production, local solar &
wind power projects, global climate change, and state and federal
policy issues. Speakers will include:
- Ed Woolsey of Applied Agricultural Technologies
- David Osterberg and Teresa Galluzzo from the Iowa Policy Project
- Rich Dana of Plan B Consulting
- Bev Hannon, President of the Iowa Renewable Energy Association
- Steve Fugate of the Yoderville Biodiesel Club
- Carrie LaSuer of the Iowa Renewable Energy Association

“This is an important time to talk about renewable energy,” says Rich
Dana, the forum’s principle organizer. “This summer, the Iowa
congressional delegation will play a key role in deciding whether to
include clean energy solutions in a national energy bill. This forum
will show people how to boost Iowa’s economy, save money and protect
the environment by supporting clean energy policies and using more
renewables themselves.”

Teresa Galluzzo of the Iowa Policy Project is the author of the report “Small Packages, Big Benefits: Economic Advantages of Local Wind Projects.” Galluzzo’s report shows the economic differences between wind projects owned by large, out of state corporations, and those owned by local businesses, communities and farmers. A farmer leasing land to a wind farm may receive a $2000 to $5000 annual payment for having a wind turbine on his property, but owning the machine can triple that upper limit. In addition the extra dollars his investment returns will flow back to the local economy.“

The forum will also provide information for those interested in making their own clean energy on a smaller scale. Steve Fugate of the Yoderville Biodiesel Club will talk about the small scale
manufacturing of biodiesel from vegetable oil. “With on farm expenses and gas prices going up, a lot of people are looking at biodiesel as a cheaper, cleaner, locally produced alternative to diesel fuel,” says
Fugate.

The forum will be informal, and there will be time for questions and discussion. Free literature will be available at the meeting, and
refreshments will be provided.