Press Releases
March 21, 2005
Conrad Convenes Leaders for Energy Summit
Top Strategists to Explore ND's Role in Nation's Energy Independence
Grand Forks — Top energy strategists from across the nation will be in Grand Forks on Monday for Senator Kent Conrad's "Energy Security Summit." The conference will examine alternative and traditional sources of domestic energy and how North Dakota can play a greater role in making the U.S. more energy independent.
"I have gathered together some of the nation's leading energy experts to explore ways in which our nation can decrease its dependence on foreign oil," Senator Conrad said. "And I've invited them here to Grand Forks because I believe North Dakota plays a key role in making this plan for greater energy independence a reality."
The two-day summit will take place at the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota. Participants include: Linda Stuntz, former Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Energy; James Placke, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State; and Greg Vesey, President of Chevron-Texaco Technology Ventures.
Additional speakers include: Congressman Earl Pomeroy; North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson; Ron Harper, CEO of Basin Electric Power Cooperative; and John Dwyer, President of the Lignite Energy Council.
Panel discussions will take place throughout the conference, touching on issues of importance to both North Dakota and the nation. Topics include: Reducing U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil; Using Agri-Based Fuels to Reduce Fossil Fuel Consumption; and Expanding the Use of Wind Power in the United States.
From his position on the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Conrad has a record of authoring legislation to support exploration of alternative and traditional sources of domestic energy -- many in North Dakota.
"If the North Dakota powerhouse is going to be a source of energy for the nation, we need to call together our partners in energy development and research and come up with a plan. That's what my summit will do," Senator Conrad said. "Working together, we will chart a new future for energy development and research in North Dakota."
