From U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre: "Word on Washington"
July 23rd, 2009
July 8, 2009
Alternative Energy: Technology of Today Fueling the Jobs of Tomorrow
Every citizen of this country has felt the squeeze of higher energy costs. Whether it’s increasing utility rates or gas prices, American families and businesses consistently rank energy costs as a top concern. Our nation relies heavily on fossil fuels including petroleum, natural gas, and coal. It is vitally important to our national security and our economic security that we continue to look at expanding domestic production of these traditional energy resources, while also look to the future of cleaner, greener, American-made alternative energy sources. Southeastern North Carolina has such promise to be on the cutting-edge of these energy alternatives that I am hosting a summit on alternative energy to highlight what the future may hold.
This event, called Alternative Energy Summit: The Technology of Today Fueling the Jobs of Tomorrow!, features preeminent speakers in the fields of marine spatial planning, alternative fuels, bioenergy research, energy efficiency, worker training, and alternative electricity generation. The Summit will be held on Monday, July 20th at 9:00 a.m. at the Burney Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
The first panel will help answer the question, “How can we tap into our ocean resources?” The waters off our beautiful coast contain significant power that may be able to be harnessed and turned into energy. Dr. Sandra Whitehouse of the Ocean Conservancy and Dr. James Leutze of the North Carolina Senate Advisory Committee on Offshore Energy Exploration will focus on the possibility of harnessing the immense wave energy generated by our oceans. They will also look at how we can site various energy facilities, such as windmills, offshore energy platforms, and pipelines in a way that maximizes energy efficiency while minimizing impacts to the environment and local communities. Dr. Steve Eitelman of UNCW will discuss the University’s ongoing research into algae as a feedstock for vehicles fuels.
The second panel will focus discussion around the question, “Can biofuels reinvigorate the economy of North Carolina?” Mr. Steven Burke of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina will discuss the Center’s efforts to cultivate and fund alternative energy research at its campus near Raleigh. Many companies throughout the state are looking into biofuels development, and the Biofuels Center can provide the resources and technical assistance to make these projects a reality. Dr. Siva Mandjiny of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke will discuss the research project that the University is undertaking regarding readily-available agricultural waste as feedstock for conversion into vehicle fuels. This process could provide extra value to farmers while creating an affordable way to make alternative fuels. Mr. Gary Nealy of Southeastern Community College will discuss efforts to train workers in the field of biotechnology to service the growing industry. The average annual wage of U.S. bioscience workers was $71,000 in 2006, more than $29,000 greater than the average private-sector annual wage.
The third and final panel will look at the question, “Can the southeast generate significant renewable electricity?” There are concerns that the resource-deficient southeast cannot meet aggressive goals for alternative electricity generation. Mr. Larry Shirley of the North Carolina State Energy Office will discuss the state’s efforts to increase wind and solar generation while also pursuing a strong energy efficiency program. Conservation can significantly help reduce electricity bills and reduce our consumption of energy sources. Mr. Chip Leavitt of Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation will be discussing the efforts and challenges of local utilities to generate more energy from clean sources.
Alternative energy development has great promise here in North Carolina and across the country. Some day in the not-so-distant future, we may see local electricity plants burning agricultural, solid, municipal, and animal waste for nearby communities at an affordable rate supporting many jobs. Investments made today in research, development, and deployment will bring us to that day. Join us on July 20th as we prepare for the future!
