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Free workshop to showcase rural energy options, funding eligibility
STILLWATER, Okla. – Farmers, ranchers and rural small-business owners dealing with escalating energy costs may be eligible for grants, loans and loan guarantees under the purchase of renewable energy systems or to improve energy efficiency.
Those interested may want to attend a free May 15 workshop in Oklahoma City that will explain the various options and eligibility. These alternative energy and energy provisions are provided under Title IX of the U.S. Farm Bill.
Ron Elliott, head of Oklahoma State University’s department of biosystems and agricultural engineering, said the workshop is a way to gain insight into specific options and opportunities that may be a suitable investment for operators of agribusinesses.
“I’m often asked what options we should be looking at in terms of alternative energy,” Elliott said. “My standard answer is we need to look at them all if we’re serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”
The program will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the student center on the Oklahoma State University – OKC campus at 900 N. Portland Ave. Although there is no cost to attend, participants are asked to pre-register to help ensure sufficient refreshments and snacks are available.
To register, contact Angie Albers by e-mail at albers@ou.edu or by phone at 405-325-8870.
Among the workshop presenters are Jody Harris, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, who will provide an overview of the farm bill provisions and how to secure funding.
Mike Kizer, OSU Cooperative Extension irrigation specialist, and Doug Hamilton, OSU Cooperative Extension waste management specialist, will lead discussion sessions on irrigation planning and poultry based energy, respectively.
Additional speakers and their topics are: Albers, Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative, wind power; Bob Willis, Sunrise Alternative Energy, solar power; and Ray Chambers, Savantii Energy Services LLC, energy audits.
The workshop is sponsored by the USDA Rural Development, U.S. Department of Energy Wind Powering America Program, Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, OK Renewable Energy Council, OSU and the University of Oklahoma.
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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Ron Dahlgren
Agricultural Communications Services
144 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State
University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-3737
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: ron.dahlgren@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating. Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.
