For Immediate Release- “Alabama Energy Day Announced”
January 11, 2008

For Further Information Contact:
Kristen Stillwell
(334) 395-0123   

In a joint statement released by Senator Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne) and Representative Greg Wren (R-Montgomery), they announced the plans for “Alabama Energy Day” set for Tuesday, January 22, 2008 on the steps of the Alabama State House.

“During the 2007 Regular Session the Alabama Legislature created the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy (Act 2007-150), which will analyze, develop, and execute a comprehensive “Alabama Energy Plan” to recommend goals and objectives to address Alabama’s long-term and short-term energy challenges,” states Sen. Mitchell and Rep. Wren.

“During the last eight (8) months over one-hundred individuals from every component of our energy structure have actively participated in the seven (7) Joint Energy Sub-Committees. Alabama’s universities, energy producers, private researchers, the Governor, Lt. Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and the Joint Energy Committee legislators have crafted the “2008 Legislative Initiative”  which will be released on January 22, 2008 during the Alabama Energy Day at the Alabama State House,” added the statement.

Activities will include numerous exhibitors of biomass production technologies for renewable power and liquid fuels, the “Biodiesel Classroom on Wheels,” green fleet vehicles, solar-powered ATV’s, alternative fuel vehicles, and other demonstrations and exhibits which will be displayed on Union Street directly in front of the Alabama State House from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (See attached agenda).The Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy will meet at 11:30 a.m. to recommend the Joint Energy Committee’s package of bills for the 2008 Regular Session.

Members of the Joint Energy Committee are Senator Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne) Chairman, Rep. Greg Wren (R-Montgomery) Vice-Chairman, Sen. Kim Benefield (D-Woodland). Sen. Quinton Ross (D-Montgomery), Sen. Parker Griffith (D-Madison), Sen. Hinton Mitchem (D-Marshall, Blount & Madison), Sen. Larry Dixon (R-Montgomery), Sen. Pat Linsdey (D-Butler), Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville), Rep. Frank McDaniel (D-Albertville), Rep. Betty Carol Graham (D-Alexander City), Rep. Mike Hill (R-Columbiana), Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee), Rep. William Thigpen (D-Fayette).

“Alabama must reduce our dependency on foreign oil to assure our citizens an efficient and effective distribution of energy to meet increasing demands of our population growth and economic development and expansion. Engaging our existing energy infrastructure with new energy technologies including renewable resources will position Alabama as a regional and national leader in energy policy and supply,” concluded Sen. Mitchell and Rep. Wren’s joint statement.