Renewable summit scheduled for Reno

A Western regional summit on renewable energy scheduled for Reno on Oct.

8 may lead to a study of the potential economic impact of the region's renewable energy resources.

The summit may prove important for Reno, too, because it is expected to throw a spotlight on research under way at the Desert Research Institute and the University of Nevada, Reno.

The summit, spearheaded by northern Nevada advocates for development of renewable energy, is expected to draw government officials, representatives of the alternative energy industry, utility executives and tribal leaders.

U.S.

Sen.

Harry Reid said the summit provides an opportunity for the Western states to speak with one voice on national issues surrounding renewable energy.

"In Nevada, we've seen what can be accomplished in energy policy through collaboration," Reid said.

"The time is upon us to examine the role renewable energy could play in the western grid."

Reid said that the Western states have similar resources and share a common power grid good arguments for working together to shape national policy on renewable energy.

Issues on the agenda will include:

* The use of renewables to hedge against the risk of rising fuel prices.

* Overcoming barriers such as permitting and siting that limit development of renewable energy sources.

* Ensuring that the Western power grid is capable of meeting the needs of a growing regional renewable industry.

States invited to the summit include Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,Washington and Wyoming.

Among the speakers will be representatives of the U.S.

Department of Energy, the American Solar Energy Society, the American Wind Energy Association, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and the Intertribal council on Utility Policy.

The session will be at The Atlantis in Reno.

For registration information, see www.renewableenergysummit.com.

The site also includes an updated agenda with speakers and times.