Governor to speak at sustainable living conference

Staff Reports

Gov. Jim Gibbons will speak at the Sustainable Living and Renewable Energy Roundup in August at Bently's Ferris Park in Minden. The governor spoke recently about the drain on Nevada's economy caused by energy imports.

"We have a $6 billion opportunity," Gibbons said. "That is the amount of money we spend to import energy into our state. We have an obligation to develop our own abundant renewable resources including geothermal, solar, wind and biomass, and reduce our import costs."

Roundup organizers are looking for exhibitors in the renewable energy fields to demonstrate equipment available to consumers interested in building or remodeling houses or commercial properties, or showcase anything that contributes to sustainable living.

The roundup kicks off Aug. 10, with a free consumer's forum at Minden Elementary School.

Speakers include award-winning architect David Arkin and Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society and editor of Solar Today magazine. Local business owners Craig Witt, Full Circle Compost, and Tom Stille, Interpretive Gardens, Reno, will discuss natural landscaping, water issues and recycling/composting.

On Saturday and Sunday, the event will move to Bently's Ferris Park and nearby Western Nevada College (All locations are off Buckeye, just east of Highway 395, with shuttle buses between sites). Gov. Gibbons will speak Saturday.

On Sunday, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Nevada State Senators Randolph Townsend and Dina Titus will talk about the economic benefits of renewables.

Marion Barritt, co-chair of the event said, "The Roundup will be an educational and fun event for the whole family. There is no entry fee; just $5 per car to park. We encourage people to carpool or ride their bikes. A two-day workshop pass costs $5."

For more information or to participate as an exhibitor, food vendor, speaker at a workshop or sponsor, contact Vicki Bates, 265-6827, vrbates@charter.net or Barritt, 782-7353, mbarritt@powernet.net. Information and forms are also available at the Roundup Web site, www.cvsustainables.org.

Caption for picture forwarded by Constance Alexander

Don Bently, left, Marion Barritt and Carlo Luri, discuss placement of tents for the Sustainable Living and Renewable Energy Roundup at Bently Ferris Park in Minden. Luri is General Manager of Bently Biodiesel and Barritt is co-chair of the Roundup. Bently donated the park for the August event. Photo couresty of V. Bates.