the Illinois 25x’25 Renewable Energy Forum

On November 18, 2011, the Illinois 25x’25 Renewable Energy Alliance will host the Illinois 25x’25 Renewable Energy Forum with agricultural stakeholders, government leaders, industry executives, and renewable energy advocates to discuss university research initiatives, distributive generation challenges and opportunities, and economic impacts associated with the use of energy crops, agricultural and forestry residues, and clean technologies in the production of energy for electricity, transportation fuels, and other sustainable applications in the region. The program will be held in conjunction with a meeting of the 25x’25 National Steering Committee which we co-chair. The Forum is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the French Room of the Drake Hotel located at 140 East Walton Place in Downtown Chicago. The draft agenda is attached.

You are invited to attend this Forum, learn about current projects and important research, and, if you wish, share your perspective on important issues during open discussion. Please RSVP to Sarah Huggins at 410-252-7079 or shuggins@25x25.org if you plan to attend. If you are planning to come in on Thursday evening and wish to stay at the Drake Hotel, we encourage you to make your reservation online as soon as possible to get the best rate. Overnight self-park is $35. There are also other hotel options in the area. If you are driving in the day of the Forum, parking is available at the hotel for 4-6 hours at the rate of $27.

As background, the Illinois 25x’25 Renewable Energy Alliance, composed of over 150 representatives of agriculture, forestry, conservation, academia, and clean energy advocates, was formed in 2008 to help forge a path to increased renewable energy production and use in the state.

The 25x’25 Initiative has grown out of the belief by agriculture and forestry leaders that America’s farms, forests and ranches can play a leadership role in delivering renewable energy solutions to the nation. These leaders set a bold new vision – that by the year 2025, America’s farms, forests and ranches will provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed by the United States, while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed, and fiber – and asked others to join the effort in helping to make the vision a reality.

To date, the initiative has gained the support of nearly 1000 farm, business, conservation, governmental, and energy organizations, 34 governors and former governors (including Governor Pat Quinn), and 15 state legislatures (including the Illinois General Assembly). The 25x’25 vision was also adopted as a national goal as part of the Energy Security and Independence Act of 2007.

This renewable energy forum event will be a great chance to highlight the state’s accomplishments and discuss its further potential with Illinois state leaders, the 25x’25 National Steering Committee and other stakeholders. Please contact Blake Roderick at 217-285-2233 (blake@pikecfb.org) or Brent Bailey at 601-573-4815 or (bbailey@25x25.org) for questions.