Energy workshops to help Oklahomans develop the state’s cash crops of wind and biofuels

The workshops are intended for rural agricultural producers and rural-headquartered companies interested in applying renewable technologies to their ranches, farms and businesses. No fee is required for these workshops. An RSVP is requested, though, as a complimentary dinner will be served.

The workshop will include presentations given by representatives of the Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative, the Environmental Law Practice Group for Hall Estill, P.C., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Participants will learn about grants and loans from Section 9006 of the U.S. Farm Bill created specifically to assist small businesses and producers develop wind power, biomass and other renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Oklahomans interested in developing renewable energy projects will receive training to successfully organize, write and submit an application for funding assistance under the Farm Bill.

Two workshops will be held at:

- Stillwater, Dec. 6, 6 to 9 p.m. in Room 101 in the Wes Watkins Center on the campus of Oklahoma State University.

- Altus, Dec. 13, 6 to 9 p.m. in Rooms 109 & 110 on the Southwest Technology Center campus.

The Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative is a collaborative project by the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. It investigates and promotes wind energy resources in the state, as well as provides resource and economic information to policy makers, landowners, potential wind-energy investors, and citizens of Oklahoma. To RSVP or for more information, contact Kylah McNabb at 405-447-8412. If you are interested in attending the Altus meeting only, you may also contact Gary Strickland at the Jackson County Extension Office, 482-0823.