First Annual Harvesting Energy Summit Brings Together 200 Ag-Energy Leaders From Seven States

2006 Summit Monday morning speakers at the Summit included Mike Bowman, IHEN Chair, Kathay Rennels, Larimer County Commissioner, and Ernie Shea, Coordinator of 25x'25 Ag- Energy Workgroup.

Summit Presentations and Summary »

The Intermountain Harvesting Energy Network is bringing together agriculture, business and environmental leaders from Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Kansas. The Network grew from a coalition of partners in Colorado, and is now expanding to include leaders from all seven states in the intermountain region. The founding Network partners include the Colorado Farm Bureau, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Colorado Working Landscapes and Environment Colorado.

The purpose of the Intermountain Harvesting Energy Network is to facilitate an agriculture-driven network to advance renewable energy development and energy efficiency in seven states: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Kansas. The Network's goals are to:

Create a continuous and informed network of rural leaders.
Forge partnerships/coalitions with a diverse set of stakeholders.
Mobilize grassroots constituents around the development of renewable energy projects and support for appropriate public policies.
Reach the general public with the message that agriculture is a key component of a national energy strategy.
Determine how large a role the agriculture sector can play in each state to help the nation achieve energy independence.

A regional renewable network will create stronger partnerships for agriculture and will develop effective energy solutions.