Governor’s Conference on Biofuels Scheduled May 30-June 1

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen has announced the first Governor’s Conference on Biofuels will be held at Montgomery Bell State Park May 30-June 1, 2007. The conference will explore opportunities to make Tennessee a leader in the emerging bio-energy field.

“We have an opportunity to make Tennessee a national leader in the development of the alternative fuels market,” said Bredesen. “I am pleased we can bring so many partners together and take advantage of our significant academic and agricultural resources to move Tennessee forward in this important area.”

The conference will feature expert presenters from Tennessee and across the country. Focus areas for the Governor’s Conference on Biofuels include national biodiesel and ethanol perspectives and initiatives, Tennessee’s current and potential feedstocks, insight into biofuel production, the importance of fuel quality, as well as opportunities for financing alternative fuel projects.

“Tennessee has an emerging alternative fuels industry and farm-based fuels present a real opportunity for farmers and our rural economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “With so much happening on the biofuels front, this conference will be a great resource for farmers, agribusinesses and anyone who is interested in alternative fuels and learning how our state can fully participate in developing this industry.”

In addition to those in the farming community, the Governor’s Conference on Biofuels is designed to be helpful for biofuel producers, marketers and retailers; biofuel end-users, including the public; private fleet managers; research institutions; government officials; private equity firms, venture capitalists, lenders and financial institutions and entrepreneurs.

“Expanding our ability to produce and utilize alternative fuels in Tennessee is not just good for Tennessee farmers, economics and energy policy,” said Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan, who serves as Bredesen’s representative to the National Governors Association Energy Forum. “The expanded use of alternative fuels will have a positive impact on our environment, particularly as we increase our ability to produce energy from biomass and other renewable sources that are readily available right here in Tennessee.”

Early Bird Registration received before April 30 is $100 and includes dinner on May 30, a full day of conference attendance and meals on May 31, and a half-day of conference attendance and meals on June 1. The regular registration price, applicable after April 30, is $200. Conference attendees can make overnight accommodations by calling Montgomery Bell State Park at (615) 797-3101 and using the reservation code 4109.

More information on the Governor’s Conference on Biofuels, including a complete agenda, list of speakers and panelists, and registration forms is available at: www.tdec.net/altfuels/conference/.