ARC Conference to Highlight Economic Opportunities of the New-Energy Sector October 2009

WASHINGTON, October 8, 2009—The demand for clean energy and efficient energy use is creating a new-energy sector and generating new opportunities for business growth and job creation. How Appalachian communities can grow green jobs in today's evolving energy economy is the focus of the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) New Energy, New Jobs, New Opportunities for Appalachia conference, to be held October 26–27 in Athens, Ohio. The conference will take place at Ohio University's Baker University Center.

Drawing on the expertise of energy professionals, business investors, scholars, environmental experts, and representatives from the public sector, the conference will offer ideas and best practices on how communities can use their energy resources and emerging energy technologies and practices to diversify and strengthen their economies.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland underscored the role that Appalachia will play in the development of a sustainable and cleaner energy economy, fueling growth in the Region for years to come, and welcomed the choice of James E. Rogers of Duke Energy to deliver the conference keynote address. "As chair and CEO of Duke Energy, Jim has a long history of tremendous leadership in laying the foundations for a new-energy economy in the United States," Strickland said.

ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne B. Pope said that it was "particularly appropriate to be holding this conference in the state of Ohio with Governor Strickland. Ohio is on the cutting edge in helping communities seize the economic opportunities offered by new-energy resources and technologies. This will be an exciting and informative conference that I urge all those interested in exploring the economic potential of green energy to attend."

The conference will include sessions on developing energy-efficient infrastructure, growing green enterprises and communities, building new-energy education and training programs, and finding federal funding for energy programs.