Energy efficiency/alternative energy workshop to be held in Philip

The Badlands RC&D will host an energy efficiency/alternative energy workshop for residents of Bennett, Shannon, Jackson and Haakon counties on Thursday, May 22, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MDT), in the fine arts room at the Philip School, Philip, S.D. The event is open to the public.

The workshop is intended to help community leaders, farmers, ranchers and business managers identify where they can reduce their energy costs and what alternative energy and financial tools are available to them. There will be information on generating electricity with other technologies, how to reduce energy consumption through land conservation practices, make homes more energy efficient, producing energy under the renewable energy program, and where to acquire renewable energy products. Speakers include South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Vice Chairman Steve Kolbeck, who will discuss South Dakota Energy Smart, a statewide initiative focused on energy efficiency.

About a year ago, the South Dakota Association of RC&Ds adopted alternative energy education as a project and a statewide energy committee was formed by the seven RC&Ds. They then brought many state, federal and private energy players together on the statewide committee. Partners such as the S.D. Public Utilities Commission, United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, Governor's Office of Economic Development, S.D. Department of Agriculture, S.D. Association of Conservation Districts, S.D. State University, rural electric associations, and others have been sharing ideas. Common agricultural energy-related goals have been established and information about grants and other opportunities are now being shared.

The workshop is co-sponsored by the Badlands RC&D; the State Association of RC&D Councils; Conservation Districts in Bennett, Shannon, Jackson and Haakon counties; First National Bank, Philip; and Security First Bank, Martin.

The RC&D Councils continue their commitment to outreach efforts that support learning and provide information to residents in the areas about the wise use of natural resources and the enhancement of economic development.  For more information about the Philip workshop, contact the Badlands RC&D at (605) 685-6629.

Information provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
May 2008