2nd Annual Renewable Energy Forum- Distilling the Truth on Ethanol

Sky-rocketing gasoline prices and unstable oil markets make renewable energy a front and center issue in the 21st century. Ethanol is at the forefront of rural politics. The current construction of 41 ethanol facilities demands a broader understanding of how corn-based energy sources influence the farmer, the energy user, and the environment. Current research aims to answer questions about the most efficient and environmentally friendly sources of renewable energy.

The forum will present both sides of the ethanol/biofuel controversy in an informative and educational manner. A question and answer session at the end of the forum will promote dialogue and interactions between students and expert presenters. This event will be free and open to all University students and members of the surrounding community.

Dan Owens, The Center for Rural Affairs
Tppic:Past, present, and future farm policy of corn production and ethanol potential in the Midwest.

David Kolsrud, CORNer Stone Farmers Co-op
Topic: The current state of ethanol activity in Minnesota, ownership models of farmer cooperatives, and how ethanol can fortify rural economies.

Clarence Lehman, Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota
Topic: The external costs of ethanol in water use and energy inputs, new processing technologies, and the future of the industry.


The forum will be located in the Mississippi Room of Coffman Memorial Union on the Minneapolis Campus at the University of Minnesota on December 1st at 5:30 PM

IREE's Research Symposium

IREE's Third Annual Research Symposium

WHEN: Tuesday November 28, 2006.
8:30-2:30

WHERE: McNamera Alumni Center


"The Annual IREE Research Symposium is an opportunity for University of Minnesota faculty and researchers to showcase groundbreaking new work in the areas of renewable energy and the environment. This year's conference will begin with a brief overview of the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment's accomplishments over the past year. Don Shelby, news anchor for WCCO TV, and Edward Garvey, Deputy Commissioner for the Energy and Telecommunications Division with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, are scheduled to give the keynote addresses. University of Minnesota Regents Professor David Tilman will give the capnote address at the conclusion of this year's conference."

Website for more details:
http://www1.umn.edu/iree/events.html

Global Warming Pollutants set record in 2005

See the link below to a news story that states in 2005 Global Warming Pollutants reached a record level in the atmosphere. The U.N. and the World Meteorological Organization are responsible for the report mentioned in the article.

http://wcco.com/local/topstories_story_307103830.html

ANWR Photography Exhibit at the Bell Museum

Check out this new photography exhibit at the Bell museum of Natural History on ANWR:
"A Wilderness Worth Saving: Landscape Photography of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
by Jeff Jones"

Opening and artists' reception is November 18th, 3-6 PM. The exhibit is open through December 3rd and is free for University Students with Student ID!

Science and Politics in Environmental Policy Making: Can this Marriage be Saved?

A lecture by Professor Holly D. Porcmus (University of CA Davis)
12:15- 1:30
CMU Theater
Tuesday November 14

Inconvenient Truth showing on campus

Hillel and the Alliance for Sustainability are hosting a free screening of An Inconvenient Truth on campus this Sunday, November 6th at 2:30 PM in the Coffman Union Theater. If you missed it this summer or want to see it again before the DVD comes out, here's your chance!