The The Editor,

This Saturday, at 1 p.m., the second session of the 2nd Annual Indiana Energy Conference begins in downtown Crawfordsville.

The first speaker presentation will be from Richard Heinberg, a leading expert and author on the subject of Peak Oil. His presentation will focus on ways the average citizen can prepare themselves, and their communities, for a world that will be forced to be less dependent on petroleum for everything from transportation to agriculture. One focus of his discussion will be to explain further the details and importance of the Oil Depletion Protocol.

The Oil Depletion Protocol is a policy tool that can be used by municipal leaders to gradually reduce dependence on oil. As Peak Oil approaches, reducing our dependence on oil will not be an option: it will be forced upon us whether we are prepared for it or not. The protocol is not only a sound policy tool that will bring national attention to our community for being forward thinking with it's energy use policies, the protocol is also a sound cost reduction initiative that will benefit our county's bottom line.

Sustainable Indiana, Inc., a locally founded not-for-profit group, will be gathering signatures at the conference in support of putting a resolution before our community leaders to adopt the Oil Depletion Protocol in Montgomery County. If you are unable to attend the conference, you can learn more and also sign an online petition at www.sustainableindiana.org.

I encourage all elected officials and everyone in our community to come on downtown this Saturday and learn more about this important issue. The second speaker presentation will be from Vicki Robin, author of "Your Money or Your Life." Complete details about the conference can be found at www.indianaenergyconference.org. Admission to the conference and popcorn are free.

New Market