Planning continues for the second Bioenergy Awareness Days in Washington, D.C., set for June 19-21. To be held at the National Mall, BEAD II is designed to increase awareness and knowledge related to the sustainable production of agriculture-based and natural resource-based renewable energy. The event also promotes the efficient use and conservation of energy for the benefit of rural communities and the nation.

The event will recognize 13 "Grand Challenge" winners – universities that have taken leadership roles in renewable energy research, teaching and extension outreach work. In addition, 26 universities will be showcasing latest developments in renewable energy research and energy efficiency at an exhibition at the National Arboretum. Agriculture Secretary Ed Shafer, along with Undersecretaries Gale Buchanan, Tom Dorr and Mark Rey, are scheduled to speak. National steering committee members Duane Acker and Bruce Arnold will represent 25x’25 over the course of the four day event. Private sector organizations that will be on hand for the event include among others the National Corn Growers Association, National Biodiesel Board, American Council on Renewable Energy, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and the Advanced Biofuels Coalition.

The "Grand Challenge" competition winners will offer presentations and displays that underscore the contributions being made by the U.S. agriculture and forestry sectors to the energy economy. For example, the University of Kentucky and other institutions of higher learning in the state examine Kentucky’s extensive natural resource base and its historical agricultural tradition to identify renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities. This study, done in conjunction with the Kentucky Rural Energy Consortium (the state-level 25x'25 alliance in Kentucky), will lead to recommendations for moving the state toward a 25x'25 energy future while providing environmental, sustainability, economic and security benefits.

Other BEAD II activities include the official opening of the "Power Plants Garden," a project at the National Arboretum that demonstrates the range of plants that are grown in the United States that offer potential as, or are used as renewable energy sources.

For more information on BEAD II events, schedules and a list of "Grand Challenge" winners and other exhibitors, go to http://www.ree.usda.gov/news/bead.shtml.