Duane Hauck, North Dakota State University Extension Service director, has been appointed to the State Energy Advisory Board by Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman.

As a member of the board, Hauck will advise the Department of Energy and Congress on how to integrate state and local activities regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency with those of the federal government.

""You will have an important responsibility to provide advice to the Department of Energy regarding energy efficiency goals and objectives and programmatic and administrative policies related to state grant programs,"" Bodman told Hauck in his appointment letter.

""The opportunities for energy development in North Dakota are huge,"" Hauck says. ""Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas and oil, continue to play a significant role in our economy. We also have great opportunities to develop alternative energy sources, such as ethanol from grain and biomass, biodiesel and wind. The goal is to effectively utilize energy efficiency technologies and develop our renewable energy resources in a sustainable manner."

The State Energy Advisory Board was created in 1991 and has 18 to 21 members from across the country. Membership conferences are held twice annually or as deemed appropriate. In addition, members participate in monthly teleconference meetings to report on the progress of various programs and discuss recent events that affect the energy industry.

NDSU Agriculture Communication