Energy-Arizona^1.4

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/62516.php

ALAN FISCHER
Tucson Citizen

Tucson's first Alternative Energy Expo will offer the public strategies to save energy and money while protecting the environment.

The event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Tucson Convention Center, will feature 50 vendors, about a dozen alt-fuel vehicles including the University of Arizona's solar race car, and educational exhibits, said Dennis Dickerson, environmental planning coordinator with the Pima Association of Governments.

A wide range of energy-saving-related exhibits will include roof coatings, lighting, rainwater harvesting, solar devices, biodiesel and energy-efficient homes, Dickerson said.

"It's the full gamut of alternative energy," said Colleen Crowninshield, manager of the Clean Cities Program here. "We will have people offering information on incentives, like for cars and solar systems. Some vehicles not yet on the market will be on display."

With the supply of imported fossil fuels growing uncertain, now is the time to get the public focused on alternate energy options, said Valerie Rauluk, co-chair of the Tucson-Pima Metropolitan Energy Commission.

"There has never been a time when energy has been so critical," she said. "The well being of the community is going to be at stake in the next 20 years."

Tucson is seen as a leader in some alternative energy practices, but moving from the demonstration stage to widespread implementation is a challenge, Rauluk said.

"We want to deploy alternative energy practices comprehensively in the community," she said. "It's all about what all of us are going to do to pitch in one way or another."