Craig Daily Press

Craig — Gas stations lining the country’s commercial streets light up their prices on sometimes red, sometimes white and sometimes blue signs.

Regardless of color or company, spiking fuel costs across the board are reason enough to be concerned about the energy industry and its impact on the country, state Rep. Al White, R-Hayden said.

White said he hopes people will take advantage of Fueling Thought Energy Summit 2008, in Craig next weekend, where this issue and others relating will be discussed, dissected and deliberated on.

The annual Energy Summit is May 15 and 16 at the Holiday Inn of Craig, with a golf scramble planned for May 17 at the Yampa Valley Golf Course. The event is billed as a way to present facts and opinions on the energy industry’s present and future.

“With natural gas and fuel prices like they are, I think everybody in the state would be interested in this weekend,” White said.

More than that, a glance at the local economy shows how important natural resources are to the Yampa Valley, White said.

“Geographically, we’re kind of located in the heartbeat of the carbon industry,” he said. “It behooves people to come out and learn about these industries. And, it will enable (residents) to get information about the renewable energy industry and clean-burning coal technology.”

The schedule includes presentations from energy industry representatives giving energy industry reports, education professionals talking about regional workforce issues and legislators — including White — talking about severance taxes, which are levied against natural resources extracted in Colorado but sold abroad.

Members of Gov. Bill Ritter’s cabinet also will be in attendance and giving their own presentations. Harris Sherman, Department of Natural Re­­sources executive director, plans to talk on future challenges to the energy industry; Russell George, Department of Transportation executive director, expects to speak on transportation and the energy industry; and John Stulp, Department of Agriculture commissioner, is scheduled to give a presentation on agriculture producers’ opportunities in the renewable energy market.

“We’ve intentionally set up the agenda with a wide range of information, speakers and events,” said Audrey Danner, executive director of Yampa Valley Partners, which sponsors the Energy Summit along with Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado and Northwest Colorado Energy Producers.

Danner added organizers strived to create an event that can benefit every corner of the community concerned with the future economy and give them varied viewpoints on the issues.

“This event is designed to give current information to business owners, citizens, non-profits and local governments, who are all making decisions for their future and sometimes our future,” she said.

The Energy Summit likewise will be an opportunity for residents and business owners to meet legislators, members of the state executive branch and energy industry leaders, Danner said. The golfing affair was meant to be exactly that.

“If you have a question for the energy companies or the legislators, ask them. They’re right there,” Danner said.

White said this event, like many others, always gives him the chance to listen.

“Anytime I meet with constituents, it shapes both my knowledge and my response to the issues and helps me understand what people expect of me,” he said. “I hope other people will be as interested as I am.”

Anyone can register for all or part of the Energy Summit at www.fuelingthought.com. Each presentation has a different cost, which can be found on the Web site. Organizers recommend people register beforehand because space is limited.

Collin Smith can be reached at 875-1794 or cesmith@craigdailypress.com