State hosting renewable energy summit

State hosting renewable energy summit    Florida state officials pushing for the expansion of biofuels will give an update on those efforts at the 2007 Farm to Fuel Summit Thursday in St. Petersburg.
   The Tampa Bay area is already the site of ethanol plant developments, which are on the drawing boards near other marine gateways. State officials hope to see ethanol produced from a variety of agricultural source in Florida for the U.S. markets, and to have Florida serve as a gateway for biofuels produced in Latin America and the Caribbean.
   Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will be the keynote speaker at the Thursday summit, which will include several other state officials and will target parties from energy companies, transportation, agriculture, banking, academic institutions, and government.
   'The public wants and deserves to have access to reasonably priced fuels that do not harm the environment,” said Charles H. Bronson, state agriculture and consumer services commissioner. “The technology exists to produce clean alternative fuel and this conference will bring together all the stakeholders so we can continue the momentum. We can reduce our dependence on foreign oil while at the same time providing another source of income for our struggling farmers.'
   The summit will be at the St. Petersburg Marriott Renaissance Vinoy Resort from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information is available at www.doacs.state.fl.us .