Colorado Energy Research Institute Receives Funding.

Business Editors

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2003

Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and

Conservation and Colorado School of Mines Partner to Promote Energy

Research

Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation and Colorado School of Mines announced a partnership to fund Colorado Energy Research Institute (CERI).

The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation will match Colorado School of Mines' funding up to $225,000 per year for over two years to re-constitute CERI, at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM).

The goals of CERI will focus on promoting research and educational activities through networking among all constituencies in the Colorado energy industries and universities. CERI's activities foster an understanding and exposure to weaknesses and opportunities in energy development in Colorado and the nation.

In 1974, the Colorado Legislature strengthened the energy charter of CSM by establishing CERI. CERI was instrumental in attracting the Solar Energy Research Institute, now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), to Golden, Colorado. Today, the potential for new energy technologies to be a significant part of the State's economy have never been greater.

At the same time, environmental, national-security and economic concerns are driving a growing demand for alternative energy technologies. Together, CERI, the State of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines, NREL and Colorado's emerging alternative energy industry are ideally positioned to be global leaders in the fields as well.

"Energy is essential to our infrastructure, affecting all corners and people of Colorado. Sufficient, reliable energy sources are integral for Colorado's economy to sustain agriculture, industry, tourism and the quality of life we enjoy," said Governor Bill Owens. "While fossil fuels remain critical, renewable energy and conservation technologies are important new growth areas and provide Colorado the opportunity to become a national leader in emerging energy technologies."

According to Dr. Nigel Middleton, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty for Colorado School of Mines: "Colorado has a long tradition of leadership in energy. Colorado School of Mines has been a major contributor to energy research and education for a century."

For additional information about CERI, please contact Nigel Middleton at [e-mail].

About the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC)

The primary objective of Colorado's lead state agency on energy efficiency and conservation issues is to serve the people of Colorado through demonstration and education of viable, real-world solutions to the problem of reducing our reliance on foreign energy. OEMC is a champion in promoting energy efficiency to school districts, state and governmental agencies, as well as supporting cost-effective programs and partnerships that benefit Colorado's economic and natural environment. OEMC serves as a statewide advocate of energy efficiency through its programs: recycling, composting, wetlands, the development of distributed generation using micro turbines, fuel cells and other emerging energy technologies such as biomass and biofuels for Colorado's rural communities, and residential and commercial energy standards and weatherization services for low-income households.

Founded in 1977, OEMC is federally funded using no Colorado state tax dollars to support its activities. OEMC believes that individually, locally and globally good management practices and energy conservation awareness work hand-in-hand. The direction and focus of the office is consistent with Governor Owens' commitment to managing our natural and financial resources wisely. For additional information, visit www.state.co.us/oemc or call 800/632-6662.

About the Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a public research university internationally recognized for its leadership in engineering, applied science and related disciplines, with a special emphasis on the earth and its resources. Located in Golden, Colo., the school is the oldest public institution of higher learning to open its doors in Colorado and currently enrolls approximately 3,200 students.

Mines is dedicated to serving the people of Colorado, the nation and the global community through high-quality programs in education and research. These programs emphasize fields of engineering and the underlying sciences that address natural resources, energy, materials, and their interaction with the environment and society. To learn more about Colorado School of Mines, see www.mines.edu or call 303/273-3326.