Media Advisory

SECRETARY NORTON WILL ANNOUNCE BOOST TO RENEWABLE ENERGY
AT CALIFORNIA WIND ENERGY SITE TOMORROW

(Palm Springs) - Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and Deputy Secretary Steve Griles will tour a wind energy site on public lands outside Palm Springs, California, tomorrow and preview part of the Administration's budget related to renewable energy on public lands.

The wind energy site is on land along I-10 administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert District, which currently has an estimated 2,960 turbines installed on public lands outside of Palm Springs. The tour is part of the Bush Administration's effort to boost various forms of renewable energy.

Secretary Norton also will make an announcement concerning increases in the FY 2003 budgets of several Department of Interior agencies related to encouraging geothermal leasing.

Secretary Norton and Secretary of Energy Spence Abraham convened a conference exploring renewable energy on public lands in Washington, D.C. in November 2001. Norton told the group of industry representatives, environmentalists, and government officials that, "Our shared mission is both simple and noble. We must explore ways to better capture the sun's light, the sky's winds, the land's bounty, and the earth's heat to provide energy security for America's families." Based on the conference, within the next few months Norton and Abraham will release recommendations to the President on expediting renewable energy projects on public lands.

Note: Current Media Credentials Required

Who:      Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton
                Deputy Secretary of the Interior Steven Griles
                BLM State Director Mike Pool
                BLM Palm Springs Field Manager Jim Kenna

What:     Tour renewable energy site and preview parts of budget

When:    Friday, January 18, 2002, 11:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Where:   Report to BLM Palm Springs field office at intersection of I-10 &
                 Indian Avenue, 690 W. Garnet Avenue (near Wendy's and Jack
                 in the Box) by 11:10 for transportation to site.

-DOI-