According to a Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 press release, at their winter meeting this month, the nation's governors will focus on strategies that promote dependable, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy.

The National Governors Association (NGA) winter meeting, scheduled for Feb. 20-22 in Washington, D.C., will, according to the NGA release, include a discussion titled Advancing a Green Energy Economy during the Natural Resources committee meeting. That meeting will take place on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott Hotel. The session will offer governors the opportunity to share their perspectives and hear from professionals in the field.

"It is important to gather together to have the barriers to transmission siting identified and addressed and brainstorm solutions," said Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, chair of the committee. "Hearing options to improve transmission planning, siting and financing with a focus on connecting renewable energy sources to the grid can help governors plan for the future."

The meeting will include committee members, as well as Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Jon Wellinghoff and President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (and former Michigan governor) John Engler.