For the first time in the state, the Prairie Climate Stewardship Conference will bring together a variety of people.

Those from industry and businesspeople, agricultural producers, educators, sportsmen and conservationists, people of faith, community leaders and others will gather July 10-11 in Bismarck to chart a course for reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and for advancing low-carbon energy development.

Hosted by the University of Mary and organized by the Prairie Stewardship Network and Great Plains Institute, the conference will feature North Dakota's governor, congressional delegation, other top officials and leading experts, together with citizens interested in climate stewardship.

Participants will discuss how North Dakota can maximize its energy advantages and economic opportunities in renewable energy, advanced coal technologies with CO2 capture, enhanced oil recovery, and energy efficiency.

The conference will launch an effort to help communities, institutions, households, and individuals take practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Strategy sessions will cover a range of topics, and conference organizers and other organizations will use this input to build a statewide strategy and action partnerships.

Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Rep. Earl Pomeroy will address the conference live and jointly via satellite feed on federal climate policy and legislation at 11 a.m. July 10 and take audience questions.

Gov. John Hoeven will provide dinner remarks at 7 p.m. July 10 and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and Sen. Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, will provide luncheon remarks, also on July 10.

The Prairie Climate Stewardship Conference, University of Mary Campus, 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, is open to the public. The agenda and registration information can be found at www.prairiestewardship.org.