SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- An alternative energy expert estimates that Vermont could create thousands of new local jobs if the state invested a portion of the money sent out of state to pay for fossil fuels in expanding locally produced biomass heating supplies.
Gabrielle Stebbins of Renewable Energy Vermont made the comments Monday during the opening session of a two-day alternative energy conference being held in South Burlington.
Hundreds of people are attending the sessions where experts are discussing how to meet the goal of getting 90 percent of the state's energy from renewable sources by 2050.
Vermont is among the national leaders in the per capita use of solar energy and the creation of alternative energy jobs.
There are dozens of exhibits at the conference and workshops focusing on reaching the 2050 goal.
