The issues discussed at the forum will include nuclear energy, coal/gas plants, distributed generation, wind/solar, conservation, large scale hydro/dams, delivery of services (natural gas, transmission of electricity), petroleum (including ethanol), and diesel (including biodiesel).

The end goal of the discussions is a "white paper" that will be presented to current policy makers.  Organizers note that the discussions will be held in a public forum rather than a backroom.  The Citizen's Energy Forum will be held in Wausau at the Westwood Center on Sept. 13-14.  The Westwood Center is located at 1800 Bridge Street.

The event will begin at 7 pm on Friday, Sept. 13 with a presentation on energy policy.  The keynote speaker is Doug LaFollette, Wisconsin's Secretary of State.  Speakers from both the sustainable and utility perspectives will also offer their viewpoints.  On Saturday, Sept. 14, a broad discussion aimed at developing an energy policy is planned.  The discussion begins at 10 a.m. and will run until at least 2:30 p.m.

"We are gathering," says organizer Linda Ceylor, "to discuss the energy policy we envision."

A $10 registration fee for the forum includes a lunch on Saturday.  For more information or to pre-register call 715-474-2271 or 715-693-3143, or e-mail soul wis@yahoo.com.  And you can watch for registration forms at SOUL's website:  http://www.wakeupwisconsin.com.