Gualala Arts Lecture Series presents:
The Long Shadow of Fossil Fuels

with Kay Martin
Thursday, February 9, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Admission is $5

The Keystone XL pipeline debate is just the latest plan to sustain fossil fuel consumption, a fuel source everyone knows is being rapidly depleted. In her Thursday, February 9, talk, "The Long Shadow of Fossil Fuels," at Gualala Arts Center, Dr. Kay Martin will discuss the potential of geothermal, solar, wind and biomass alternatives in a scientific and objective manner based on her long career in the field of renewable energy development.

For over a generation, American presidents have pledged to break our country's dependence on oil, generally seen as a source for geopolitical unrest, climate change and social inequities around the world. But Americans continue the addiction and continue to downplay the alternatives.

Many recent developments have exacerbated the problem. In recent years, this country has fallen behind countries like Germany and even China in the search for alternate fuel sources. Also, the dramatic rise in the price of oil and the unrest in oil producing nations have changed the equation. The use of coal and natural gas present additional concerns.

In her timely presentation, Martin will focus on the commercial readiness of renewable energy technologies and will analyze the major economic and political impediments that have thwarted deployment of these technologies. She will also discuss future trends in power production and transportation. She will advocate for community-based initiatives that may offer the best hope.

Martin has extensive background that qualifies her to talk on this topic. Since 2004 she has served as Vice-President of the BioEnergy Producers Association. She also sits on the Executive Board of the California Biomass Collaborative, a group exploring renewable energy from living organisms.

From 1987 to 2004 she was Director of the Environmental and Energy Resources Department for Ventura County. She has authored several books and frequently contributes articles on this subject in a variety of professional journals.

This talk provides an excellent opportunity to become better informed on a subject that affects everyone who lives on this planet. A $5 admission will be collected at the door. The talk starts at 7:00 p.m. and there will be time to answer audience questions.

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.