Rep. Armstrong (R-Lancaster) this week announced Mesa Environmental Sciences, Inc. is seeking farmers to participate in free energy audits designed to make recommendations on reducing energy use and determine the feasibility of installing alternative energy sources.

Mesa will do an audit that includes a detailed report on current energy usage, recommendations on ways to produce alternative power, grant and loan opportunities and funding strategies, along with projections about how much they could make by selling excess electricity, as well as renewable energy credits, for a profit.

Alternative energy sources include installation of wind turbines, solar panels and other means of producing energy on their farms.

"This is a chance for farmers to get a firm grip on where their energy bill goes and learn about new ways to reduce or eliminate it. Even better, there is potential to make money by selling electricity back to the power companies," Rep. Armstrong said.

Sixty-three Pennsylvania farms will be selected thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, where Armstrong serves as Secretary. They will be a mix of small, medium, and large businesses in dairy, hog, horse, grain, food processor and fruit production.

For more information, contact Mesa Environmental Sciences, Inc. by calling 610-647-3809 or by sending email to owners Sarah M. Hetznecker at sarah@MesaEnvironmental.net or Gary T. Sheehan at gary@MesaEnvironmental.net

3/17/2006