The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will honor three distinguished Coloradoans for their leadership in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

GOLDEN, COLO., DEC. 9, 2003 - The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will honor three distinguished Coloradoans today for their leadership in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Lola Spradley, speaker, Colorado House of Representatives. Spradley has set a positive course for the Legislature in promoting the use of renewable energy in the state.

Cal Marsella, general manager, Regional Transportation District. Marsella has championed the use of clean alternative fuels for RTD's huge fleet of heavy vehicles.

Roger Ogden, president and general manager, KUSA-TV. The Denver NBC network affiliate has undertaken several highly visible initiatives to educate Colorado consumers about the advantages of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Each of these achievements will be recognized at the annual NREL Stakeholders Reception, this evening at the Pinnacle Club, 555 17th St., Denver. The title of this year's event is, "Celebration of Invention and Innovation: 50th Anniversary of the Solar Cell & Leadership in Renewable Energy."

Also to be honored is Dr. Morton Price of the Bell Labs, a pioneer in the development of early solar cells.

NREL is a U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy research and development and a leading laboratory for energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by Midwest Research Institute and Battelle.