Culver hits the road

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver is on the road this week discussing Iowa's economy, job creation efforts and renewable energy.

Culver traveled to Washington on Monday – first to meet with U.S. Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu to discuss wind energy and biofuels issues, and later with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke to discuss Iowa's disaster recovery and efforts to expand broadband access across Iowa, according to the governor's staff.

On Tuesday, Culver was slated to return to his high school alma mater in Maryland to deliver the commencement address at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School. The governor will be delivering the speech 25 years after graduating from the high school.

Culver aides said the governor planned to talk about Iowa's innovative spirit and leadership in renewable energy while challenging the class of 2009 students to pursue their dreams and contribute to American tradition of innovation and exploration.

On Wednesday, Culver was scheduled to be in Quebec, Canada, to participate in a leaders summit as part of the North America's SuperCorridor Coalition Conference. The summit is designed to bring together high-ranking officials from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to discuss trade and transportation issues.

On Thursday, Culver was slated to return to Washington to meet with Senate Majority Leader Harry Ried to discuss Iowa's wind-energy industry and to advocate for a national renewable energy standard to help expand the use of renewable energy across the country, aides said.