Appalachian leaders study energy help

CINCINNATI -- Appalachian leaders are seeking ways to use alternative energy initiatives to spark the 13-state region's long-sluggish economy.

The annual Appalachian Regional Commission conference, held in Athens, Ohio, this week, will focus on how to give the struggling region a big role in the push for more use of renewable sources such as solar and wind, bringing so-called "green jobs" with it.

The commission expects nearly 400 people to take part, including investors, community activists and environmental experts.

Duke Energy Corp. CEO James Rogers is the conference's keynote speaker Tuesday morning at Ohio University.

The region that stretches from southern New York to northern Mississippi has been hit hard by the recession.