A clean energy future will be the main topic of discussion when nearly 50 governors from across the nation and several U.S. territories meet this weekend in Washington, D.C for the 2008 National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting.

According to a press release on the group’s web site, biofuels will be a big part of the discussion titled “Securing a Clean Energy Future”:

Making the nation a global leader in energy efficiency, clean energy technology, alternative fuels use and energy research will be the key topic on the governors’ meeting agenda this year. In addition, governors will explore the future of the nation’s surface transportation policy and finance system, strategies for improving struggling elementary and secondary schools, long-term care challenges facing states and the role of traditional domestic energy in a clean energy future during four standing committee sessions: Economic Development and Commerce; Education, Early Childhood and Workforce; Health and Human Services; and Natural Resources. All four committees will meet Sunday, Feb. 24.

Saturday’s opening plenary session will provide an overview of NGA Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s Securing a Clean Energy Future initiative. During the plenary, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman will discuss states’ role in helping America achieve a cleaner, more independent energy future, and Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of General Electric Company, will talk about the role businesses can play in advancing energy and environmental innovation.

The discussion will last through Monday when Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey will talk to the group about developing and supporting alternatives to imported oil. Also, John Doerr, with Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers, will speak about promising energy technologies and how states can help spur clean energy innovation.