Purdue summit to focus on developing energy resources

By TANYA BROWN, Journal and Courier
tbrown@journalandcourier.com

Daniel Folta redefines what driving a "long" commute means.

Some Greater Lafayette residents may complain that driving in from White or Clinton counties drains away their gas money, but Folta likely has most of them beat.

As director of development for Purdue University's School of Industrial Engineering, he enjoys his job -- even though he drives 70 miles one way to get there.

"I am probably going to be joining a car pool," says Folta, a Fishers resident. "I'm spending about $80 a week, and I drive a Nissan Maxima."

Folta has heard about the energy conference Purdue is sponsoring in conjunction with U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., on Tuesday and hopes it will bring about some realistic solutions to energy security.