Stephen Hill, president of Bowersock Mills & Power Co., left of center, gives a tour of the facility on the Kansas River to members of the House Energy and Utilities Committee. The group also toured the Lawrence Energy Center on Friday.

Legislators from around the state learned Friday about the power of “going green.”

The House Energy and Utilities Committee toured the Lawrence Energy Center and Bowersock Mills & Power Co. on the Kansas River to broaden their knowledge of renewable energy.

Rep. Tom Sloan has had energy efficiency on his platform for years. Sloan said energy efficiency is not just about economic savings — it also has health and environmental benefits.

“I hope that the committee members get a feel for what the community power potential is in this state,” Sloan, R-Lawrence, said. “The idea of community-owned or community-based renewable energy is something I think they should take away.”

Stephen Hill, president of Bowersock Mills & Power Co., spoke to the group about the importance of using renewable energy, which he described as any energy from indefinite sources, such as water, wind and sunlight.

“The Energy and Utilities Committee has been talking about renewable energy, fossil fuel energy — where we are today, where we should be tomorrow,” Sloan said. “It’s an educational opportunity.”