Between high electric bills and the pain at the pump, everyone is feeling the affects of the nation's energy crisis, but entrepreneurs from across Kentucky are coming up with ideas for a solution.

Bill Petitjean's company makes lubricating oil that was used for old time steam engines, but now they're manufacturing it in hopes of making machinery, like roller coasters, run smoother and use less energy.

“We're very bullish on the future. We think there's a, we've discovered a great marketplace and we're working hard to service that marketplace and grow our little company,” Lubrication Specialties Corporation Owner Bill Petitjean said.

Other entrepreneurs like Petitjean went through a nine month energy boot camp discussing both the technological and business side of making alternative energy sources. Then they had a symposium to present their companies' plans.

“We're hoping to come out of this boot camp program with some new companies that will be in Appalachian Kentucky and try to access the energy market and be the solution to our nation's energy problems,” Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation President Jerry Rickett said.

They are problems Kentucky House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins says need to be solved.

“Simply put, the energy policy, or lack of energy policy in this country is unacceptable. It is not acceptable. As a matter of fact, it's pathetic,” Kentucky House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins said.

Those at the symposium say they agree Kentucky has all the necessary resources to help the nation.

“Energy is I guess the biggest issue that our country faces right now and Kentucky, quite frankly, is well positioned to benefit from that,” KHIC Consultant Bob Wilson said.

Wind power for electricity and coal ash for ceramic additives in cars are just some of the other ideas presented at the symposium.

The next nine-month energy boot camp is in early fall. They’re encouraging anyone with ideas to come. They’ll start taking applications in August.