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		New Mexico Coalition for New Energy Technologies Update 8 July 2003 Incorporating News from the Arizona, Colorado and Utah Coalitions for New Energy Technologies In This Edition: Welcome to New Coalition Members Calpine Corporation Independent Bankers of Colorado Announcement Call for Companies to NREL’s 16th Industry Growth Forum: Financing the Path to Clean Energy and a Hydrogen Future Regional Regulatory News Arizona Corporation Commission Releases Cost Evaluation Working Group Report Arizona Supreme Court Hands Down Victory for Home Solar Systems Colorado Sopkin Op-Ed Pans Wind Energy; Rebuttals by Lehr and Driver/Geller Printed Regional Legislative News Interim Legislative Committees, Task Forces and Advisory Councils in Arizona, Colorado and Utah: Arizona Solar Energy Advisory Council Arizona State Energy Code Advisory Commission Colorado Transportation Legislation Review Committee Utah Energy Policy Task Force News Items from Members of Western Business Coalition for New Energy Technologies GE Wind Energy Advertisement Available Online RMS Electric and NextWave Energy Announce Partnership Deluge Demonstrates Thermal Hydraulic Engine; Company President Hageman Featured on Weekly Phoenix Radio Show Regional News Regional Solar-powered Cars to Race Route 66 Regional “Disastrous” Western Fuel Shortages Forecast by Trade Association Arizona Arizona Utilities’ Renewable Energy Activities Profiled Arizona Solar Panels Return Power to SRP’s Grid Colorado Push for wind power hits Summit County Colorado Governor Owens Receives Energy Efficiency Award Colorado Lamar Approves $5 Million Bond Issue; Wind Cited as “Cheapest Source of Power Available” Colorado Wind Energy and Rural America: Opportunities, Issues and Challenges Colorado Secretary of Energy Abraham Visits NREL; DOE Launches New Energy Savers Website Colorado Governor’s Energy Office Launches Anemometer Loan Program Colorado “Rural Road Shows” Focusing on Focus on Wind, Biodiesel and Bioethanol Held in Colorado Colorado Xcel Energy Demand-Side Management Program Saves Millions; SWEEP Replies to Article Colorado Energy Technology, Policy Focus of New Graduate Curriculum at CU-Boulder New Mexico PNM Lowers Price of Renewable Energy New Mexico New Mexico Working Group on Biomass Industry Development Formed New Mexico Governor Richardson’s Clean Energy Plans Articulated National News Council of State Governments Reports on Renewable Energy and State Economies U.S. Wind Capacity Expected to Increase More Than 650% by 2015 AWEA Says Wind Energy Can Relieve Natural Gas Shortage Navigant Predicts Renewables Will Play “Critical Role in Diversifying the Supply of Electric Energy” Total U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Fossil Fuels Increase by 1.3 Percent in 2002 EIA Releases “Flash Estimate” of U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy Sources EPA Issues Report on State of the Environment; Climate Change References Removed; Whitman Defends Report Industry Greenhouse Roundtable Results Available Wider U.S. Coal use Seen Facing Serious Hurdles International News U.S. Signs International Agreement on Clean Emissions Technologies Upcoming Events Arizona Southwest Renewable Energy Conference and Fair, Flagstaff, 7-10 August Arizona UPEX 2003, Scottsdale, 7-11 October Colorado Renewable Energy Forums, Various Locations in July and August Colorado Fuel Cell Expert Open Houses, Denver, 12, 19 and 26 July and 2 August Colorado Renewable Power Summit, Boulder, 21-22 July Colorado FERC Western Energy Infrastructure Conference, Denver, 30 July Colorado ”Saving Water: Smart Strategies To Improve the Bottom Line for Business, Industry and Municipalities,” Denver, 14 August Colorado Sustainable Resources 2003, Boulder, 29 September – 4 October Colorado 2003 Engineers Without Borders USA Conference, Boulder, 4-5 October New Mexico Natural Building Colloquium 2003, Kingston, 5-11 October Utah Utah Wind & Solar Energy Conference, Salt Lake City, 1 October Illinois Green Power Marketing Conference, Chicago, 3-5 November Welcome to New Coalition Members Calpine Corporation www.calpine.com Denver Calpine is one of North America's leading power companies — innovative, fully integrated and committed to fulfilling the continuing need for clean, efficient, reliable electricity in an environmentally responsible manner. Independent Bankers of Colorado www.ibcbanks.org Denver The mission of the Independent Bankers of Colorado is to enhance and promote strong, profitable, independent community banks; advance common legislative and regulatory concerns; provide a forum that promotes ideas, relationships and communication of common objectives. It is IBC’s mission to serve and promote our communities throughout Colorado. [For complete member lists of the Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah Coalitions for New Energy Technologies, visit the respective state sites at www.newenergytechnologies.org] NREL 16TH INDUSTRY GROWTH FORUM: FINANCING THE PATH TO CLEAN ENERGY AND A HYDROGEN FUTURE —Call for Company Applicants to Austin Event in November The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports that its Industry Growth Forum in Austin, Texas on 17-19 November will showcase at least 35 promising clean energy companies poised for market growth. NREL is now accepting applications from clean energy companies who would like to present to an audience of the country's leading clean energy investors. Presenters are selected through a competitive process managed by NREL. The applications are reviewed and scored by a selection committee of leading energy investors. The forum will feature 3 days of networking and company “business case” presentations to promote and enhance the success of new ventures, emerging businesses, and the growth of entrepreneurship in the clean energy sector. Events include: An opportunity to compete for the 2003 National Clean Energy Venture Award of $10,000 for the best presentation The Texas Green Ventures Dinner, featuring invited speakers Texas Governor Rick Perry and Global Business Network's Peter Schwartz Pre-Conference Workshop: Project Financing and Linkages with Venture Capital A preview of promising early stage renewable, hydrogen and other clean energy companies Applications to present your business plan will be accepted through 1 August 2003. If your clean energy business would like to participate, please contact us directly and/or fill out the application template located at http://www.incubator.com/nrel/ by 1 August. The Forum application contact person is Helen Brauner, an Associate at the Clean Energy Incubator, 512-305-0026. Regional Legislative and Regulatory News Arizona ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION RELEASES COST EVALUATION WORKING GROUP REPORT The final report of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Cost Evaluation Working Group was released on 30 June. Evaluating the costs, benefits and impacts of Arizona’s Environmental Portfolio Standard (EPS), the report contains detailed information on all facets of the standard, including its history and implementation, along with policy recommendations. The group notes that “[a]lthough there was not consensus reached on all issues discussed by the CEWG, there was general consensus on the following matters:” Although the EPS has been in effect for only 18 months, it is producing significant benefits within Arizona including improved environmental impacts, increased experience in installing renewable capacity, development of in-state renewable resource infrastructure, and job creation. Costs associated with solar electric technologies have declined substantially from costs prior to adoption of the EPS. The costs for non-solar renewable technologies—including geothermal, wind, biomass, and landfill gas—are generally lower than the costs of solar generation, and participating utilities have identified projects incorporating these technologies that will make progress towards meeting the EPS. In some cases these costs are competitive with traditional fueled generation. However, opportunities for cost-effective non-solar renewable energy projects in Arizona are resource limited. Because of the size and ubiquitous availability of Arizona's solar resource, it can represent a major contribution to the long-term energy future of the state and support a large industry creating in-state jobs and economic and environmental benefits. The current EPS model, where utilities are responsible for collecting and controlling EPS funds, has a significant policy value because it enables utilities to eliminate financing costs for capital intensive renewable generation projects. This expensing feature is essential to the success of the EPS and should be continued. This model also allows the LSEs to pursue multiple technologies, continue assessment of least cost opportunities, and continue a strong diversity of solar renewable energy development and implementation until solar generation development costs become competitive with traditional resources. The group provided two key possible policy recommendations for consideration by the Corporation Commission consideration, “in no particular order:” Take no action at this time and leave the annual renewable energy target at 0.8 percent of retail energy sales for all Load-Serving Entities (LSEs) until a future review determines that either EPS funding is sufficient, or solar generation costs have declined to the point for EPS program success for all LSEs at the 0.8 percent level, then increase the program percentage to 1.1 percent. Continue the renewable energy requirement increase to 1.1 percent by 2007. The Cost Evaluation Working Group’s final report can be downloaded (526 kb) from the Corporation Commission’s website. ARIZONA SUPREME COURT HANDS DOWN VICTORY FOR HOME SOLAR SYSTEMS Michael Neary of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA) writes on 1 July that “the Arizona Supreme Court has denied the request from the Garden Lakes Community Association and approximately 30 other homeowners associations (HOAs) to hear an appeal of the lawsuit against the Speaks and Madigans.” Neary continues: “We are committed to continue our outreach program to the HOAs so that we may encourage them to adopt guidelines for the aesthetic installation of solar energy systems.” For background on this issue, see the Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies newsletter of 28 April: Court Says Homeowners Have a Right to use Solar Energy. Colorado SOPKIN OP-ED PANS WIND ENERGY —Energy Efficiency Left Unmentioned by Colorado PUC Chairman In an op-ed in the 15 June Rocky Mountain News entitled “Overreliance on natural gas means higher bills,” Greg Sopkin, chairman of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, writes: “If you live in the Denver metro area, you may have noticed that over the past 12 months your natural gas bill increased about $10 per month, and your electric bill about $7.50. What you might not know is that these increases are likely only the beginning of a trend related to natural gas prices…Your higher electricity and gas bills are almost solely due to increased reliance on natural gas, and the conventional wisdom is that natural gas prices for the rest of the decade will be double the average for the last decade…natural gas generation increased from being less than 1 percent of Public Service Co.'s fuel energy mix in 1996 to about 25 percent now. And more gas-fired generation is coming on line soon.” […] While wind power might offer some help at the margin, it cannot be a large portion of the energy mix because of the costs of backup generation (the wind does not always blow) and ancillary costs associated with dispatch and transmission. Finally, hydrogen-based fuel-cell technology is probably more than a decade away from being commercially viable. *Two Rebuttals to Sopkin Article Printed* The Rocky Mountain News printed two separate rebuttals to Sopkin’s op-ed of 15 June. The first was written by Ronald Lehr, an attorney with the American Wind Energy Association and former chairman of the Colorado PUC, while the second was co-written by Bruce Driver, executive director of the Land and Water Fund of the Rockies and Howard Geller, executive director of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project. Excerpts from Ronald Lehr’s Response, printed in the Rocky Mountain News of 27 June 2003: “Don't discount wind power's benefits“ “Wind power does indeed offer help at the margin…The American Wind Energy Association, responding to Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan on the same issues Sopkin addressed, recently calculated that the current natural gas shortage amounts to 3-4 billion cubic feet per day…The association estimates that wind farms already in place, and those that will be installed by the end of this year, will save about a half-billion cubic feet of natural gas per day in 2004…There is no evidence that wind power cannot be a large portion of the energy mix. European utilities are integrating large percentages of wind power. Parts of Germany, Denmark and Spain are producing 20 percent to 40 percent of their electric power today with wind.” [I]n one of its 2001 decisions, Sopkin's own PUC found no basis for another assertion he made - that backup costs present an economic barrier to wind power…Public Service Co. (Xcel) itself has also funded a detailed study of wind backup costs through the Utility Wind Interest Group. The study showed wind backup costs at less than $2 per megawatt-hour. Research by Bonneville Power Administration and Pacificorp shows results consistent with the Xcel/UWIG findings. There is no source of documented data or peer-reviewed literature of which I am aware that shows high backup costs for wind. The factual evidence is all to the contrary.” Lehr goes on to address the issues of ancillary and integration costs of wind energy, pointing out that the electric grid was “built to flex.” He adds that wind forecasting is improving and that multiple wind sites smooth wind output. He concludes by noting that “the wind power industry shares an interest in solving [transmission] challenges with customers large and small.” Excerpts from Response by Bruce Driver and Howard Geller, printed in the Rocky Mountain News of 7 July 2003: “A clean, affordable energy future“ “In his Speakout column…Sopkin called attention to rising natural gas prices and said that high prices were unavoidable unless we develop more coal resources, drill more public lands for natural gas, and bring more nuclear power plants online.” “Fortunately, there is another, much cleaner and less expensive vision of Colorado's energy future. That vision follows the lead of citizens and communities that have already taken direct action to use energy more efficiently, invest in renewable energy and develop our conventional fuel sources more responsibly.” Driver and Geller go on to provide examples of how energy efficiency and renewable energy can help “drive down our energy bills without the environmental damage and economic risk associated with fossil-fuel and nuclear-energy development.” Driver and Geller note that “Coloradans increasingly understand where the future lies,” pointing out recent community actions by Fort Collins, Lamar, Boulder and other municipalities in advancing energy efficiency and renewables. The conclude by declaring that “[w]e encourage Sopkin to take his cue from the citizens and communities of Colorado and use his leadership position on the Colorado PUC to advance a clean and affordable energy future for the state.” Interim Legislative Committees, Task Forces and Advisory Councils in Arizona, Colorado and Utah *Click on the hyperlinks to visit the website of the respective council, task force or committee.* Arizona Arizona Solar Energy Advisory Council The purpose of this council is to: “assist and advise the Director of the Department of Commerce on solar energy issues; identify solar energy technologies and long range programs; and encourage the development of solar energy.” Members of the Arizona Solar Energy Advisory Council: Representative Jake Flake Senator Dean Martin Thomas L. Acker, Department of Engineering, Northern Arizona University Robert H. Annan Tom Bohner David Castillo Anthony C. Floyd Lori A. Glover Robert L. Hammond Thomas N. Hansen, Unisource Energy Peter Johnston, Arizona Public Service Reynold P. Radoccia Mark W. Randall Lee W. Tanner Jewell M. Lewis, Arizona Power Authority Martin J. Pasqualetti, Geography Department, Arizona State University Martin R. Yoklic, University of Arizona Environmental Research Laboratory Arizona State Energy Code Advisory Commission The purpose of this commission is to “review and make recommendations regarding the State Energy Code, including any changes to the Code and perform cost benefit analyses of potential State incentives for the use of energy saving devices and methods.” Members of the Arizona State Energy Code Advisory Commission: Gary Dailey Steven Speer, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Carl Triphahn Ron Whipple, SWD Urethane Company Linda Douglas, Tucson Electric Power David Gore Mike Greenwalt, Cupertino Electric Rodney Jarrell, RMJ Electrical Contractors Brian Tassinari Brian O'Donnell, Southwest Gas Jerry S. Thieken, Salt River Project Daran Wastchak, D.R. Wastchak, L.L.C. Connie Wilhelm, President, Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona Colorado Colorado Transportation Legislation Review Committee The first meeting of the Colorado Transportation Legislation Review Committee was held on 11 June. Future meetings are scheduled for 16 July, 19 August, 10 September and 15 October, all at 9:00 a.m. in HCR 0112 of the State Capitol Building in Denver. Members of the Colorado Transportation Legislation Review Committee Representative Gayle Berry, Chair Senator Ron May, Vice Chair Representative Alice Borodkin Representative Bob Briggs Representative Mark Cloer Representative Mark Larson Representative Buffie McFadyen Representative Mike Merrifield Representative Jack Pommer Representative Ann Ragsdale Representative Bill Sinclair Representative Nancy Spence Representative Debbie Stafford Representative Suzanne Williams Senator Ken Chlouber Senator Jim Isgar Senator Steve Johnson Senator Andy McElhany Senator Alice Nichol Senator Stephanie Takis Utah Utah Energy Policy Task Force A meeting of the Utah Energy Policy Task Force was held on 12 June, and information will be posted to the task force’s website as events warrant. Members of the Utah Energy Policy Task Force Sen. Leonard M. Blackham, Co Chair Rep. Marda Dillree, Co Chair Rep. Sheryl L. Allen Rep. Ralph Becker Rep. Chad E. Bennion Rep. Bradley G. Last Rep. Ty McCartney Rep. David Ure Sen. Gregory S. Bell Sen. Mike Dmitrich Sen. Dan R. Eastman Sen. Ed P. Mayne News Items from Members of Western Business Coalition for New Energy Technologies GE WIND ENERGY ADVERTISEMENT AVAILABLE ONLINE The popular television advertisement by coalition member GE Wind Energy is available for viewing on the company’s home page at www.gewind.com. RMS ELECTRIC AND NEXTWAVE ENERGY ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP RMS Electric, Inc. and coalition member NextWave Energy, Inc. have announced that they have partnered to jointly pursue business opportunities in the alternative energy arena. “RMS Electric is well-positioned to capitalize on substantial growth opportunities in several niches of the alternative energy marketplace, and we want to be a part of this future success story,” said Richard Stuebi, President of NextWave Energy. “We are pleased to be able to leverage the business development experience and assistance of NextWave Energy, particularly in marketing and finance, as we prepare to enter the next phase of our growth,” noted Dr. Mark McCray, President of RMS Electric. The nature of the partnership is such that RMS Electric will receive investment capital from NextWave Energy, and Mr. Stuebi (representing NextWave Energy) will work closely with Dr. McCray by participating actively in the day-to-day operations of RMS Electric. Founded in 1982, Boulder-based RMS Electric is a leading provider of solar-based photovoltaics (PV) power systems, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and DC-to-AC inverters in the Rocky Mountain region. RMS Electric is particularly well-known for designing, engineering and installing customized PV systems with battery backup for remote off-grid application. Since 1999, Denver-based NextWave Energy provides professional services on a variety of strategic and financial matters to established companies, emerging firms and private investors with interests in alternative energy. [From NextWave press release] DELUGE DEMONSTRATES THERMAL HYDRAULIC ENGINE —Company President Hageman Featured on Weekly Phoenix Radio Show Coalition member Deluge, Inc. of Phoenix has demonstrated that “lifting oil out of the ground is not much of a challenge for the Thermal Hydraulic Engine.” Deluge President Brian Hageman, who invented the technology, reports that “We used hardly 10% of the available power to lift the 500 foot well!” Hageman adds that the first commercial product developed by Deluge is an oil well pump that runs on hot water. At the Teapot Dome Navel Oil Reserve in Wyoming, geothermal hot water is produced, but not used. “There is enough hot water to run over a hundred of our new oil pumps,” said Hageman. “The government's waste heat can eliminate the need for electricity.” Working on a CRADA (cooperative research and development agreement) at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center, a U.S. Department of Energy Lab in Wyoming, the new engine will go through a one-year test. Also, Deluge will start testing in Bakersfield, California this month. Under an agreement with a large oil producer, Deluge will be able to prove the engine works on deeper wells. This test will lift 1800 feet and prove that this new technology can replace the 150 year old “horsehead” pump. “We will be cheaper and more efficient, and we expect to start converting fields of wells over the next couple years,” Hageman claims. [From Deluge press release] “Deluge Energy Report” Broadcast Weekly on KKFN Brian Hageman, President of Deluge, Inc., reports that his “Deluge Energy Report” is heard every Tuesday morning at 8:50 on 1510 KFNN, Phoenix's Financial News Network On this show, Hageman “offers his perspective on the future of the energy industry during this turbulent period of deregulation. Which Utility stocks make good investments & which to avoid? How new technologies in the energy industry like the new Deluge engine will affect the future?” Hageman’s show can also be heard live on the Internet at www.kfnn.com. Regional News SOLAR-POWERED CARS TO RACE ROUTE 66 —DOE's American Solar Challenge Longest in World at 2300 Miles “The price of gasoline won’t be a worry for 30 cars powered by nothing but the sun as they trek across the country…along historic Route 66” in July. “The teams from universities, companies and organizations around the world competing in the American Solar Challenge (ASC) will build and race what each hopes will be the fastest solar-powered car on the North American continent. The winner will be the car with the best cumulative time between Chicago and the Los Angeles area. At 2,300 miles, ASC is the longest solar car race in the world.” The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored event will start at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry 13 July 13 and finish 10 days later in Claremont, Calif. It will follow Route 66 as much as possible, with checkpoints in Springfield, Ill.; Rolla, Mo.; Joplin, Mo.; Edmond, Okla.; Sayre, Okla.; Amarillo, Texas; Tucumcari, N.M.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Gallup, N.M.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Kingman, Ariz.; and Barstow, Calif. before reaching the finish in Claremont. ASC cars must be powered solely by sunshine. The racers use photovoltaic (solar) cells to convert sunlight to electricity to power their cars. Weather and energy management play an important role in the race. The cars generally travel at highway speeds and are required to obey local speed limits, but in general, the sunnier the day, the faster and farther the cars can run. Bright days also allow the cars to “fill up” their batteries for cloudy or rainy days. The event’s website, providing full details on the race, including photos and other information, is http://www.americansolarchallenge.org/ “DISASTROUS” WESTERN FUEL SHORTAGES FORECAST BY TRADE ASSOCIATION The Denver-based Western Business Roundtable warned on 6 June that the “Western United States may face “economically disastrous fuel shortages” later this year.” The roundtable urged Congress to take a number of steps to increase gas supplies including: Streamline the leasing/permit application processes for federal oil and gas properties; Provide tax relief for domestic oil and gas exploration expenses, including tax incentives to encourage nonconventional well production; Provide resources and direction to the responsible federal agencies to expedite pending reviews, appeals and resolution of ongoing “obstructionist” litigation; Adequately fund gas supply technology research; Require economic value assessments be weighed against objective environmental impact assessments for production on government lands; and Encourage diversification of the fuel resources used for electricity generation by (a) naming the Department of Energy (DOE) as “lead agency” for coordination of the federal environmental review process for transmission projects; b) authorizing DOE to prepare a single, consolidated environmental record of review to be used as the basis for all permitting decisions by federal agencies; c) setting a deadline for completion of federal permit decisions and related environmental review; d) standardizing permit terms to cover the useful life of the facilities; e) providing an appeal process for states and permitees; f) designating transmission corridors on federal lands; and (g) encouraging expedited transmission upgrades similar to that underway with the Path 15 corridor in California. [From 6 June press release by the Western Business Roundtable] ARIZONA UTILITIES’ RENEWABLE ENERGY ACTIVITIES PROFILED Mike Fimea writes in the 19 June Arizona Business Gazette about the various investments in solar energy made by Tucson Electric Power and Arizona Public Service as part of the companies’ compliance with Arizona’s Environmental Portfolio Standard. In his article, Fimea discusses Arizona’s low ranking in a recent “report card” on states’ renewable energy policies by the Union of Concerned Scientists and discusses the soon-to-be-released report by the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Cost Evaluation Working Group [which was released on 30 June; see article]. SOLAR PANELS RETURN POWER TO SRP’S GRID Brandon Babcock writes in the 28 June issue of the Arizona Republic about the Phoenix Transit Department’s new Park-and-Ride facility in the Ahwatukee Foothills at 40th Street and Pecos Road. Babcock reports that the Salt River Project is offering free “power to the facilities in exchange for providing a no-cost lease on the property for placement of a $1 million solar panel array. The sun also will partially power the lot's security station.” “The lot's energy needs will be met with traditional power, but power gathered from the solar panels, which will sit atop two of the car shades, will put enough power back into the SRP's grid to support the lot and 100 Phoenix homes for a year.” Babcock’s full article can be read on the Republic’s website. PUSH FOR WIND POWER HITS SUMMIT COUNTY “Keith walked down Frisco's Main Street Tuesday, preaching the word of windmills and handing out fliers. The young, bearded conservationist was one of 50 like him touring cities throughout the state, raising awareness about wind power and other renewable energy sources…And, when Xcel Energy announced Monday it is expecting a 60-percent increase on heating bills if natural gas rates costs remain static, the timing couldn't have been better.” The full story by Ryan Slabaugh, detailing legislative attempts to promote renewable energy in Colorado, is available for viewing in the Summit Daily News of 13 June. OWENS RECEIVES ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARD Colorado Governor Bill Owens (R) received an Energy Leadership Award from the 14th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum on 11 June. The Forum, co-sponsored by the United States Energy Association and Johnson Controls, Inc., is a “nonpartisan event designed to raise awareness of the technical, economic and political solutions being implemented to assure energy efficiency.” Owens received the Governor’s Award in “recognition of innovative leadership.” The Forum’s organizers note that Owens “has issued an executive order establishing energy efficiency and conservation practices for state agencies…He also implemented energy-saving initiatives in government buildings that have already realized nearly $2 million in energy cost savings, and in the past year initiated more such projects that will save another $8 million in energy costs.” [From Announcement on Energy Efficiency Forum website] LAMAR UTILITY APPROVES $5 MILLION BOND ISSUE —Wind Cited as “Cheapest Source of Power Available” Virgil Cochran reports in the Lamar Daily News of 26 June “at a special meeting…the Lamar Utilities Board approved a financing package through the First National Bank of Lamar and Wells Fargo to finance a 4.5 megawatt wind farm to be built by Lamar Light and Power late this year.” “…Lamar Light and Power Superintendent Leon Sparks said even without incentives like pollution offset certificates and federal renewable energy credits, the local utility will produce power from the wind turbines for less than four cents per kilowatt hour - less than it would pay for power produced with the system's main gas fired generator at today's natural gas prices and comparable to what it pays for power from outside sources like Tri State G&T…When pollution offset certificates, known as “green tags” are sold and the money recovered from federal renewable energy production incentives are figured in, the power will cost far less - in the neighborhood of two to two and a half cents per kwh, which will likely be the cheapest source of power available to Lamar Light and Power.” WIND ENERGY AND RURAL AMERICA: OPPORTUNITIES, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES At the 2003 Colorado Renewable Energy Conference in Montrose on 28 June, Dan McGuire, director of the Wealth From The Wind program of the American Corn Growers Foundation and the American Corn Growers Association, delivered a presentation, “Wind Energy Opportunities, Issues and Challenges Facing Farmers and Rural America in 2003.” Here are a few excerpts from his remarks: “…even with tight corn inventories worldwide, corn prices in the U.S. remain close to a low $2.00 per bushel while the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that it costs corn growers about $3.00 to produce each bushel. That kind of scenario does not bring prosperity to rural America…With the exception of 1998, total net farm income [in 2002] remained the worst since 1985.” “As an organization, and while we continue working to improve farm policy and address market concentration issues, we must also look to other sources of income for farmers and other ways to enhance and sustain the economies of rural America. Wind energy really offers some exciting opportunities. We look at the potential for farmers to capitalize on various sizes of wind power systems. They can consider smaller turbines to provide energy for their on farm electricity demand, including grain drying, dairy barns, and their residence as well as net metering or they can consider leasing their land for larger turbines, investing in turbines themselves by forming LLCs or perhaps getting their rural electric cooperatives to invest in wind farms to use what has become the most economical source of power generation into the grid for the benefit of their customers.” “…a few months ago, and as part of our Wealth From The Wind program, we announced the formation of the American Agricultural Wind Coalition (AAWC) to harness some of the people power in rural America. We already have six national farm organizations as members and we expect many more. The most recent to join is the National Farmers Union, with over 300,000 members…Other members include the American Corn Growers Association, the American Agriculture Movement, the Soybean Producers of America, the National Farmers Organization and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.” “While many good things are happening on wind energy there are many challenges to address as well. It's my understanding that right here in Colorado during your most recent legislative session, the rural electric cooperatives killed a bill that would have provided important incentives for wind energy, after they had agreed to remain neutral on the issue. That shouldn't be happening in rural states that have such a potential for wind energy development…Rural Electric Cooperatives need to remember that they were created by farmers to serve farmers and rural America. They need to be helping, not hindering, those farmers that want to get involved in wind energy. And that's what the majority of farmers indeed do want the rural electric cooperatives to do..82.2% of the farmers surveyed in our poll said they agree that rural electric cooperatives should help support and promote wind energy.” SECRETARY OF ENERGY ABRAHAM VISITS NREL —DOE Launches New Energy Savers Website U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham visited the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado on 1 July. Both of Denver’s daily newspapers reported on his visit. In the 2 July Rocky Mountain News, reporter Gargi Chakrabarty quotes Abraham: “The short-term challenge is to use energy intelligently…In the long run, we need to address energy security to meet our needs.” Chakrabarty goes on to quote Abraham as calling for use of renewable energy sources to solve the looming energy crisis in the short run. In the medium and long term, Chakrabarty reports that Abraham called for increased use of liquid natural gas and the encouragement of exploration of gas fields by issuing permits “within a reasonable time.” In the 2 July Denver Post, reporter Steve Raabe reports that Abraham supports “increased federal tax incentives for renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs but not for traditional energy industries,” with particularly strong support for “tax incentives for vehicles powered by alternative fuels or fuel cells.” U.S. Representative Bob Beauprez, R-Colo., whose district includes NREL, toured the facility with Abraham, and Raabe quotes Beauprez: “[Renewable energy] is the next wave…I think one of the real wise uses of taxpayer dollars is right here at this lab.” In a press release summarizing Abraham’s visit, The U.S. Department of Energy quotes Abraham’s endorsement of building energy efficiency: “By incorporating advanced energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies that reduce energy use into building designs, the U.S. building sector is achieving significant results…Individuals can also play an important role in reducing energy usage. Conserving energy in the home saves consumers money today while also helping ensure abundant energy supplies in the future.” DOE Launches New Energy Efficiency Website During his trip to NREL, Abraham launched Energy Department’s new energy saver website at http://www.energysavers.gov. This new site, operated by the department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, offers resources and tips on cutting home energy prices, from insulation and heating and cooling tips to the latest information on windows and their efficiency. COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE LAUNCHES ANEMOMETER LOAN PROGRAM —Program Will Capture Data to Determine Site Feasibility The Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) announced on 25 June that it has created an “Anemometer Loan Program” through a partnership with and matching funds from U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America Program. Anemometers are wind-measuring devices that are mounted atop towers. OEMC purchased seven 20-meter anemometer towers and anemometers, to be installed in Colorado, to collect site-specific wind data. The goal of OEMC's anemometer loan program is to capture the data collected by the anemometers, such as the direction, force and speed of wind. The data collected from the anemometer will be interpreted and analyzed by a third-party source working with OEMC. “OEMC initiated this program due to the tremendous interest in generating wind energy,” said Rick Grice, OEMC Executive Director. “Our goal is to assist communities, landowners, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions on a site's wind energy resources. The data collected from the anemometers is invaluable in this process.” The anemometers, to date, have been installed in: Lamar; about 35 miles southeast of Aurora; Julesburg; Montrose; and Leadville. Two other sites have been selected, one in Walden and one in Meeker; both of these will be installed in late 2003. Selections were based on existing statewide wind mapping information as well as the participant's stated purpose for wind energy utilization. Additionally, selections were based on the awareness of current electric supplier's net metering and interconnection policies, distance to transmission lines, transmission capacity availability, and likely funding for the wind project. The anemometers will generally collect data for a period of one year. However, in the case where they are verifying existing data, such as the Lamar and Walden sites, they will be in place for a period of approximately six months or less. After the site's wind data has been collected, the anemometers will be moved to other sites. The data collected will be available to the public. To learn more about the loan program, contact OEMC's Olga Erlich at 303-894-2383 x1218. For information on DOE's Wind Powering America Program, visit www.eere.energy.gov/windpoweringamerica. For information about the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC), visit www.state.co.us/oemc or call toll-free, 800-632-6662. [From OEMC press release] “RURAL ROAD SHOWS” HELD THROUGHOUT COLORADO —Community Forums Focus on Wind, Biodiesel and Bioethanol The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) recently presented a series of community forums on alternative energy intended for rural sector interests in Colorado and Wyoming. These three-hour “road shows” were attended by audiences of 30-50 people each in Sterling, Limon, Lamar, Alamosa, Craig, Steamboat Springs, and Laramie, with an abbreviated session in Delta. Co-sponsors included the local community colleges, regional Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) organizations, and the Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation. The objective of these meetings was to introduce Farmers Union members and others to renewable energy as a prospective new source of rural income and jobs. Major topics included wind power, biodiesel and bioethanol, with coverage of regional energy harvest potential, processing and financing issues, mandates and incentives, initial premium markets for energy products, and the excellent economic payoff for the farmer and the rural community. A recurring theme was the use of these new energy income sources to better accomplish rural empowerment, or the re-vitalization of rural economics, and the assurance of an independent and sustainable way of life by means of renewable energy income and jobs. To put the matter in economic perspective, Colorado’s end-user energy bill of about $10 billion per year was used as an example with the observation that about 80% of that bill is paid to out-of-state vendors. A good portion of that money could stay in the state with increased generation of electricity from the wind and the processing of fuels from locally harvested feedstocks. Billions more dollars circulating in these local economies translates to better economic times for rural Colorado while cleaning up the air in urban Colorado. Presentations were followed with Q&A sessions that brought up site-specific information that was particularly useful to organizers and participants. “We have all learned a lot from these meetings about local economic conditions and the desire and energy for creating an improved future,” said Tom Potter, Principal of the New Center. “Of course, each of these factors has a different value in locations throughout RMFU’s service territory, and that understanding has helped us better define future opportunities for partnerships with rural producers and urban markets.” For further information about the “road shows” or renewables demonstrations that RMFU and the New Center plan for Colorado, please contact Tom Potter, 303-283-3528. [From article by Tom Potter] XCEL ENERGY DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM SAVES MILLIONS In an article entitled “Xcel investing millions in conservation plans”, Steve Raabe reports in the 2 June Denver Post that “[i]t's cheaper to save energy than to buy it or make it. This basic economic principle is beginning to resonate in Colorado, where Xcel Energy is spending $75 million on programs to encourage business customers to conserve power.” Raabe’s article reports that in the past decade, Xcel has added “substantial amounts of new generation capacity” and that state regulators agreed that conservation, or “demand-side management,” should be used to partly offset the need for more power. He notes that environmental advocates “laud the power-saving programs for their ability to minimize the need for new power plants and the resulting reduction of pollutants and carbon dioxide, a suspected contributor to global warming.” Raabe reports that “[w]ith just a modest marketing budget and relying primarily on word of mouth, Xcel has attracted some 170 business customers to the power-saving programs,” ranging from Kaiser Permanente to caterers and fast-food restaurants, churches, auto repair shops and Denver's new convention center hotel. SWEEP Reply to Raabe Article In an unpublished reply to Raabe’s article, Howard Geller of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) writes that “Xcel Energy has committed to running these energy efficiency programs only through 2005. In fact, the utility has stated that it would prefer not to operate energy efficiency programs in Colorado, and has no plans to continue them after 2005. Recent state legislation that would maintain energy efficiency programs was opposed by Xcel and did not advance in the state legislature…a recent study by SWEEP found that implementing cost-effective and commercially-available energy efficiency measures in Colorado could reduce electricity use 17% by 2010 and 31% by 2020, saving consumers and businesses money, saving water, and displacing the need for at least five new power plants.” ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, POLICY FOCUS OF NEW GRADUATE CURRICULUM AT CU-BOULDER Surging student interest in energy issues has sparked the creation of a unique new environmental studies graduate curriculum set to begin this fall at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The energy specialization within the environmental studies master's degree program will include core courses and electives in classes such as “Solar Technology,” “Environmental Economics” and “Renewable Energy Policy.” Energy use is at the heart of many of the most pressing environmental issues, said environmental studies faculty member Paul Komor, and that's why student interest has increased. Komor spearheaded the effort to create the new graduate curriculum, which was unanimously approved by the environmental studies faculty. “There's growing recognition of the key role energy plays in the environment - as well as energy's importance as a fundamental input to the economy,” Komor said. “This can be seen, for example, in the fact that major energy legislation keeps coming up at the state Legislature and in the U.S. Congress.” He noted that Congress is currently debating a comprehensive energy bill, and the Colorado Legislature narrowly defeated legislation this spring that would have sharply increased the amount of renewable electricity in the state. “Global climate change, local and regional air quality concerns, high-level nuclear waste storage - these and other issues are a direct result of how we use energy,” he said. “Responding to these issues requires an in-depth understanding of energy - how we use it, how it links to economic, social and political issues, what are the alternatives to our current use patterns and how we might implement them.” The university's Facilities Management group is a leader in implementing energy and resource efficiency on campus. The group manages CU-Boulder's cogeneration system and also heads up the campus resource conservation effort. The CU-Boulder Environmental Center runs several energy programs and was the driving force behind the university's investment in wind power. The new environmental studies energy program is offered only at the master's level, but organizers hope to be able to offer a curriculum to undergraduates in the future. The energy curriculum joins the department's existing specializations in water, biogeosciences and policy. For more information about the energy program visit http://sciencepolicy.colorado.edu/graduate/current/curriculum/energy/ [From University of Colorado press release] PNM LOWERS PRICE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY On 17 June, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) announced that the price of renewable energy for its customers will be lower than previously proposed if a PNM plan being with state regulators is approved. PNM, the staff of the state Public Regulation Commission (PRC) and the non-profit Coalition for Clean, Affordable Energy (CCAE) have come to agreement on the terms of PNM's proposed renewable energy tariff, which would allow PNM's electric customers to voluntarily purchase renewable energy for a small monthly premium. Under the proposal residential and business customers can voluntarily purchase renewable energy for an additional 1.8 cents per kilowatt hour. PNM had previously proposed a price of 2.5 cents per kilowatt hour. “This proposal gives us an extremely competitive renewable energy package,” said Bill Real, PNM senior vice president for public policy. “We believe this will be a cost-effective and appealing way for customers to voice their support for growing a strong renewable energy industry in New Mexico.” Real said the company agreed to the lower price in order to speed consideration of the tariff. PNM hopes broad support of the tariff will allow the company to offer renewable energy to customers as soon as October. PNM plans to meet initial customer demand for renewable energy with electricity from the New Mexico Wind Energy Center, the world's third largest wind generation facility, now under construction in eastern New Mexico. That facility is expected to be producing power by the third quarter of this year. More than 75 of 136 turbines planned for the site are now complete. [From PNM press release] NEW MEXICO WORKING GROUP ON BIOMASS INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has begun convening a working group on biomass industry development. The new group’s objective is to: “Develop a coordination process to encourage and assist in the development of a viable biomass industry in New Mexico, which will result in improved forest health and increased use of domestic biomass resources to stimulate economic development. This process will include assessing opportunities, current projects, end products (biofuels, biopower and bioproducts), supply, technologies, incentives, barriers, funding and economics.” For more information on the new Working Group on Biomass Industry Development, contact the EMNRD’s Christopher Wentz. GOVERNOR RICHARDSON’S CLEAN ENERGY PLANS New Mexico’s Governor Bill Richardson (D) is a former Secretary of Energy and has made clean energy a priority issue for his administration, which began earlier this year. Craig O’Hare, Special Assistant for Renewable Energy in the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, recently wrote an article outlining the Richardson Administration’s plans to leverage the state’s wealth in clean energy resources. In his article, O’Hare points out that New Mexico ranks second nationally in solar energy resources and 12th in wind energy potential, but that “little to date has been done to capitalize on the state’s clean, renewable resources.” “That is all about to change,” O’Hare writes. He proceeds to detail Richardson’s goal of obtaining ten percent of electricity from renewables by 2010 and points out the governor’s commitment to “lead by example” through various policy tools. O’Hare also writes of the governor’s intention to promote energy efficiency aggressively and to link clean energy with economic development. Read O’Hare’s entire article at http://www.newenergytechnologies.org/newmexico/news/2003-richardson.htm. National News COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS REPORTS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY AND STATE ECONOMIES The Lexington, Kentucky-based Council of State Governments (CSG) has released a new report entitled “Renewable Energy and State Economies.” Written by CSG’s Barry Hopkins, the report notes that: “Renewable energy sources are already recognized for their potential to help develop our energy security, improve environmental conditions and public health, and control consumer energy costs. The possibility that, in addition to these indirect benefits, renewable energy sources could help spur economic development in certain areas of the United States provides an interesting and valuable option to state policy-makers. This report examines the potential benefits of renewable energy development for state economies and will be a valuable asset to state decision-makers as they consider the future of their states' energy sectors.” The CSG report examines a number of different policy options for state lawmakers and points out that “[c]oncerns about the environment, public health, energy security and price volatility continue to be motivating factors for the growth of renewable energy. With its continued growth, renewable energy has the potential to benefit the entire country in these areas.” This 48-page report is available for downloading (981 kb) on the CSG website. U.S. WIND CAPACITY EXPECTED TO INCREASE MORE THAN 650% BY 2015 —Geothermal and Solar Technologies Also Expected to Grow Driven primarily by the federal production tax credit (PTC) and state-level renewable portfolio standards, U.S. wind capacity is expected to increase from 4.7 gigawatts (GW) today to 36 GW by 2015, according to a forthcoming research report by Platts Research & Consulting (PR&C). Platts is the energy information, research, consulting and media and marketing services unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies. “Federal and state policies designed to encourage the use of renewable energy sources will result in the addition of nearly 31 GW of wind resources to the U.S. grid,” according to Brandon Owens, report co-author and analysis director for PR&C's Renewable Power Service. “Renewable Power Outlook 2003,” finds that geothermal and solar energy technologies will also see increased market penetration. U.S. geothermal capacity is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.5% per year, increasing from 2.8 GW today to just over 5 GW by 2015. After a decade of dormancy, the large-scale concentrating solar power market is poised to double with a 50 megawatt (MW) plant on the drawing board in Nevada, and at least another 350 MW plant expected to come on-line by the end of the decade. Solar photovoltaic systems will realize a steady annual average growth rate of 15% per year, according to the report, while landfill gas to electricity projects are expected to increase at a modest rate throughout the forecast period. Even though total renewable energy capacity is projected to grow by 8% per year through 2015, renewables are still expected to account for less than 5% of U.S. electricity generation throughout the forecast period. “Renewables will still account for only small share of the total U.S. power market, but they will play an increasingly important role in diversifying the nation's electricity supply portfolio,” according to PR&C power consultant and study co-author Jack Ihle. The research report, the only of its kind, will be released this month. It presents renewable power capacity and generation projections on a state-by-state and technology-by-technology basis through 2015. “To truly understand renewable energy markets you've got to combine traditional energy economic modeling approaches with a thorough analysis of the key technology drivers in every market,” according to Owens. “Renewables technologies and markets are unique-and economics is only one piece of the puzzle-so regional integrated modeling alone doesn't provide much insight.” [From Platts press release] AWEA SAYS WIND ENERGY CAN RELIEVE NATURAL GAS SHORTAGE —Association Says Wind Would Provide Certainty in a Turbulent Market Wind energy is already helping to reduce the current natural gas supply shortage in the U.S., and could be deployed rapidly over the next few years to bring it under control, according to an 18 June press release from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). AWEA reports that rapid expansion of the nation's wind turbine fleet could sharply boost wind generation over the next four years, increasing its output to the equivalent of 3 Bcf/day (about as much natural gas as the states of Colorado and Alaska produce today). “Wind plants can be permitted and built relatively quickly -- typically, within one to two years,” AWEA’s executive director Randy Swisher said. “AWEA has proposed specific transmission plans for 30,000 MW of wind in the Midwest and West. We believe that at least that much new wind development is feasible by the end of 2007 under strong policy leadership. AWEA expects a cumulative total of 6,000 MW of wind will have been installed in the U.S. by the end of this year.” The North American supply of natural gas is increasingly limited and despite rising prices, drilling rig counts are not increasing fast enough to keep pace with demand. With the depletion rate for new gas fields accelerating and continued demand for natural gas in electric generation applications, an ongoing long-term natural gas “crisis” is now a reality. Unlike natural gas prices, which are subject to the vagaries of the market, wind energy costs are predictable over time: once a plant is built, the cost of producing electricity is stable and the fuel source is free. “Enacting the wind industry's national policy agenda now would provide certainty that we can avoid power generation problems in the future,” declared Jim Caldwell, policy director for AWEA. “The agenda includes a five-year extension of the wind energy production tax credit (which expires on 31 December under current law); tariff reform to increase effective transmission capacity on the current grid; enactment of a national renewable portfolio standard to diversify the national utility generating portfolio; and development of Trans-Prairie and Intermountain “wind pipelines” (major upgrades of electricity transmission lines in those regions over the long term, at a cost of approximately $10 billion, or about half the cost of a proposed natural gas pipeline to Alaska now being considered by Congress). Read the entire AWEA press release. NAVIGANT CONSULTING PREDICTS RENEWABLES WILL PLAY “CRITICAL ROLE IN DIVERSIFYING THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC ENERGY” On 19 June, Navigant Consulting issued a report saying that “[d]ramatic improvements in performance, as well as government incentives, have resulted in reduced costs that are quickly making renewable energy technologies competitive with traditional forms of electricity generation.” The study, “The Changing Face of Renewable Energy,” conducted on behalf of a group of United States and Canadian energy and utility companies, found that the cost of electricity from wind and photovoltaics is now one-tenth of what it was just 20 years ago. As a result of this progress, the study forecasts the use of renewable energy technologies will more than double over the next 10 years in the United States and Canada, with wind and biomass comprising some 85 percent of that new capacity. “This progress comes at a time when both the United States and Canada are growing increasingly dependent on natural gas-fueled power generation. While natural gas remains the fuel of choice for most new power plants, potential gas price increases and volatility raise concerns. While coal-fueled power generation offers price stability, it is generally not the preferred choice for new power plants by most utilities in North America.” The study examined a broad range of issues critical to the energy industry, including how to integrate intermittent renewable energy, such as wind, into the power grid; which successful business models have been implemented to compete in this transforming market; how to design a renewable portfolio standard; and, the expected impact of a whole new class of market mechanisms, including renewable energy certificate trading and emission allowances. The study recommended adopting standardized interconnection policies and the upgrade of regional transmission systems to support renewable development in resource-rich areas. “This study offers clear evidence that renewable energy technology has come a long way and will play an important role in the energy industry,” said Herjinder Hawkins, Manager, Renewable Energy & Technologies, Salt River Project, a study participant. “The more competitive renewable energy becomes, the more it can help to support mainstream electricity needs and reduce national emissions.” [From press release by Navigant Consulting] EIA REPORTS THAT TOTAL U.S. CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FROM FOSSIL FUELS INCREASE BY 1.3 PERCENT IN 2002 The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported on 27 June that U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 1.3 percent in 2002, from 5,686 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2001 to 5,762 MMTCO2 in 2002, according to preliminary estimates. The 2002 increase of 1.3 percent is close to the average growth in emissions from 1990 to 2002 of 1.2 percent. The increase in 2002 is in contrast to 2001, when emissions declined by 1.4 percent. EIA will continue to refine its estimates of 2002 carbon dioxide emissions as more complete energy data become available. A full inventory of 2002 emissions of all greenhouse gases will be available in October from EIA using revised energy data and providing a further analysis of trends. The preliminary estimates are on EIA's website. EIA RELEASES “FLASH ESTIMATE” OF U.S. CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FROM ENERGY SOURCES The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a “flash estimate“ on 27 June of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from energy sources. Based on data published in EIA’s Monthly Energy Review (May 2003) and the Petroleum Supply Annual 2002, these estimates are considered to be preliminary. EIA adds that more detailed estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from all sources, energy and non-energy, will appear in the report Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States, 2002, which is scheduled to be released in October 2003. EPA ISSUES REPORT ON STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT References to Climate Change Issue Removed From a 19 June article in the New York Times by Andrew C. Revkin with Katharine Q. Seelye: “The Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to publish a draft report next week on the state of the environment, but after editing by the White House, a long section describing risks from rising global temperatures has been whittled to a few noncommittal paragraphs.” Whitman Responds From a 28 June op-ed in the Washington Post by outgoing EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman: “Some have condemned the report because it doesn’t discuss global climate change. It doesn't, but the report does include dozens of science-based environmental indicators for air, water and land. The report shows us where we are, so we have a better idea of what we must do to get where we want to be.” INDUSTRY GREENHOUSE ROUNDTABLE RESULTS AVAILABLE Carrie Sonneborn, who conducted five Industry Greenhouse Roundtables throughout the United States last year, reports that the outcomes of these roundtables are now available on the website of the (Australian) Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting. Sonneborn adds that these “raw” outcomes will be interpreted and expanded over the next 6-8 months, noting that “an analyses of the outcomes will be added which compares and contrasts the USA and Australian Roundtables and which proposes a way forward.” WIDER U.S. COAL USE SEEN FACING SERIOUS HURDLES —High Costs, Environmental Concerns Cited Joseph Silha of Reuters writes on 18 June that “experts say widening the use of coal, the most abundant U.S. resource, faces major hurdles… environmental objections and concerns about the high cost of building new coal-fired power plants have created serious obstacles to its expanded use.” “I don't see coal increasing its market share in the near term. The public perception is very negative. There are rules that make it more difficult to permit a coal-fired plant, and there's more local and environmental opposition,” said Ben Ziesmer, senior consultant at Jacobs Consultancy in Houston. Read Silha’s full story. International News U.S. SIGNS INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT ON CLEAN EMISSIONS TECHNOLOGIES On 25 June, U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, along with Energy Ministers and their representatives from around the globe, signed the first international charter in support of the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF). The charter sets the framework for international cooperation in research and development for the separation, capture, transportation and storage of carbon as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Because sequestration may ultimately prove to be an essential element in limiting global carbon emissions, we must have a global effort devoted to marshalling the talents and resources from around the world,” Secretary Abraham said. “Every nation here today -- including both energy producing and energy consuming nations -- must ensure that our energy future is capable of meeting the demands presented by growing economies, expanding populations, vital energy security issues and environmental requirements. The research and development, as well as the discussions that will be held by Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, will go a long way to satisfying those needs and do so in an integrated, multilateral fashion. Our shared goal is to ensure that every member nation can reap the benefits of our efforts.” [From DOE press release PR-03-135] In a 25 June New York Times article on the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, reporter Andrew C. Revkin writes: “Energy experts from private environmental groups who attended the conference said that devising such techniques was important, but added that without binding limits on emissions, there would be no impetus for power generators to use modernized equipment.” Upcoming Events Arizona Southwest Renewable Energy Conference and Fair Flagstaff, 7-10 August 2003 “You are invited to attend the second annual Southwest Renewable Energy Conference (SWREC), scheduled for 7-8 August 2003 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.” The SWREC will focus on national, tribal, state, and local renewable energy projects, policies, and technologies, and provide an opportunity for businesses, utilities, renewable energy advocates, elected officials and policymakers to meet while they learn and debate issues surrounding the beginning of the historic transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. The conference is hosted by Northern Arizona University, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Grand Canyon Trust. Flagstaff is located in the cool ponderosa-pine forest 80 miles from Grand Canyon National Park at the base of the 12,633-foot San Francisco Peaks. The SWREC is being held in cooperation with the sixth annual Southwest Renewable Energy Fair (8-10 August) hosted by the Greater Flagstaff Economic Council. More than 100 vendors are expected to display their products and services at the fair. For additional information on the conference and fair visit www.swrec.org. UPEX 2003: Building the future: Business and State Strategies for Solar Energy Scottsdale, 7-11 October 2003 “Join us in the Valley of the Sun for UPEx 2003. We are assembling a broad group of companies, government agencies, associations and individuals with solar interest and experience beyond the immediate solar community. Some of the themes running throughout the conference will be: Power For Critical Resources and Energy Security Home Builders: Building PV into New Homes Broader Renewable Mandates and the Role of PV Structuring State Solar Programs: RPSs, buy-downs and other options Off-Grid: Providing Power Where There Is No Grid Creative Business Partnership Models Utility-Scale Solar Sustainable Zero Energy Buildings Student Programs: University, High School Level and below Tours Hosted by Salt River Project For more details on this event, visit http://www.solarelectricpower.org/upex/default.cfm. Colorado Renewable Energy Forums Various Locations in July and August Environment Colorado, the “new home for the new home for the Colorado Public Interest Research Group’s environmental work,” has announced a series of Renewable Energy Forums on wind and solar energy in Colorado. All interested parties are invited to attend. Environment Colorado reports that each forum will provide an update on renewable energy legislation, and attendees will see the latest renewable energy technologies and learn more about wind and solar energy in Colorado. Upcoming forums include: Longmont on Thursday, 10 July, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aspen on Saturday, 12 July, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Littleton on Tuesday, 15 July, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Estes Park on Saturday, 19 July, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thornton on Tuesday, 22 July, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Brighton on Tuesday, 29 July, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aurora on Wednesday, 6 August, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you are interested in attending any of these forums, e-mail Environment Colorado or visit the organization’s website for updated details on meeting locations. Fuel Cell Expert Open Houses Denver, 12, 19 and 26 July and 2 August The Colorado Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) reports that four one-day fuel cell demonstration open house events will be held in July at Denver’s Washington Park Fire Station. On 12, 19 and 26 July and 2 August, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., OEMC will staff a fuel cell expert to discuss fuel cell technology, address other issues such as distributed generation for residential and commercial levels, net metering, as well as hydrogen power. In December 2002, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell was installed at the fire station, making it the first fire station in Colorado to receive power from a fuel cell. Prior to the fire station, the fuel cell provided power to a residence at the 2002 Parade of Homes. Fueled by natural gas, the fuel cell provides a portion of the facilities' electricity and heat, which includes operation of the fire station's computers, lights and garage doors. “The fuel cell demonstration continuously receives tremendous interest from the public. OEMC is glad to showcase this emerging energy technology by providing an expert to discuss the aspects and benefits of fuel cell technology and distributed generation,” said Ed Lewis, OEMC Deputy Director. For more information, or for group tours, contact OEMC’s Megan Castle or Jay Brizie at 303-894-2383. The Washington Park Fire Station is located on the corner of Virginia Avenue and Franklin Street in Denver. Renewable Power Summit Boulder, 21-22 July 2003 “Join us at this year's inaugural summit of the Renewable Power Service. We are planning an intimate event that will allow fellow and prospective members to learn from one another and our team of researchers.” “We'll be addressing such topics as these: Utilities’ Strategies for Renewables Green Tags The Renewable Policy Landscape Renewable Power Outlook Integrating Renewable Energy Coal and Renewables?” Members of the Platts Renewable Power Service receive one complimentary registration to the Renewable Power Summit. Additional member delegates may attend for a fee of $495. Invited guests may attend for a fee of $750 per participant. For registration information, visit https://www.esource.com/public/events/rps_summit03_registration.asp. FERC Western Energy Infrastructure Conference Denver, 30 July 2003 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will hold a conference on 30 July to discuss issues regarding energy infrastructure in the western states. These states include Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. This half-day conference will begin at 2:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 6:00 p.m., and will be held at the Marriott Denver City Center, 1701 California Street, Denver, Colorado (1-800-228-9290). All interested persons are invited to attend. FERC writes: “The conference will focus on the adequacy of the electric, gas and hydropower energy infrastructure in the West. The FERC Commissioners will attend, and the Governors, legislators, state utility commissioners, tribal delegates of the western states, as well as international representatives from Canada and Mexico, have been invited to participate. The goal is to identify the current state of infrastructure in the West, present and future infrastructure needs, and the means for and barriers to fulfilling those needs. We look forward to an informative discussion of the issues to clarify how we can facilitate and enhance a comprehensive, collaborative approach to energy infrastructure development and reliability for the western states. It is becoming increasingly clear that a well-functioning energy infrastructure is necessary to meet America's energy demands.” For more information on this conference, visit http://www.ferc.gov/home/conferences.asp. “Saving Water: Smart Strategies To Improve the Bottom Line for Business, Industry and Municipalities” Denver, 14 August 2003 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) announce “Saving Water: Smart Strategies to Improve the Bottom Line for Business, Industry and Municipalities.” The conference will be held on 14 August at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood and is targeted to business, industry, and municipal water users and providers. Colorado businesses, industries, and municipalities have felt the widespread effects of the recent water crisis. Although the immediate water crisis is under control, now is the time to meet future water and current energy challenges, especially with the shortage in supply of natural gas. Improvements to water operations also lower overall energy usage. With the rising prices of natural gas, efficient water strategies will be vital to controlling energy costs and for the future of Colorado industry. Attendees will learn innovative solutions to address short and long term water and energy management issues. Speakers include local and national experts who will discuss analytical tools to improve water operations. Presentations are based on three educational tracks: Optimizing Water and Energy Using Systems; Securing Program Assistance/ Financing Alternatives; and Using Innovative Technologies to Save Water. Saving Water is unique in that it brings together representatives from private and public sector organizations, including financial institutions, technical services firms and utility companies to provide attendees with detailed assistance for implementing the most effective water saving solutions. For more information, contact Tim Rooney, 303-273-0071, or visit www.SavingWater2003.com. Sustainable Resources 2003 Boulder, 29 September – 4 October 2003 “An International Forum Connecting People with Hands-On Solutions to World Poverty” Pre-Conference Seminars (29 September – 1 October) Conference (1-4 October) “Sustainable Resources 2003 will provide a new platform of exchange where poverty issues faced by the developing world can be addressed globally and solved locally. The overall technical program of the conference is designed around the Millennium Development Goals selected by the United Nations on September 18, 2000.” “Workshops will focus on generating cooperative partnerships that can more effectively accomplish each organization's goals. Exhibition space will be available for participants to showcase their projects, services, or products. One of the goals of the forum is to establish a collaborative marketplace where participants can match their skills and needs to work more effectively for sustainable development. A summary report will be prepared.” Visit the conference website at www.sustainableresources.org for more details on this event. 2003 Engineers Without Borders USA National Conference Boulder, 4-5 October 2003 The Fall 2003 EWB-USA National Conference will take place on 4 and 5 October in Boulder in conjunction with Sustainable Resources 2003 (29 September – 4 October 2003). The conference is open to current EWB members, prospective members, and non-EWB members. “Participants from existing and prospective EWB-USA chapters and individuals will be able to interact, exchange notes, and learn from each other. Various field case studies (past and current projects) will be presented. Seminars on how to start a chapter, manage a chapter (logistics, marketing, fund raising, etc.), and how to seek and run projects will also be given by industry representatives.” For more information, visit the conference website at www.ewb-usa.org/Fall03Conference.htm. New Mexico Natural Building Colloquium 2003 Kingston, 5-11 October 2003 “For Builders, Designers, Architects, Owner/Builders, Educators and anyone with a concern for our earth and the desire to create a sustainable built environment.” “The Natural Building Colloquium is a gathering for those who share a concern for our earth, through creating sustainable shelter and empowering people to live within their personal and planetary means. You are invited to seven days of hands-on workshops, presentations and discussions exploring the renaissance of traditional natural building techniques and modern innovations. Topics Include: Straw-bale construction Cob building and sculpting Adobe Natural plasters Healthy home materials Organic architecture Solar design Earthbag construction Natural waste-water systems Rain water harvesting systems Timber framing Bamboo Papercrete Permaculture Photovoltaic systems And more! The cost for the complete program (including meals) is $350 before 1 September and $100 for Presenters. After 1 September, the fee is $450. For more information on this event, visit http://www.strawbalecentral.com/NBC2003/NBC2003.html Utah Utah Wind & Solar Energy Conference Salt Lake City, 1 October 2003 “The Utah Energy Office and the U.S. Department of Energy present an exciting lineup of nationally recognized speakers addressing the progress of wind energy development in the United States and Utah, and ways to become involved in this trend. In addition, we will address solar energy and its applications, tour a successful solar residential site, and the Foot Creek Wind Farm in Wyoming.” Registration fee is $25 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Register online at www.wind.utah.gov or contact Janeen Bennion, 801-581-6348. Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are available, and information is on these opportunities is also available by contacting Janeen. Chicago, Illinois Green Power Marketing Conference Chicago, 3-5 November 2003 The Eighth National Green Power Marketing Conference will be held 3-5 November in Chicago, Illinois at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Organizers report that a call for papers and sponsors will be forthcoming. For more information, visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/conference/
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