Energizer Newsletter

February 26, 2009

Volume 2, Issue 6

Past Issues

Extension Clean Energy Outreach

by Leigh Fortson
Extension Regional Communications Coordinator and REA (Renewable Energy Advocate)

Join CESIT and Make a Sustainable Difference

The newly formed Clean Energy Strategic Initiative Team (CESIT) has attracted a bevy of great participants (both on and off campus) to help with our efforts of educating agents as well as the general public about clean energy options. That said, we have yet to find a team leader for the geothermal/hydropower group, so if you’re at all interested in those types of energy, please contact me (Leigh) at 970-241-3346.

Although we’ve found adequate numbers of people to join the other teams, we can always use more. In fact, the more people who join a team, the more the workload can be distributed so that your role will ease up. If you can find just a little bit of time to devote to our clean energy efforts, please sign up for one of these teams. Contact me and I will let the team leader know:

  • Wind – Irene Shonle, leader
  • Biofuels/bioenergy - Dan Fernandez, leader
  • Solar – Kurt Jones, leader
  • Geothermal/hydropower – need leader
  • Homes/community – Shelley Kawamura, leader
  • 4-H & School – Holli Campbell, leader
  • Grants & funding – Rusty Collins, leader

Just a reminder: These subcommittees will develop educational materials and training for the public and for other agents. They will also be able to help answer questions that Extension agents outside the core group may not be able to address.

We are also grateful to have the participation of partners outside of the CSU system: Morgan Williams, of Flux Farms, a non-profit out of Carbondale that teaches farmers and ranchers about renewables, has joined our biofuels team. And from the Colorado Harvesting Energy Network (CHEN), Rebecca Cantwell has signed up for the wind team, while her colleague Jonathan Moore will participate on the solar team. CHEN was recently awarded grant money from the GEO to educate the public about renewables. Our missions complement each other beautifully, and we look forward to our successful collaboration.

If you know of any other outside partners that might be interested in working with us, please contact me.

Thanks!

The Economic Stimulus Package and Colorado’s Energy Future

Given that the Stimulus package passed by Congress on February 19th will greatly impact Colorado’s mission of building a clean energy economy, this newsletter will devote itself to learning how money from the package could impact our communities. Hopefully, you’ll glean ideas about how Extension can proactively support President Obama’s and Governor Ritter’s goals.

Rusty Collins and I will attend a meeting on March 4th hosted by the Governor’s Energy Office that will apprise us of how we, the participants, can assist with upcoming projects funded by the stimulus package. This is an “invitation only” meeting, which means that Extension is considered some of the movers and shakers who are making a difference in ushering in the clean energy culture! I trust that’s just the beginning of all kinds of good news that will flow our way.

Meanwhile, here are excerpts from publications or websites that know the inside story.

Renewable Energy Weekly (www.renewableenergyworld.com)

President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17th and the measure includes US $16.8 billion for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The funding is a nearly tenfold increase for EERE, which received $1.7 billion in fiscal year 2008.



The act also directs DOE to analyze the nation's electrical grid to determine if significant potential sources of renewable energy are locked out of the electrical market by a lack of adequate transmission capacity. DOE must then provide recommendations for achieving adequate transmission capacity.

While the bulk of the new EERE funding is supporting direct grants and rebates, $2.5 billion will support EERE's applied research, development and deployment activities, including $800 million for the Biomass Program, $400 million for the Geothermal Technologies Program, and $50 million for efforts to increase the energy efficiency of information and communications technologies.

An additional $400 million will support efforts to add electric technologies to vehicles. And separate from the EERE budget, $400 million will support the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), an agency to support innovative energy research, modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The economic stimulus act also stipulates that $5 billion will go towards the Weatherization Assistance Program, and the act also increases the eligible income level under the program, increases the funding assistance level to $6,500 per home, and allows new weatherization assistance for homes that were weatherized as recently as 1994.

A complementary measure in the act provides $4 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to rehabilitate and retrofit public housing, including increasing the energy efficiency of units, plus an additional $510 million to do the same for homes maintained by Native American housing programs. HUD will receive an additional $250 million to increase the energy efficiency of HUD-sponsored, low-income housing.

The act also directs $2 billion in EERE funds toward grants for the manufacturing of advanced battery systems and components within the United States, as well as the development of supporting software. The battery grants will support advanced lithium-ion batteries and hybrid electric systems. Another $300 million will support an Alternative Fueled Vehicles Pilot Grant Program, and an additional $300 million will support rebates for energy efficient appliances, while also supporting DOE's efforts under the Energy Star Program.

The act also stipulates that $3.2 billion will go toward Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, which were established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, but were not previously funded. The grants will go toward states, local governments and tribal governments to support the development of energy efficiency and conservation strategies and programs, including energy audit programs and projects to install fuel cells and solar, wind, and biomass power projects at government buildings. For background on the program, see pages 176-183 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

The act also stipulates that $3.1 billion of EERE funds will go toward the State Energy Program for additional grants that don't need to be matched with state funds, but the act only allows such grants for states that intend to adopt strict building energy codes and intend to provide utility incentives for energy efficiency measures. To help states implement the measures, a separate portion of the act allocates $500 million to the Department of Labor to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

To read the entire article and learn about the entire breadth of the package, go to: www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/02/clean-energy-aspects-of-the-american-recovery-and-reinvestment-act

Governor’s Energy Office Update (www.colorado.gov/energy)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act presents an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen Colorado’s New Energy Economy and will create new green jobs across the state. With this opportunity also comes a need for additional oversight to ensure these funds are invested effectively, efficiently and wisely, and with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) will work diligently to honor this responsibility to the taxpayers and the public. Please use this website section as your guide to the GEO’s recovery efforts.

In addition to this page, please visit the following websites for more information about the recovery act:

While many of the details are still being developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, you can expect to see New Energy Economy opportunities available to Colorado through the following avenues:

  • Weatherization - The GEO anticipates approximately $40M/year for two years to expand the delivery of weatherization services to low-income Coloradans. The GEO will work with its statewide partners to strengthen the network of service delivery providers and to improve the energy efficiency of greater numbers of low income homes. This work will cut energy costs for homeowners at a critical time while generating efficiency service jobs throughout the state. Learn more about the GEO’s Weatherization Program, Energy $aving Partners, here.
  • State Energy Program (SEP) - Funding will be available for the general advancement of energy efficiency and renewable deployment around the state. The GEO will focus these dollars on:
    • Shovel Ready Projects - the GEO is currently evaluating a long list of shovel-ready projects to prioritize them based on the number of jobs created, impact on energy, matching funds provided and local support. Once the funding is quantified the GEO will be better able to evaluate where it can leverage local grant matches to make the most efficient and effective investments.
    • Debt Financing Assistance - there are dozens of projects in the state that have equity financing lined up, but when the credit markets tightened, the debt financing fell through. The GEO will work to determine what is needed to get those projects and that financing going again.
  • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG): This funding will be distributed to Colorado’s cities and counties as well as the state. The GEO will use its portion of the funding to provide energy efficiency services to local communities including code training, assistance with establishing local building standards and local incentive-based programs for homeowners and businesses.
  • Tax Credits for Investment in Renewables and Efficiency: A number of tax credits are included in the recovery package that will directly help small businesses and homeowners invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The GEO will provide up-to-date incentive information to Colorado’s consumers and service providers.
  • Research and Development Grants: Grants for the research, development and demonstration of emerging technologies will be funded at an unprecedented level. Colorado, a hub for renewable energy research, will be highly competitive in securing these grants.
  • Loan Guarantees: Loan guarantees are available for transmission financing which will help to loosen credit markets in our efforts to expand transmission infrastructure within Colorado.

Your input will be a key component of this process. The GEO is currently developing a website form for this section that will allow you to submit your project ideas and input to GEO staff for consideration. Please check back here for a link.

Western Governor’s Association (www.westgov.org)

Western Governors recently discussed their priorities and opportunities for working together in addressing critical energy and climate change issues with Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.

“It is clear that our states and the Obama Administration agree swift action is needed in developing a long-term energy plan and expanding the transmission grid to bring more clean energy resources to market,” said Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., of Utah, Chairman of the Western Governors’ Association. “This will require unprecedented coordination among states and the federal government, and today’s discussion was a good beginning.”

The governors have called for a national energy plan that will provide affordable and clean energy to sustain our economy, stimulate greater energy efficiency, strengthen our energy security and independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The governors also support reforming federal policies to support construction of optimally sized transmission to reach location-constrained, low-carbon resources.

Huntsman noted that Western states already are working with the U.S. Department of Energy on the Western Renewable Energy Zones initiative, which will expedite the development and delivery of electricity generated by renewable energy throughout the Western Interconnection. The initiative has brought together a broad-based constituency to identify areas that have highly concentrated, developable renewable resources and low environmental impacts.

Earlier this month, a map of “Qualified Resource Areas” and several supporting documents were released for public comment. The comment period for these work products continues through March 2. A second phase of the initiative will begin this fall with the development of a conceptual transmission plan, followed by discussions among utilities on coordinated procurement of renewable energy.

Smart Energy Living Newsletter (newsletter@smartenergyliving.org)

How will the stimulus bill help you make your home more energy efficient? The Economic Stimulus Act expands energy tax credits for clean energy projects at home by:

  • Increasing the 10% tax credit to a 30% tax credit for efficiency improvements.
  • Eliminating the cap for specific improvements (such as windows and furnaces).
  • Establishing an aggregate cap of $1,500 for all improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010.
  • For residential renewable energy systems removing all caps on the tax credits, which equal 30% of the cost of qualified solar energy systems, geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, and fuel cell systems.
  • Eliminates a reduction in credits for installations with subsidized financing.
  • Go to apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=12248 for more information on these and other homeowner and car buyer energy saving tax incentives.

The U.S Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) received $16.8 billion dollars from the economic stimulus act. While most of it will go to grants and research & development homeowners will see the money through rebate programs and tax credits.

Specifically, 5 billion will go towards the Weatherization Assistance Program in which the act will increase the eligible income level and increase funding for each home up to $6,500. In addition, will allow homes previously weatherized in 1994 or earlier to gain assistance again. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will receive $250 million to increase the energy efficiency of HUD-sponsored, low-income housing.

The act also stipulates that $3.1 billion of EERE funds will go towards State Energy Programs who adopt strict building energy codes and utility incentives for energy efficiency measures. To help states implement the measures the act allocates $500 million to the Department of Labor to train workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Other funded areas of the EERE Economic Stimulus Act included:

  • Renewable Energy and Smart Grids Spurred by Economic Stimulus Act
  • Economic Stimulus Act to Result in Greener Federal Buildings and Fleets
  • High-Speed Rail and Transit Boosted by Economic Stimulus Act
  • Economic Stimulus Act Extends Renewable Energy Tax Credits
  • Clean Energy Bonds Expanded by the Economic Stimulus Act

For more information visit apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm

Upcoming Events

National Renewable Energy Summit
March 31-April 2 Washington, DC
Sponsored by 25x25. The first day is a plenary session that focuses on the opportunities and challenges to producers in agriculture and the forestry industry to lower their emissions and carbon footprint. Subsequent days offer break out sessions covering a wide range of issues. www.25x25.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Renewable Energy for Educators (4-H Agents Take Note!!) June 22 – 25, Carbondale, CO
Sponsored by Solar Energy International, educators attending this seminar will learn about the impacts that our energy use has on the planet and how to best teach youth about solutions: energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies.

Each day will include a hands-on element that can be employed in the classroom. In addition, participants will walk away with practical knowledge that they can apply in their own lives. Integrating renewable energy education into youth development can provide an element of excitement for science education and hope for the future.

Teachers who teach any age group will benefit greatly from this special workshop. This workshop has been designed to meet the 5th-9th grade Colorado Science Standards.

Receive Two Extended Studies Credits through Mesa State College!!

The cost of the credits is included in the tuition for this workshop.

Each participant will receive:

  • Access to SEI's renewable energy kits for use in the classroom
  • Curriculum and lesson plans on renewable energy and energy issues
  • A variety of teaching tools and materials to help engage students
  • Experience creating hands-on projects that can be implemented in the classroom

To register for this course please call SEI - 970-963-8855. There is currently no on-line registration.

Colorado Renewable Energy Conference 2009
Friday & Saturday Aug 28-29 Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO
Come learn about "Clean Energy: Pathways to a Low-Carbon Footprint"
www.cres-energy.org/events/conference/

˜SMART ENERGY LIVING Consumer Workshops; Building a Better Energy Future
In Partnership with the Colorado Renewable Energy Society™
Sunday August 30th Colorado School of Mines Green Center, Golden, CO 80401
Listen to presentations ranging from renewable energy and energy efficiency to green jobs and peak oil. www.SmartEnergyLiving.org

CSU Energy Website

To learn more about wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels, visit our energy website at: www.ext.colostate.edu/energy.

Furthermore

Go to hes.lbl.gov/hes/db/zip.shtml and you can do an online calculation of your own energy use and carbon footprint. It’s easy to use. Tell your communities about it.

Send me anything that’s newsworthy that you’re doing in the world of clean energy and renewables. We need to keep our colleagues up to date on what’s going on in Extension and the value of our role!

Leigh Fortson
Extension Regional Communications Coordinator and REA (Renewable Energy Advocate)
Colorado State University Extension
2764 Compasss Drive, Suite 232
Grand Junction, CO 81506-8746
(970) 241-3346, FAX (970) 241-3643
leigh.Fortson@ColoState.EDU