InREA Membership Meeting Sat., April 11 at Upland Brewing Co. in Bloomington

The Indiana Renewable Energy Association (InREA) cordially invites you to a Special Membership Meeting to be held on Saturday, April 11th from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in conjunction with the unveiling of Upland Brewing Co.'s new solar water-heated installation.

InREA Membership Meeting
Saturday, April 11th--12:00 noon to 2:00 pm
Upland Brewing Co., Bloomington, IN

Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington), co-chairman of the House Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities Committee and author of HB 1622 to create advanced renewable energy tariffs and HB 1620 for energy efficient buildings will be our featured speaker will give us an update on renewable energy legislation during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Other topics include continuing efforts to improve net metering regulations in Indiana and an update on federal energy proposals pending in the U.S. Congress.

We will unveil our redesigned website and discuss our new status as the Indiana Chapter of the American Solar Energy Association (www.ases.org). We will also include updates on upcoming events and activities of the association as well as reports on the creation of working committees.

We will continue to alternate membership meetings between northern and southern Indiana. Plans are underway for a June membership meeting to view a solar panel installation at McCormick Motors in Nappanee, Indiana.

The Upland Restaurant opens at 11:00 am and remains open throughout the afternoon. The InREA Board of Directors will meet immediately prior to the membership meeting beginning at 10:00 am. Solar Tours and other activities will start at 2:00 pm. So come early and stay late. This will be an exciting event and a great opportunity for networking.

You're Invited to Solar Day
at Upland Brewing Co.
350 W. 11th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
Saturday, April 11th--2 pm

We cordially invite you to join us for the unveiling of the Midwest's first solar water-heated brewery during Upland's Solar Day. We will offer educational tours and presentations on solar energy as well as launching our new Helios Pale Ale - available for the first time! Dedication to sustainable practices is a core value of the brewery. By harnessing the power of the sun to brew, Upland expects to eliminate up to 75% on natural gas required for water heating. It is estimated the solar panels on Upland's roof will provide over 167 million BTUs of energy each year.

The $70,000 installation was made possible and supported in part by a Department of Energy grant specifically available for alternative energy installations.

Please RSVP: 812.336.2337 x200 or email stacy@uplandbeer.com

We hope you join us to celebrate our sustainable
brewery with the release of our new Helios Pale Ale.
Live music on Upland's patio!

White House Announces Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Grants

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President

_________________________________________________
For Immediate Release: March 12, 2009

Administration Announces Nearly $8 Billion

in Weatherization Funding and Energy Efficiency Grants

Will support energy efficiency efforts nationwide

that will create 87,000 jobs and cut energy bills for families

Washington DC -- Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Chu today detailed an investment of nearly $8 billion in state and local weatherization and energy efficiency efforts as part of the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With an investment of about $5 billion through the Weatherization Assistance Program and about $3 billion for the State Energy Program, the Department of Energy will partner with state and local governments to put 87,000 Americans to work and save families hundreds of dollars per year on their energy bills.

To jump-start job creation and weatherization work, the Department of Energy is releasing the first installment of the funding – about $780 million -- in the next few days. The Department will release additional funding over time as states demonstrate that they are using the funding effectively and responsibly to create jobs and cut energy use.

"This energy efficiency funding for states is an important investment in making America more energy independent, creating a cleaner economy and creating more jobs for the 21st century that can’t be outsourced," said Vice President Biden.

The funding will support weatherization of homes, including adding more insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment, which will pay for itself many times over.

"Even as we seize the enormous potential of clean energy sources like wind and solar, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act makes a major investment in energy efficiency, which is the most cost effective route to energy independence," Chu said.

The Weatherization Assistance Program will allow an average investment of up to $6,500 per home in energy efficiency upgrades and will be available for families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level – or about $44,000 a year for a family of four. [$55,140 for Alaska and $50,720 for Hawaii]

The State Energy Program funding will be available for rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy saving improvements; development of renewable energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels; promotion of Energy Star products; efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings; and other innovative state efforts to help save families money on their energy bills.

The DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program allows low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient, reducing heating bills by an average of 32% and overall energy bills by hundreds of dollars per year.

###

For more information visit www.recovery.gov.

The State of Indiana's share of these weatherization funds is expected to be $100 million. The State Energy Office is expected to receive about $69 million. For 2009, since the federal poverty level in Indiana is $22,050 for a family of four then 200% of poverty would be approximately $44,000 for a family of four.

For more information visit Indiana's website on the recovery funds at http://www.in.gov/gov/INvest.htm

We must make new products or improve existing technology

GUEST EDITORIAL

There has been a great deal of talk about what we need to get the economy moving in Indiana and across the country. Getting angry at Wall Street or politicians will not work, and neither will asking for more bailouts or hand outs.

Workers and businesses in Indiana, and across the country, need opportunity. If we have the chance, there is no doubt in my mind that we can overcome any challenge confronting our economy.

But what will that opportunity be? First, it is to not repeat the past. Making products that can be made cheaper overseas is not how to revive our economy. Second, it is not going to be government busy work where we pay people to dig and refill holes.

No, if we want to compete and succeed in these tough times we must either make new products or improve existing technology, and do it better than the rest of the world.

Fortunately, what many are calling the “clean energy economy” gives us the chance to do all of those things. This term means any job involved in manufacturing, distributing, and installing products and technology that cut energy consumption. This would include renewable energy like wind power and efforts to make technology more energy efficient.

According to a report by CleanEdge Incorporated, clean and renewable energy is expected to grow to over $250 billion by 2017. Although our economy has been slumping, since 2006 investments in energy technology have gone up 60 percent.

With this kind of growth expected, Indiana has a great opportunity to make renewable energy a significant part of its economy and help create jobs across the state. Right now my business in St. John makes solar-powered attic fans and we know that as demand for cleaner energy rises our company will only grow.

In addition to their growth potential, another advantage is that these are not jobs that can be easily outsourced to China and India. Because of the limits on energy storage and transport capabilities, companies gain no advantage in harnessing solar or wind energy in foreign countries and selling it to America. In fact, moving the energy generated from overseas will end up costing more than locating a plant in the U.S.

But how do we jump start this new clean energy economy?

Most economic analysts and scientists agree that the best way to attack this is by putting a cap on carbon pollution, which causes climate change. Carbon pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels like oil and natural gas, so by cutting carbon levels you give companies the incentive to produce new cleaner sources of energy.

In addition to encouraging economic growth in new industries, capping carbon emissions will also cut pollution levels and help move our economy away from relying on oil, most of which comes from unstable areas like the Middle East.

Things are very hard for workers and business across Indiana, but unless we get serious about developing new sectors of the economy things will become much worse. Taking advantage of the opportunity to cut pollution and create cleaner energy sounds like best way to move forward.

Hopefully our leaders in Congress agree.

Bill Keith
SunRise Solar Inc.
St. John, Ind.

Bill Keith, President of SunRise Solar is a Founding member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.

Indiana Blue Green Alliance Forms to Build Clean Energy Economy

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Robin Rich 219-881-6224 or 219-743-0624

Labor Unions, Environmentalists Launch Indiana Blue Green Alliance;

Indiana-Based Coalition Wants to Put People Back to Work with Clean Energy

INDIANAPOLIS (March 10, 2009) As legislators meet in Indianapolis, labor and environmental leaders came together today in the state’s capital to launch the Indiana Blue Green Alliance, a coalition of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to building a clean energy economy in Indiana that creates good jobs and helps to protect the environment.

“It’s time we reject the false choice between good jobs and a clean, safe environment,” said United Steelworkers District 7 Director Jim Robinson. “Working people want jobs, but we also want our kids to grow up in a clean, healthy environment, and we know that the solutions to global warming provide an opportunity to create good, middle-class jobs in Indiana. By coming together, we can build a green economy that protects the environment and works for working people.”

“The potential of a green economy provides solutions to two of our most pressing problems — global warming and unemployment,” said Tom Anderson, Director of Save the Dunes Council. “Building a clean energy economy will not only create jobs, it will help us to protect the environment. This coalition is built on the knowledge that we share the same concerns about the economy and the environment and this solution is key to our future.”

The “blue-green” coalition will advocate investments in the green economy, including a state renewable energy standard and updating residential energy codes to make buildings more efficient. The Indiana Blue Green Alliance brings together District 7 of the United Steelworkers, Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, Save the Dunes Council, Communication Workers of America District 4, Indiana Laborers’ District Council, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and SEIU Indiana/Illinois State Council.

“The state of Indiana is well-positioned to benefit from investments in the green economy with a huge manufacturing base and the skilled workforce required to build wind farms, solar panels and the components of safe, clean energy,” said David Maidenberg, Indianapolis Director for the Sierra Club. “But our state is the only one in the Upper Midwest without a renewable energy standard, and as a result, we are missing a huge opportunity to create good, green jobs.”

“Building trades workers and our skills are key to building a green economy, particularly when it comes to retrofitting buildings to make them more efficient,” said Brian Short, Organizer for the Indiana Laborers’ District Council said. “Updating our residential energy code to make buildings more efficient will create energy savings and help to put people back to work in Indiana.”

“The major crises we face – our economy, energy and climate change – are inter-related, and we can only solve them if we address them together,” said Tina Noel, an Indiana spokesperson for the NRDC. “We need to act now to bring investments in clean energy to our state, which will boost job growth, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and stave off the worst effects of global warming.”

The Blue Green Alliance is a national partnership between labor unions and environmental organizations to expand the number and quality of jobs in the new, green economy. With the United Steelworkers, Sierra Club, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), BGA unites more than six million people in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy.

For more information, visit www.bluegreenalliance.org.

Merrillville PV Solar Installation Creates Renewable Energy Debate

Bill Keith, President of SunRise Solar provided the following photos from the Merrillville PV installation.

View video of installation HERE.

This is a multi-part story on the photovoltaic or solar electric panel installation on the Merrillville Town Hall. First there is an article from the Post-Tribune that describes the background and history of the project. Next, there is the story that ran in the NWI Times. This is followed by a Letter to the Editor by Larry Wilson. I have also posted the comments posted to the NWI Times. Finally, there is a thoughtful and well-reasoned response to Larry Wilson's letter written by Tracy Hall. Go to http://nwi.com/opinion/letters/ to see how to send your rebuttal to Larry Wilson's editorial.

Town hall goes solar
View article on-line here. http://www.post-trib.com/news/lake/1431984,mvsolar.article

By Christin Nance Lazerus
Post-Tribune staff writer

MERRILLVILLE (February 15, 2009)-- Workers from four unions looked like they were doing simple roofing and wiring work Saturday at Merrillville Town Hall.

But members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697, Northwest Indiana Roofers Local 26, Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 and the Sheet Metal Contractors Association were actually setting the stage for 30 solar panels, which will be installed soon and will help provide power for the building.

It will give the town an energy savings of at least $600 per year. And it cost taxpayers next to nothing, thanks to a $23,250 grant and donated materials and labor.

The project was the brainchild of renewable energy activist and IBEW 697 member Tracy Hall. He was inspired by the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" to do his part to conserve energy.

In 2006, he traveled to Stevens Point, Wis., and he learned how to install solar panels.

Hall wanted to encourage the adoption of solar energy systems in the area, so he approached several municipalities about the solar panel project last summer.

After some initial skepticism, then-Merrillville Economic Development Director Howard Fink took him up on the offer. In November, Fink said he was excited that Merrillville would be the first municipal building in Northwest Indiana to commit to renewable energy.

"We see this as an incredibly progressive project, and we're ecstatic to be at the front of this movement," Fink, who is now the town manager, said in November.

The project also is serving as a laboratory of sorts for the 14 students that Hall is teaching in a class on solar panel installation at the IBEW.

"I'm hoping to do this again in the future," Hall said. "I really like doing installation with a class. Touching the materials is so much better than just looking at them."

Hall is studying green building certification, in the hopes of building a new environmentally friendly union hall.

Hall thinks that the solar panel project could draw interest from people looking to cut their energy expenses.

"I'm hoping that people will start calling their local union, and it helps kick start the industry in area," Hall said.

"It's just a small part of the town's energy needs, but it will save about 6,500 kilowatt hours per year."

If all goes well -- and the sun is shining -- Merrillville should start seeing energy savings by the end of the month.

Piet Levy contributed to this report. Contact Christin Nance Lazerus at 648-3086 or cnance@post-trib.com. Comment on this story at http://www.post-trib.com/

NWI Times EDITORIAL: Merrillville plugs into solar power

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Merrillville officials are planning more than just a panel discussion. They're actually installing solar panels at the Town Hall to plug into the sun's power. That's a smart move.

Weather permitting, union roofers will get the building's roof ready this weekend for the installation of 30 solar panels on Saturday and Feb. 21.

The solar panels will save the town $650 per year, which is nothing to sneeze at even though solar panels remain expensive.

A $23,250 grant from the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development, along with with the donation of services by union roofers and electricians, means no taxpayer money will be used for the project.

"The unions have been a great help," Town Councilman and Environmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Goralczyk said.

The unions benefit from the project because many union workers will be trained in installing the solar panels.

Solar power figures prominently in President Obama's plan for the nation's future. The more the nation can be weaned from dependence on foreign oil, the better for the nation's national security.

Merrillville officials hope local businesses and residents will follow the town's example and install solar panels.

The Town Hall, as retrofitted, also will show the town's commitment to sustainable energy, which should help as the town seeks to recruit innovative companies to locate there.

Those panels will make a powerful statement about the town. Your opinion, please
Should solar panels be installed on all government buildings?

Share your thoughts at http://nwi.com/opinion

Copyright © 2009 nwi.com


Larry Wilson Letter to the Editor

I read the article about Merrillville install solar panels on the town hall building to save $650 a year on energy costs. They can probably save that amount by caulking around doors and windows, installing door sweeps and sealing off electrical outlets to stop drafts.

How many of these politicians who had input to use this money this way would do that at their own homes? Do the math, people. A $23,250 grant divided by a $650 savings a year would take 38 years to break even. Merrillville Town Hall probably won't be there in 38 years.

At the end of 38 years, if you put $23,250 in the bank at 5 percent interest rate you would have $148,462. And if it was compounded daily or even monthly, it would be thousands more at the end of 38 years.

If Merrillville can't find a better way of spending this money, they should give it back so somebody else that can use it better can have it.

Larry Wilson, Munster

7 comment(s) thus far as follows:

Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats.

Teacher wrote on Mar 8, 2009 8:09 PM:
" I will be dead long before the earth, do the math! Avg life of a human 75 years, age of the earth 4.5 billion years. Wise up! What happens when all the suns energy is used up and the sun dies, then what? Back to oil I guess. Wise up! "


Professor wrote on Mar 8, 2009 3:58 PM:
" Here's some math for you. Don't build solar panels and save the planet! Do you think solar panels are built from water and air. Nope. Probably plastic, eh?

When you waste money, which is what Munster just did, you extract funds from a bad cause (solar panels that will fail and require to be re-installed before their payout) away from a good cause -- like geothermal that has a lower breakeven.

But, I won't expect people, especially politicians, to think too hard. Afterall, the theme is more important than the reality. Which is why Americans are headed towards hard times as the piper sings his lovely tune. At least you'll be happy listening to his rhetoric as we head over the cliff. "


Solar waste wrote on Mar 8, 2009 2:27 PM:
" Like Larry said caulking and weatherizing would have been 1/10 of the monsy and been more efficient. How much solar energy do we get when it is dark, raining, or the panels are covered with 6" of snow. Any alternate energy source has to be of a large scale and in the right location. "

To Teacher wrote on Mar 8, 2009 2:10 PM:
" Wow! A blanket indictment against the whole state of Indiana not being able to perform mathematics. What state are you from, Illinois perhaps? How far in debt is the state of Illinois? The last I heard was $8 billion dollars. Do you still want to talk math? "

Bill B wrote on Mar 8, 2009 8:53 AM:
" Renewable energy always has payoffs that go far beyond the immediate cost saving on untility bills. One factor is the reduction in pollution created by burning the coal, another is the health improvement for the people living near the power plant, another is the reduced energy used to transport the coal to the power plant, and the reduced amount of coal that needs to be dug out of the ground. One project won't have a large impact, but imagine if 25% of the buildings in Merrillville (or Munster) did this. "

Stimulator wrote on Mar 8, 2009 5:42 AM:
" Right on Larry. Now calculate the same for the Billions dedicated in the "spendulus" bill. The waste is staggering! "

Teacher wrote on Mar 8, 2009 1:15 AM:
" Why not spend money on solar energy? You don't seem to mind wasting billions on wasteful, counterproductive ethanol production. At least solar doesn't harm anything like ethanol certainly does.

Here's some math for you. Insulate your homes PLUS build solar power MINUS build ethanol plants EQUALS the planet survives a little while longer. But I doubt you can do simple math in Indiana - that would require having decent schools. "

Response to Larry Wilson from Tracy Hall

I applaud Mr. Wilson’s ability to do simple payback calculations. And yes, he is absolutely right; money spent on energy efficiency measures always has a faster payback and initially makes more sense than investing in renewable energy. In fact, one dollar spent on energy efficiency is worth three spent on renewable energy (RE). What Mr. Wilson fails to understand is that the grant proposal that was authored by me and one of Merrillville’s hardest working employees, Town Administrator Howard Fink was for a grant from Indiana’s Offices of Energy and Defense Development. The key words in that department name are “Energy” and “Development”. And to just set the record straight, Howard is not a politician, nor an elected official. He is an employee of the town, and as I previously stated, one of the hardest working civil servants I have had the pleasure of working with.

The “politicians” that Mr. Wilson refers to did not have any say so as to how this grant funding could be spent. It was expressly to be used for RE systems with an emphasis on education. With this grant money, not only did the Town of Merrillville receive an RE system, 12 area electricians were educated in siting, designing, and installing these systems. About the same number of apprentice roofers were trained on the implications of a rooftop installation of this nature (this won’t be the last one Mr. Wilson). The local chapter of International Association of Electrical Inspectors was invited to the installation and given materials specific to inspecting and permitting of RE systems so that when some forward thinking individual decides that this is something they want to do, the inspector can make sure that their installation is safe and National Electrical Code compliant. The town has published a tri-fold pamphlet available to the public to explain briefly how this photovoltaic system works. The town has also granted access to future generations of electricians to observe this system for a “hands on” approach to learning.

All of the labor for this project was donated by the Northwest Indiana Building Trades. All of the materials used for this project were donated by local area supply houses and contractors. Why would people waste so much of their own resources on such wasteful spending? Because they are forward thinking and they know the value of the “Green Job” revolution that is coming and what it can do to boost this stagnant economy that we have fallen into. The RE industry has the potential to be one of the greatest economic engines of this century and these individuals are way ahead of the curve.

This photovoltaic (PV) system that Mr. Wilson is berating will offset nearly 5 tons of carbon from the atmosphere annually. It produces no emissions and its virtually free fuel source comes from a nuclear reactor 93 million miles away from the Earth that we call the sun. It is essentially maintenance free and runs automatically. When you invest in a RE system, you are increasing your property value with something that will likely last longer than you. Commercial users can depreciate an RE system for even quicker payback. You are paying for your energy up front and living off of the interest. You are buying a power plant that will give you free energy for years. The simple payback calculation that Mr. Wilson refers to also neglects the fact that historically energy prices rise. As those prices rise, that payback period decreases. With an RE system you lock in your rate for decades. When you go to sell your property it will retain its high value for decades. Mono crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells experience a degradation of about ½% per year. That means that in 50 years they will still be producing about 75% of their rated output. Some of the earliest produced PV modules from the 1950’s are still producing a significant amount of power.

Presently in this country we are producing most of our electricity by burning fossil fuels; particularly coal. It is dirty, polluting, and hazardous to human health. Is it a coincidence that cancer and respiratory diseases like asthma have risen dramatically in the last several decades along with our thirst for more power? What is the cost of healthcare in this country and how much of it can be attributed to the fowl air we breathe, polluted with mercury, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, arsenic, heavy metals, etc… What is the payback when you consider the damage to the environment and the eventual cost of healthcare? What is the legacy we leave for our children and our grandchildren when they have to use oxygen masks to survive? The RE industry can solve this problem by providing us with clean power.

As far as the government subsidizing the RE industry, why do you think our power is so cheap? It is because the government subsidizes it. If the government subsidized renewables the way they do coal and oil in this country we would all have wind turbines and PV systems on our property generating clean power. If you are so intrigued with simple payback calculations Mr. Wilson, what is the payback of the vehicle you drive? Will it last for decades and provide you with maintenance free power for years; eventually paying for itself and then actually giving you a return on your investment? I realize that this is an apples to oranges comparison, but you need transportation and you need energy. I would venture to guess that your vehicle cost is similar to the cost of a PV system and is unlikely to ever payback; just like the coal generated electricity that we all buy.

When I got home after this installation Saturday, my wife and children looked upon me with so much pride for what I have done. They know that this is the future. They know that this is the right thing to do. And Mr. Wilson, so do I.

Tracy Hall

March 7, 2009

New York Times Op-Ed Contributor

Home-Grown Power

By IAN BOWLES

Boston

PRESIDENT Obama has laid out an ambitious agenda for dealing with our energy needs and climate change: he proposes to double the supply of renewable energy within three years, establish a cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions and use federal stimulus dollars to help homes, businesses and governments use energy more efficiently. This is the right blueprint for increasing the number of green jobs, encouraging economic growth, ensuring that the United States has the energy it needs at reasonable prices, and reducing the risk of global climate change.

But as Congress translates this grand plan into legislation, lawmakers should resist calls to add an extensive and costly new transmission system that would carry electricity from remote areas like Texas, the Great Plains and Eastern Canada to places with high energy demands like Boston, Chicago and New York. This idea is being promoted by energy companies and by elected officials who see it as an economic development opportunity for their particular state or region. Long-distance transmission lines are needed, they argue, to ensure that the president’s energy goals are met.

But there are better — and cheaper — ways to get more clean power flowing to the big cities.

Renewable energy resources are found all across the country; they don’t need to be harnessed from just one place. In the Northwest, the largest amount of green power comes from hydroelectricity. In the Northeast, the best source may be the wind over the ocean, because it blows harder and more consistently there than on land. Offshore wind farms have been proposed for Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. In the Southwest, solar energy can be tapped on a large scale. And in the Southeast, biomass from forests may one day be a major source of sustainable power. In each area, developing these power sources would be cheaper than piping in clean energy from thousands of miles away.

Unlike our federal highway system, which is needed to transport goods across the country, or the “information superhighway” of the Internet, which is the fastest way to carry information around the world, long-distance transmission lines have no inherent value. On the contrary, the farther electricity is transported, the more of it is dissipated. “Line loss,” as this is called, gobbles up an estimated 2 percent to 3 percent of electricity nationally.

And of course, the longer the power line, the more expensive it is to build. In New England, we estimate the cost per mile at $2 million to $10 million. The closer electricity is generated to where it’s used, the better.

Another component of President Obama’s clean energy vision is the creation of a smarter power grid. But that has little to do with high capacity transmission lines that carry electricity in bulk over hundreds of miles. Building a “smart grid” means upgrading the local grid from a simple delivery system to an information system that can let consumers know the times when power is cheapest, thus enabling them to adjust their use to save money. This flattens out electricity loads and minimizes periods of peak demand. Smart grids will also be able to identify and fix power failures instantly, and someday may even send signals to specific household appliances like thermostats, washing machines and refrigerators to switch them on when demand is low or turn them off during times of peak energy use.

The cost of building transmission lines to connect new power plants to the grid ought to be covered the way we cover it in the Northeast, by folding it into the price of the power that the lines deliver. That allows the market to help keep prices as low as possible.

In Massachusetts, we get about 5 percent of our power from hydroelectric plants in Quebec. Our distribution utilities are negotiating to install a second transmission line for Canadian hydropower, which would be paid for through long-term power-purchase contracts approved by the New England states whose residents use that power. Developers of remote wind-power farms in eastern Canada have said they would also like to sell us electricity, but unless the combined cost of the power they could provide and its transmission is competitive with our other renewable energy choices, their projects won’t get approved. That’s the way it should be.

For a clean energy future, we need a smart grid and we need more renewable energy. The Obama administration is offering welcome support for both. Beyond that, what we need is a level playing field that enables energy providers to compete fairly with one another. The cost of transmission should be incorporated into the overall cost of bringing clean energy to market. Then let the chips fall — and wind turbines rise — where they may.

Ian Bowles is the secretary of energy and environmental affairs for Massachusetts.

Reid Introduces 'Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Act'

No doubt the issue of an adequate transmission grid is important to the successful development of renewable energy projects in the U.S. What is not clear is how this proposed federal legislation would impact SB 201. The House sponsor of SB 201 is Rep. Win Moses, Jr. (D-Ft. Wayne). SB 201 has been assigned to the House Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities Committee chaired by Rep. Moses.

SB 201 allows a public utility that proposes to take, acquire, condemn, or appropriate land, real estate, or any interest in land or real estate for certain projects related to electric line facilities to obtain from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) a certificate of authority. It requires the IURC to hold a public hearing and to find that the public utility has demonstrated certain elements, and to encourage investment in electric line facilities by creating financial incentives that the IURC finds to be reasonable and necessary.

This bill modifies common law to provide that the owner of land against which eminent domain is initiated may object to the public purpose and necessity of the project only if the condemnor has not been issued a certificate of authority. It requires the IURC to allow the recovery of reasonable and necessary costs incurred by an energy utility in connection with a green infrastructure project that provides electric, steam, or gas service to or receives electric, steam, or gas service from an alternate energy production facility. It also provides that an energy utility may implement a rate adjustment if the IURC fails to act on an application.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has scheduled a committee hearing Thursday, March 12 beginning at 9:30 AM on Sen. Harry Reid's proposal called the Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Act. The committee website provides Archived Webcasts as well as an opportunity to watch live webcasts.

Mar. 06, 2009
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Reid pushes bill to make renewable energy 'top national priority'

By STEVE TETREAULT
STEPHENS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid introduced legislation Thursday to speed development of a green-powered electricity system, an effort he said was a big part of his vision of a nation that might someday run on renewable energy.

"Reforming our energy policies to build a cleaner, greener, national transportation system -- an electric superhighway -- must be a top national priority," Reid said as he submitted the bill, called the Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Act.

The measure sponsored by the Senate majority leader from Nevada is expected to receive a good deal of attention in Congress this year as lawmakers focus on President Barack Obama's goals to increase use of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.

The Senate energy committee has scheduled a hearing on the bill; it is likely to be rolled into broad legislation the panel plans to write later this month.

The bill expands authority for federal electricity regulators to keep projects on track, a matter expected to spark debate on states' rights. The power to locate transmission lines traditionally has been guarded by the states.

But streamlined planning and utility line siting could save years, a Reid aide said. A high- voltage transmission project that normally would take eight to 16 years to build could be finished in three to five years under terms set by the measure.

Under the bill the government would designate zones that hold the potential to generate 1 gigawatt of electricity from geothermal, solar, wind or other natural sources, but that cannot be reached by the present grid.

It directs states, utilities and developers to cooperate in forming plans to integrate renewables into the current transmission system, to map new lines and conduct studies of what could be saved through new efforts at energy efficiency.

The government through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would be authorized to step in "to keep things moving" if there are delays anywhere in the process, Reid said.

Scot Rutledge, executive director of the Nevada Conservation League, said several areas in Nevada with "excellent solar, wind and geothermal resources" could be designated special renewable energy zones.

"Right now, only a small percentage of Nevada's power comes from renewable energy because it's impossible to get energy from remote areas of Nevada, where it is generated, to the cities that need it," Rutledge said. "Sen. Reid's bill will encourage renewable energy development in Nevada, create thousands of new, green jobs, and put Nevada on the map as a leader in a clean energy economy."

State utility regulators were cautious on Reid's proposal.

Frederick Butler, chairman of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, said in a statement that the group hopes to work with Reid on the issue. "We are optimistic that our continued dialogue will produce a better outcome for consumers and the environment," he said of the proposal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.

Find this article here.


Also see T. Boone Pickens new ad supporting a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and a new electricity grid. View ad.

US Congress to bundle RES + cap-and-trade + smart grid

How will this delay in enacting a federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) impact the efforts during the 2009 Indiana General Assembly to pass a state RES? Please share your thoughts.

Senate Dems to put energy, emissions bills in one package -- Reid (03/05/2009)

Darren Samuelsohn, E&E senior reporter

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) confirmed today that he will package energy and global warming measures together into one large bill for consideration later this year, a decision that should put to rest questions about whether Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill have different strategies for one of President Obama's top agenda items.

Reid gave only a one-word answer -- "yes" -- when asked whether he planned to wrap a cap-and-trade bill together with separate bills establishing a nationwide renewable electricity standard (RES) and promotion of a modernized grid that can improve energy efficiency, reliability and renewable energy management.

As recently as last week, Reid had spoken of splitting the energy and climate items up into at least three different bills, with the energy provisions moving forward first while holding back on the global warming measure for the late summer. Reid did not elaborate today on his change of plans, and his spokesman, Jim Manley, declined further comment.

But sources tracking the Capitol Hill climate debate said Reid's shift came after a month of intense lobbying for the one-bill strategy that originated with House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).

Waxman first convinced House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on his approach. Pelosi, in turn, got approval from the Obama White House before pitching Reid the idea earlier this week during their weekly conference meeting.

Pelosi went public with her endorsement of Waxman's strategy Tuesday. "I would like to see one bill, which is the energy bill with the cap and trade and the grid piece," she told reporters. "They're the three elements that we have to pass more fully. I'd like to see it as one bill."

As far as timing, Pelosi and Reid have both promised floor votes this year on the global warming and energy measures, though they have been less clear about exactly when that may occur. Waxman has pledged a committee markup by Memorial Day, fueling speculation his measure could be handled by other committees that have jurisdiction on the issue and still be ready for the floor before lawmakers break for their summer recess in August.

Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill today would only point to Waxman's Memorial Day schedule.

In the Senate, Reid had previously said he wanted to hold a floor debate in the spring on energy, while holding back on the climate bill until later this summer.

"This is a big beast, you can't predict the timing," said one former Senate Democratic aide.

Different views on one-bill strategy

There is plenty of different opinions about the one-, two- or even three-bill strategy on and off Capitol Hill.

"Personally, I think they go hand in hand," Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) said in an interview today. "I'm very comfortable putting them together."

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) advocated for the combination strategy as well, saying it helps lawmakers grasp the entire picture of what they are voting on "You can adjust one in order to compensate for changes you might want to make in another," Boucher said. "It does create a broader opportunity for balanced legislating. So I think it's a better way to do it that way."

Anna Aurilio, director of the Washington office of Environment America, said the logistics of the energy and climate legislation should be secondary to passing a measure as fast as possible. That said, she backs a single bill. "We want to get it done," she said. "If it moves together, if it moves separately, we want to get it done. The urgency of solving the problem is paramount, so obviously enacting one bill is easier than enacting separate bills."

But not everyone is on the same page.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said earlier today that he wants to mark up the energy and "smart grid" legislation this month and he still has doubts whether a cap-and-trade bill can move within the same timeframe. "I hate to see all of that sort of held hostage until we can get agreement on a cap-and-trade bill," he told reporters today.

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a critical swing vote for Democrats as they pursue Obama's agenda, said she was not aware of Reid's new position on combining energy and climate. Even so, she said she had some concerns with the approach. "I think you have to be careful not to make things such mega-bills," she said. "You give people plenty of reasons to vote against this."

And Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) also found fault in taking energy and climate change up in one package.

"It's an enormous undertaking," Kyl said. "And I don't think we're anywhere close to having the information necessary to pull all of this off. There's a great error being made here that we really know how to make all this stuff work. It's a bit like running the banking and financial institutions. If you're comfortable with the way we do that, well, then maybe you're comfortable with the way we run the energy system of the entire country I think not."

Reporters Ben Geman and Kate Ling contributed

ALL UTILITY CUSTOMERS NEED RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES

Indiana renewable energy businesses are encouraged that state lawmakers are addressing incentives to promote renewable energy usage. Two bills moving through the Indiana General Assembly will revise and improve the rules to allow consumers to net meter and provide needed tax incentives.

When consumers install a wind turbine or solar energy system to reduce their electric bill, they need their electric utility to credit them for any excess power they generate or net meter. Allowing a customer’s meter to run backwards or net metering is an important policy to promote distributed generation. Wide adoption of renewable distributed generation will help to clean the air, reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and support economic growth. Currently in Indiana only residential customers and K-12 schools are allowed to net meter.

The 2008 Edition of Freeing the Grid, a national report on the status of net metering across the Unites States identifies Indiana among the worst in the U.S. The report states that in Indiana “businesses and other commercial or industrial customers are excluded from net metering. Indiana is now the only state in the nation with this limitation.”

“Not requiring utilities to net meter business and industrial customers is counter productive and just crazy,” said Terry Black, Co-owner of Green Way Supply in Indianapolis. “Why are we are the only state that does not have this incentive to attract new industry?” Duke Energy exceeds the rules established by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and does allow small commercial customers but the other Investor Owned Utilities do not permit net metering for businesses.

“Both proposed net metering laws need further improvement,” said Eric Cotton with ECI Wind and Solar in Fairmount. “Neither net metering bill applies to the REMC’s. 22 other states require net metering for rural electric cooperatives.”

“Not including Indiana’s REMC’s in net metering is a travesty for rural Hoosiers,” says Eric Cotton. “Some of the best opportunities for renewable energy are small wind turbines for farmers. Not including REMC’s creates a disincentive for renewable energy systems in rural areas. For an agricultural state like Indiana this just doesn’t make sense.”

SB 300 and HB 1347, if enacted by the Indiana General Assembly would change the net metering rules to permit all customer classes to net meter including business and industrial customers. The bills do differ in the maximum system size for net metering. SB 300 would permit systems up to 100 kW but HB 1347 would allow for systems up to 1 MW. Currently state rules only permit net metering for systems up to 10 kW.

The past two federal Economic Stimulus bills provide incentives for businesses to install solar and renewable energy systems, a 30% investment tax credit or grants covering 30% of the costs of a system. HB 1347 was amended in the Indiana House of Representatives to add a 15% tax credit for renewable energy manufacturing and a 10% tax credit for businesses investing in renewable energy systems.

“Federal incentives encourage long term investment in clean energy technologies, they help reduce operating costs in businesses willing to invest in them and they will improve our air quality which right now stinks,” added Terry Black. “Congress has taken action and now Indiana needs to do the same.”

Green Way Supply and ECI Wind and Solar are both founding members of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association formed last year. For more information about these companies and other Indiana renewable energy companies see www.indianarenew.org.

Smart grid language probably will be added to federal RES bill; U.S. Senate Committee to hear about 'smart grid'

The federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) bill introduced in the U.S. Senate is likely to be amended to include 'smart grid' language. The committee hears testimony tomorrow morning.

Watch the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Wed., Mar 3 beginning at 10:00 AM.

Full Committee Oversight Hearing: to receive testimony on the process of smart grid initiatives and technologies (SD-106). PLEASE NOTE ROOM CHANGE. The purpose of this oversight hearing is to examine the progress on smart grid initiatives authorized in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and funded in the stimulus bill, and to learn of opportunities and impediments to timely installation of smart grid technologies.

Witnesses
Panel 1
The Honorable Suedeen Kelly , Commissioner , Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Ms. Patricia Hoffman , Department of Energy
Dr. Patrick Gallagher , National Institute of Standards and Technology

Panel 2
The Honorable Frederick Butler , National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
Ms. Katherine Hamilton , GridWise Alliance
Mr. Edward Lu , Google Inc.
Mr. Evan Gaddis , National Electrical Manufacturers Association

March 2, 2009

Senate panel to study details of setting up electric 'smart grid'

By KATHERINE LING, Greenwire

Lawmakers, regulators and industry officials have declared that a "smart grid" is necessary for the nation's energy security and clean energy future, but the technology has yet to be adopted nationwide.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will examine the smart grid dilemma in a hearing tomorrow with discussion on what exactly a smart grid is made up of, the benefits -- including jobs -- it creates and what barriers restrict its implementation.

"Clearly, everyone agrees we should do more," Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said in an interview. "But we know we have to get down to the details of what does that mean." Bingaman said there is likely to be a smart grid component in upcoming energy legislation that he hopes to introduce and mark up in the next four to five weeks.

Despite including $11 billion for smart grid initiatives in the economic stimulus bill, lawmakers, businesses and the public alike are still absorbing what a digitized, intelligent grid could do for renewable energy, consumption behavior and information, and grid operation and efficiency.

Advocates for smart grid technology have been trying to get their voice heard for more than seven years and have welcomed the recent exposure and attention it has received as an enabler of renewable energy. But there is some worry about more near-term applications of smart grid technology getting lost within the transmission and renewable energy discussion.

"Smart grid is much more down on the distribution level that is much easier and cheaper to get to," said Steve Hauser, head of market development at GridPoint, an intelligent energy management company, and a president emeritus at the GridWise Alliance.

In a smart grid hearing last week in the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, Tom Casey, CEO of Current Group LLC -- a smart grid software and analysis company -- took more than five minutes to explain to lawmakers that the smart grid is more than meters seen in residences or devices in appliances.

"A smart grid, in many ways is like an Internet for electricity, a network of devices that are monitored and managed with real-time communications and computer intelligence," Casey said.

Frederick Butler, who is president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and will testify at tomorrow's hearing, is a strong advocate for the smart grid, especially for improving the communication system and other components on the distribution system before pushing smart meters into houses and buildings.

Within the $11 billion allotted for smart grid technology in the stimulus package is $4.5 billion for smart-technology matching grants. A majority of the grants, however, will likely go to smart metering programs since many of those projects are already before public utility commissions and can put the stimulus money to work and create jobs faster.

Barriers

Regulators and utilities have been hesitant to adopt smart grid technology since it is evolving and, like any computer software, can often require costly upgrades. It also currently lacks standards and industry-wide consistency -- all of which could be quite costly to consumers if companies choose technology that becomes obsolete.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently told a Center for American Progress clean energy forum that it is policies and standards, and not technology, that is holding up wider implementation of smart grid technology.

Bingaman is likely to ask representatives of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Institute of Standards and Technology the status of creating smart grid standards for protocols and information management to achieve integration of different smart grid devices and systems as mandated in the 2007 energy bill.

NARUC and FERC also formed a "smart grid collaborative" one year ago to facilitate the implementation of the smart grid. The collaborative -- led by Butler and FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly -- aims to inform federal and state regulators about technological developments and other issues regarding the smart grid and what impacts there could be on consumers.

Smart grid technology also carries significant upfront costs that may end up saving companies and consumers in the long run but can create some barriers at the beginning of the project. Advocates of smart grid technology say Congress should consider more incentives for smart grid investment, including accelerated depreciation.

Copyright 2009 E&E Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

For more news on energy and the environment, visit www.greenwire.com.

Investment in Geothermal Can Create Green Jobs and Reduce Carbon Emissions

WaterFurnace is a founding member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.

Fort Wayne, IN. – President Obama has signed the Economic Stimulus Package and WaterFurnace International can contribute to the nation’s economic recovery with a plan that will create jobs and save energy.

The stimulus package is intended to create and save 3.6 million jobs and jumpstart the economy with economic recovery tax cuts and targeted investments. In addition to putting money back in the pockets of consumers and businesses, the package also includes provisions that will help achieve long-term goals, such as improving energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors.

Among those provisions, the plan calls for a disbursement of $6.9 billion to state and local governments for energy efficiency upgrades and the reduction of carbon emissions. “This could amount to as much as $100 million in the state of Indiana,” said Bruce Ritchey, CEO of Indiana-based WaterFurnace Renewable Energy, Inc., a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps.

By investing a portion of this $100 million in rebates or low interest loans to homeowners who replace their old fossil fuel or straight electric furnaces with geothermal heat pumps the country would definitely make progress toward the goals of the stimulus package. WaterFurnace notes that Indiana and other states in the country that have invested in similar programs were able to create hundreds of “green collar jobs” while significantly increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

According to Ritchey, a $2,000 rebate on the purchase of a geothermal heat pump or availability of low interest loans, would generate 200 heat pump sales every month in Indiana, or 2,400 unit sales at the end of the first year. “At the same time, every 18 installations would create one new job. At the end of the first year that means we will have created 133 new green collar jobs (2,400 units divided by 18 installations per job). At $2,000 per unit, the total cost of a job creation/energy efficiency rebate program in the state of Indiana would be $4.8 million over the course of a year.”

In addition to creating jobs, the rebate program and the ensuing installation of geothermal heat pumps would cut an average four metric tons of carbon emissions per year per unit.“If you multiply those reductions by the average unit life of 24.4 years, that means that 97.6 metric tons of emissions could be eliminated over the lifetime of each unit, and 234,240 tons over the lifetime of the 2,400 units sold through the rebate program,” said Ritchey.

Looking beyond Indiana to a national rebate program, Ritchey added, “If every state would take just five percent of the funding available through the energy efficiency portion of the stimulus package and invest it in a geothermal incentive, I can’t think of a faster, more cost effective, greener way to put people back to work, save fossil fuel, reduce carbon emissions and save homeowners thousands of dollars per year for the next 24.4 years. It’s the stimulus that keeps on stimulating.”

The heating and air conditioning industry has been hit hard by the recession, the collapse of the new construction market and the lack of consumer financing have slammed the industry over the past two years. Sales of heating systems were down to the levels not seen since 1970. The stimulus package is vital to this industry.

All geothermal heat pumps are built right here in the United States, (Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and New York). Geothermal systems are installed and saving energy and the environment in all 50 states and are being exported around the globe. Every unit requires 24 hours of good paying manufacturing labor and 32 hours of installation labor for the small businesses across the country that install the systems (heating and air conditioning contractors, electricians, plumbers, excavators and drilling machine operators). All of those businesses are hurting right now and are available and able to start installing this green technology in homes across the US immediately.

WaterFurnace International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps. Products from WaterFurnace include energy-efficient and environmentally friendly geothermal comfort systems, indoor air quality products and pool heaters. WaterFurnace (TSX:WFI) was founded in 1983, the company is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind.

See http://www.waterfurnace.com/.

Companies Across U.S. Poised for Growth Under Cap on Carbon

Congragulations to InREA member Bill Keith with SunRise Solar for his participation in Vice President Joe Biden's Task Force.

Online Map Unveiled at Vice Presidential Task Force Profiles 1,200 Companies in Manufacturing States, Demonstrates Potential for Massive Jobs Expansion to Build Climate Solutions

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Environmental Defense Fund today released a groundbreaking online map that identifies and profiles more than 1,200 companies in key manufacturing states poised to grow their business and create new jobs when Congress passes a cap on global warming pollution.

The interactive map, online at LessCarbonMoreJobs.org, was released at the first meeting of Vice President Joe Biden's task force on middle class jobs in Philadelphia. It highlights hundreds of companies and communities in coal country, the rust belt and other manufacturing regions poised to benefit from demand for clean energy technologies created by a cap on carbon.

Vice President Biden hosted EDF President Fred Krupp and a range of experts to highlight new ways to increase renewable energy jobs and improve America's energy efficiency. Krupp said EDF's map shows that a carbon cap will create new markets and new customers for companies in the supply chain for low-carbon energy technologies and services.

"Our nation is rich with a skilled and dedicated workforce waiting for the economic opportunity that comes with a cap on carbon, especially in the current economy," said Krupp. "A cap creates customers for U.S. manufacturers, and new customers mean new jobs. If there was ever a time we needed new customers at home and abroad, that time is now."

LessCarbonMoreJobs.org identifies the locations, products, and services as well as select case studies and worker profiles for companies in 12 states: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Hampshire, Arkansas, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, Virginia and Florida.

Jackie Roberts, Director of Sustainable Technologies for EDF, spearheaded the research behind the website. "These maps tell the story of how a cap can fuel economic growth in the heartland while reducing America's global warming pollution," Roberts said. "There is a manufacturing boom ready to happen, and a cap will help ignite that spark."

LessCarbonMoreJobs.org allows visitors to search by state, Congressional district and media market to find companies manufacturing windmill components, shipping solar panel equipment and installing energy efficient building materials. The site also provides business details and contact information for companies in each profiled state.

Among the business leaders highlighted is Jeff Metts, owner and president of Dowding Industries, a Michigan-based manufacturer of large-scale machinery and parts that is hiring laid-off auto workers to build wind turbine components.

"This business is growing exponentially," Metts said. "I don't come here as the owner of a company that last year employed 250 people, I come here excited about being the owner of a company that will create hundreds of jobs for our community and the possibility of thousands of jobs for our state in this new energy market. We've tapped into a workforce eager to apply their skills from previous jobs to our new ventures, and the result has been incredible. We're ready to do much more."

Abe Breehey, Director of Legislative Affairs for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, said, "The demand for climate solutions will create job opportunities across the economy. We can put American ingenuity and skills to work to reduce emissions, with all the necessary labor and materials to make it happen. With the right market signals, we can turn the jobs union members do everyday into the environmental solutions our nation needs to meet this enormous challenge."

Bill Keith, president of the St. John, Indiana-based Sunrise Solar, Inc., echoed Breehey's comments.

"We're producing solar-powered attic fans, trying to keep up with a demand that's skyrocketing," Keith said. "We saw a market for energy efficient products and technologies that help consumers reduce their energy consumption, and we've been greeted with overwhelming support and demand. But we know there's much more to do. We are hoping that Congress finally puts the economy on a path to embrace these technologies. My operation is ready to grow, and I know others companies like mine are ready too."

Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.

Bill Keith, President of SunRise Solar Inc., is a founding member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association. See www.sunrisesolar.net.