Energy Notes
Bad news:
- In a survey of 175 Missouri utilities conducted by the DNR Energy Center in 2002, only 3 percent indicated plans to offer a renewable or alternative energy program or service. (Governor’s Energy Policy Council Report, June, 2003).
- In a newly released study from the Union of Concerned Scientists, Missouri received a grade of “F” and is one of six states listed in the “Hall of Shame” for a lack of commitment to renewable electricity. Thirty-four states received failing grades of D or F for their lack of commitment to renewable electricity. (Commitment was measured by the projected results of renewable electricity standards for electric companies, current renewable energy generation, and dedicated renewable electricity funds). (“Renewing Where We Live,” Union of Concerned Scientists, 2002).
- Great Plains Power, more commonly known as Kansas City Power and Light, has applied for a water quality permit needed to build a large new coal-burning power plant north of Kansas City in Platte County. Wetlands, groundwater, and air quality will be impacted by this plant if it is built.
Good news:
- DNR has gotten a grant to do an improved map of wind resources in Missouri. The DNR Energy Center can now loan measuring equipment, complete with a tower to put it on, to people who have a windy location on their property. Renewable energy experts think this study may be a boon for promoting wind power in Missouri. If interesting in participating call Rick Anderson at 573-751-3443.
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (D) has announced a plan for $50 million in state investments in renewable energy as a part of his proposed Iowa Values Fund. The $50 million for renewable energy will be designated for the following initiatives:
- $10 million to help school districts use wind technology to produce renewable energy;
- $10 million for grants and loans to develop transmission and distribution systems for wind energy;
- $10 million for constructing wind generation facilities;
- $5 million to the Iowa Energy Center to construct distributed small renewable energy systems;
- $10 million to encourage the use of biomass-powered electrical systems; and
- $5 million for grants to purchase and install anaerobic digestive systems;
“This is a win-win situation,” Vilsack said. “Energy-efficient schools use less energy and save money.” (from a press release forwarded by Bill Roush)
The Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, founded by Lew Green, has taken an interest in helping the Kentucky Chapter fight a coal burning power plant that will impair the air quality in Mammoth Cave National Park. The Thoroughbred plant is proposed by Peabody Coal, (Peabody Energy), headquartered in St. Louis.