The Second Annual Clean Energy Fair is now in its early planning stages. More information will be available shortly.

Posted by monty at 09:05 AM | Permalink

At long last it seems we’ve put the question about global warming to rest. After all, the ten warmest years in modern history have occurred in the last 14 years – i.e., since 1991. As Al Gore points out in his new movie, An Inconvenient Truth, out of 925 recent articles about global warming in peer-review scientific journals, there was no disagreement. Zero. Happily, this scientific consensus is now filtering into the media and public consciousness and it is likely we’ll see more significant changes in energy policy at the state and federal level.

But in reality, it can be pretty depressing. Global warming is a lot like my own mortality. I prefer not to think about it. Oh sure, the bigger impacts like the melting of the polar ice caps bothers me, as do larger and more powerful storms and drought in many parts of the world. But I’m really affected at a deeper level when I think about global warming’s personal effects on my life in Gloucester.

I think about how in 15 years we won’t be skating every winter weekend on Magnolia’s West Pond, playing hockey with my kids and grandkids. I think about how we won’t be able to enjoy the beach because sea level rise has wiped out most of it, except at low tide. And I wonder how we’ll deal with the loss of homeowner insurance when the industry decides that we live too close to the coast to insure.

I’m not much of a worrier. But if you ponder the implications too much, you could really get twisted. Think about how climate change and sea level rise could affect Cape Ann. With ten feet of sea level rise – perfectly plausible under current scientific understanding -- Gloucester’s wastewater treatment plant, high school, the boulevard, and most of Rogers Street would nearly be under water. And with warmer ocean temperatures, we’re bound to have bigger and bigger storms. And then there’s the cost of energy – my electricity bill already tops $100 per month.

But I refuse to wallow in my discontent. Just like I exercise and try to eat good foods in an effort to push back my own demise a few years, I’ve been trying to reduce our family’s energy use. We installed a wood-burning stove last winter that cut our oil use and carbon dioxide emissions in half – and saved $900 to boot. We’ve installed 12 energy efficient bulbs, reducing our electricity use helping to keep our bill from rising to stratospheric heights. And I’m trying to stay under 65 mph on 128 – after all, every 5 mph slower you drive reduces fuel consumption and saves you 10 cents per gallon thanks to improved efficiency and lower aerodynamic drag.

And I feeling a bit less glum having just read an article in the July/August issue of MIT’s Technology Review, which says that immediate steps to sharply reduce emissions could still prevent the worst consequences of global warming. So just as I’ll get out to play basketball with a bunch of my buddies this summer -- to stave off the spare tire that wants to grow around my waste -- I’ll be searching for additional ways to reduce my energy use. After all, who could stand for a summer of discontent on Cape Ann – its just too gorgeous around here to mope, or in seamen’s terms, to stay stuck in irons!

Tim Greiner lives and plays pond hockey in Gloucester. He is the coordinator of the Cape Ann Climate Action Network (www.capeannenergy.org). His next My View will detail steps readers can take to to do their part.

Posted by monty at 09:03 AM | Permalink

Despite 70 mile-per-hour winds and driving rain, more than 1,000 people attended the first every Cape Ann Clean Energy Fair on October 28th, 2006. The Fair, which featured 38 vendors, six speakers, youth activities, and even an energy cinema filled homeowners, business owners, teens, politicians, and other attendees with new knowledge and solutions, and excitement. Fair organizers attributed the turnout to concern of the “perfect storm” of three energy issues: climate change, energy independence, and rising energy costs.

“You could just feel the buzz and energy as you walked the floor. People appreciated the diversity of vendors and educational speakers we put together,” said Fair Volunteer Coordinator Tesa Silvestre.

With a wide range of energy professionals – including solar power installers, energy conservation services, appliance and lighting vendors, architects and builders – there was something for anyone looking for the latest technology and cost saving energy ideas. The Green Cinema center, live music, youth painting, the chance to make a solar oven, and much much more made the event more than just a well organized trade show. Indeed, the youth booths and activities added a touch of inspiration, excitement and creativity for everyone to enjoy.

At the Fair, fair organizers unveiled a new campaign called 20/20 by 2012. Motivated by concerns over climate change, energy independence and energy costs, the campaign calls for citizens, government, and business to reduce their energy use by 20% and source 20% of their remaining energy use from renewable sources by 2012.

Seventy-eight businesses and citizens signed the pledge at the Fair and a dozen more in the week following it! In the coming months, Cape Ann Climate Change Network and Sustainable Cape Ann will provide tools and resources to people and organizations that take the pledge. According to Tim Greiner, coordinator of Network, “There really is no other program like this on the North Shore. We will be tapping into the free resources available to people and organizations that take the pledge – from utility energy audits to renewable energy grants. So many of us on Cape Ann want to make a difference in how we use energy. This campaign is a terrific place for people to get started, learn more, and to share their successes.”

Posted by Tim Greiner at 09:12 AM | Permalink

The Gloucester Renewable Energy Committee and the Community Development Department drafted a new Lighting Conservation Ordinance to:

1) Increase visibility and safety by reducing glare and light trespass from newly installed outdoor lights and streetlights;

2) Reduce energy waste and pollution by replacing inefficient outdoor fixtures with well-designed, lower-wattage outdoor fixtures that "puts the light where you need it"; and

3) Save Gloucester taxpayers money through reduced street light and public outdoor lighting bills.

For a terrific powerpoint slide show on the benefits of conservation lighting as well as the good, the bad and the ugly of lighting in Gloucester, see:
http://atmob.org/~light/lightpollution.ppt

To learn more, contact Linda Brayton at lbrayton@adelphia.net

Posted by Tim Greiner at 08:53 AM | Permalink

Cape Ann’s First Ever Clean Energy Fair
$mart Ideas for $aving Money – Smart Choices for Cape Ann
Sponsorships & Vendor Booths Available – Free Admission & Parking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Gloucester – Cape Ann Climate Change Network, Sawyer Free Library, the City of Gloucester and Sustainable Cape Ann announced today that they will present Cape Ann’s first ever Clean Energy Fair to be held at the Gloucester Public High School Field House on Saturday, October 28th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fair presenters define Clean energy as energy generated from renewable energy sources that are environmentally friendly such as solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower. All services, products and processes used to increase the efficiency of traditional sources are considered cleaner alternatives and are welcome at the fair.
Planned activities include:

• Speakers addressing energy conservation, clean energy and climate change
• Jonathan Abe, Mass. Technology Collaborative – grants and credits available for homeowners and businesses
• Marc Breslow, Mass. Climate Change Network – how homeowners can save on their energy bills
• Fred Schlicher, Cape Ann Climate Change Network – benefits of participating in National Grid’s GreenUp program
• Rick Johnson, Varian Semiconductor – current status of wind energy project proposal Demonstrations, displays and information booths

“Every Cape Ann homeowner, business owner and renter will benefit from attending this fair,” said Roger Brisson Director of the Sawyer Free Library. “We have worked hard to feature the latest on Global Warming, tips on how to save on energy bills, up-to-date details on grants and tax credits available for solar and wind installations and, of course, a bit of inspiration on how to live more sustainable lives.”

Cape Ann and North Shore businesses that manufacture, sell or service renewable energy products, contractors and installers that help home owners and businesses improve building energy efficiency along with electricians, engineers, lighting designers and space heating & cooling services are invited to exhibit their goods and services at this event. Pipe and drape display booths are available for $200 and individual display tables are available for $75. Participation fees and sponsorships at a variety of levels are being offered to ensure the involvement of both large and small companies – utilizing over 15,000 square feet of available display space. To find out more about the event including sponsorship opportunities and booth space available see this page. or call Eva Tasaki at (978) 281-0478.

Posted by monty at 06:12 PM | Permalink

Gloucester Daily Times Editorial Page
Published: September 14, 2006 12:00 am

Cape Ann is not going to solve the country's energy problems. But the region is doing its part, showing some encouraging initiatives to use renewable energy in its corner of the world.
In Gloucester, the new solar-powered trash compactor known as Big Belly is now in place on Stacy Boulevard, the scenic harbor walkway. The unit, which weighs about 400 pounds, can store three times the amount of trash as a conventional barrel, by crushing 180 gallons into about 46 gallons. Sensors inside the unit, powered by solar energy, trigger the compacting mechanism and also signal when the unit needs to be emptied.

It comes with a vastly bigger price tag than a conventional trash barrel, too, about $4,700. But that cost was covered by residents who signed up for National Grid's GreenUp program by agreeing to add a few dollars to their monthly electric bill. That money was matched by the Clear Energy Choice program.

And it has already been shown to be effective in nearby Manchester, where officials say a Big Belly at Singing Beach has eliminated their trash overflow problems.

And on the renewable front, the Rockport School Committee and Department of Public Works have agreed to erect a 164-foot wind data collection tower near the high school softball field. The yearlong study will let the town know if a wind turbine would be a worthwhile energy investment.

The chances of that look good. According to Sally Wright, of the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Research Laboratory, Rockport has some of the most favorable wind speeds in the state.

Of course, there are concerns besides wind speed, noise and aesthetics among them. But with a proposed tower more than 900 feet from the closest residence, officials are hopeful that they will get community support.

Besides saving on the local energy bill - something every community would welcome - it will also offer the chance for students to study wind power right in the school's backyard.

Posted by Tim Greiner at 12:56 PM | Permalink

At long last it seems we’ve put the question about global warming to rest. After all, the ten warmest years in modern history have occurred in the last 14 years – i.e., since 1991. As Al Gore points out in his new movie, An Inconvenient Truth, out of 925 recent articles about global warming in peer-review scientific journals, there was no disagreement. Zero. Happily, this scientific consensus is now filtering into the media and public consciousness and it is likely we’ll see more significant changes in energy policy at the state and federal level.

But in reality, it can be pretty depressing. Global warming is a lot like my own mortality. I prefer not to think about it. Oh sure, the bigger impacts like the melting of the polar ice caps bothers me, as do larger and more powerful storms and drought in many parts of the world. But I’m really affected at a deeper level when I think about global warming’s personal effects on my life in Gloucester.

I think about how in 15 years we won’t be skating every winter weekend on Magnolia’s West Pond, playing hockey with my kids and grandkids. I think about how we won’t be able to enjoy the beach because sea level rise has wiped out most of it, except at low tide. And I wonder how we’ll deal with the loss of homeowner insurance when the industry decides that we live too close to the coast to insure.

I’m not much of a worrier. But if you ponder the implications too much, you could really get twisted. Think about how climate change and sea level rise could affect Cape Ann. With ten feet of sea level rise – perfectly plausible under current scientific understanding -- Gloucester’s wastewater treatment plant, high school, the boulevard, and most of Rogers Street would nearly be under water. And with warmer ocean temperatures, we’re bound to have bigger and bigger storms. And then there’s the cost of energy – my electricity bill already tops $100 per month.

But I refuse to wallow in my discontent. Just like I exercise and try to eat good foods in an effort to push back my own demise a few years, I’ve been trying to reduce our family’s energy use. We installed a wood-burning stove last winter that cut our oil use and carbon dioxide emissions in half – and saved $900 to boot. We’ve installed 12 energy efficient bulbs, reducing our electricity use helping to keep our bill from rising to stratospheric heights. And I’m trying to stay under 65 mph on 128 – after all, every 5 mph slower you drive reduces fuel consumption and saves you 10 cents per gallon thanks to improved efficiency and lower aerodynamic drag.

And I feeling a bit less glum having just read an article in the July/August issue of MIT’s Technology Review, which says that immediate steps to sharply reduce emissions could still prevent the worst consequences of global warming. So just as I’ll get out to play basketball with a bunch of my buddies this summer -- to stave off the spare tire that wants to grow around my waste -- I’ll be searching for additional ways to reduce my energy use. After all, who could stand for a summer of discontent on Cape Ann – its just too gorgeous around here to mope, or in seamen’s terms, to stay stuck in irons!

Appeared in the Gloucester Daily Times August 8, 2006
Tim Greiner lives and plays pond hockey in Gloucester. He is the coordinator of the Cape Ann Climate Action Network (www.capeannenergy.org). His next My View will detail steps readers can take to to do their part

Posted by Tim Greiner at 10:04 AM | Permalink

Rebates for Small Renewable Projects (10 kW or less)

OVERVIEW
This solicitation invites applications for rebates of up to $50,000 for design & construction of renewable energy projects that are up to 10 kilowatts and located at residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public facilities that will consume 90% or more of the renewable energy generated by the project on-site.

The applicant and project site must be a customer of a Massachusetts investor-owned electric distribution utility. The grant awards may be used to facilitate the installation of renewable energy projects on existing buildings (retrofits) or in conjunction with new construction/major renovation projects, including green buildings. For systems above 10 kW applicants are encouraged to apply for funding through the MTC Large Onsite Renewables Initiative. Click here for more info

Posted by monty at 10:21 PM | Permalink

PBS Kids has developed Eekoworld (Environmental Education for Kids Online). This interactive Website for kids age 6-9 presents the environmental issues facing us today and shows kids how they can help take care of the earth. Animated characters use games and activities to present facts about ecosystems and pollution. The site made up of two main interactive games: EekoCreature and EekoHouse. In one, children can build their own "EekoCreature" and help it overcome environmental problems. The second, EekoHouse, invites children to explore a house that shows how decisions they make affect the environment and their EekoCreature.

Posted by monty at 08:52 AM | Permalink

HullWind.org explains what its like for one coastal community that has embraced renewable wind energy. The town of Hull was the first community to install a wind turbine on the East Coast. At hullwind.org, you can learn how the turbine has been embraced by the community and about plans to build a second turbine. The site contains many links with information on wind power, pictures of the Hull turbine, and video interviews of members of the community. Photo by Brian Tague.

Posted by monty at 08:19 AM | Permalink

For anyone who might have missed it, below is a copy of Jerry Oppenheim and Theo MacGregor's 10/27/05 Letter to the Editor in the Gloucester Daily Times. Visit Theo and Jerry's website here.

America needs a new energy policy

To the editor:
Your editorial of Sept. 29 on a "sensible, reasoned energy policy" included a nod to conservation, but that is where the reason seems to end. The policy recommendations focus on increasing supplies of oil and natural gas at the expense of the environment, including drilling in Alaska. The editorial asserts that "modern technology can extract vast quantities of oil from a minimal footprint on the environment," but that this has been opposed by "concerns over caribou living in a wilderness that few will ever see win the day." However, the U.S. Geological Service estimates that only seven months of economically recoverable oil exists in the Arctic National Wildlife refuge, and it would take 10 years to get it. As for a "small footprint," according to the National Resources Defense Council, "U.S. Geological Survey studies have found that oil in the refuge isn't concentrated in a single, large reservoir. Rather, it's spread across the coastal plain in more than 30 small deposits, which would ... fragment the habitat, disturbing and displacing wildlife."

Continue reading "America's Energy Policy: A letter to the editor" »

Posted by monty at 11:40 AM | Permalink

From the Renewable Energy Trust website:

Varian Semiconductor Equipment seeks to investigate the feasibility of employing wind energy to power their world headquarters facility in the Blackburn Industrial Park in Gloucester. Varian designs, manufactures and services semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. A growing operation in Gloucester is expected to demand larger electric loads. According to wind speed maps, Varian’s site possesses wind resources to make a large wind turbine viable. This award will assist with the installation a meteorological instrumentation to measure the wind resource at this location and determine the economic feasibility of installing a wind turbine. In addition to a financial assessment, the study will include analysis of avian impacts, electrical interconnection, and a photo-simulation.

Visit their site to read the Feasibility Study.

Posted by monty at 11:16 AM | Permalink

From The Gloucester Times, Friday, October 21, 2005
+++
Feeling green?

A local advocacy group is trying to encourage more of that on Cape Ann.

The Cape Ann Climate Change Network, a group of residents formed three years ago, has been advocating for conservation, awareness of global warming and local solutions to energy dependence.

"It's a group of interested people, some with technical backgrounds, some with a strong interest in climate change and energy efficiency, energy security,looking at how Cape Ann could move toward energy efficiency," said Timothy Greiner, the group's leader. "There's a huge interest in energy efficiency because of Katrina and the recent rise in all kinds of energy prices."

Continue reading "Network urges residents to consider renewable sources of energy" »

Posted by monty at 09:14 AM | Permalink

Green Up: You Can Make A Difference!
GreenUp allows you to choose cleaner, healthier electricity right on your regular utility bill and is available to all Massachusetts Electric residential and small commercial customers. The GreenUp program drives regional clean energy development by making payments to renewable wind, solar, biomass, and small hydro producers.

Local Communities Benefit from the Program!

For every dollar a spent on renewable energy, the Massachusetts Technology Colaborative will match it in two ways:

• Up to one dollar will go to the town or city for renewable energy educational materials or projects.
• Up to one additional dollar will go to low-income renewable and energy efficiency projects.

How Much Will A Town Receive?

If, for example, a consumer pays $12 per month for renewable electricity and MTC matches 50%, MTC will provide $6 per month or $72 per year to that consumers community and an additional $6 per month for low-income projects. As you can see below, this can quickly add up: If there are 10 participants each of whose purchases is matched $6 monthly, MTC will provide $720 each year to the community.

• If there are 25 participants, MTC will provide $1,800.
• If there are 100 participants, MTC will provide $7,200.
• If there are 300 participants, MTC will provide $21,600.

Sign Up Before December 31st 2005!!!

If the town gets 3% of households to sign up by January 1, 2006, it gets a one time payment for renewable energy education & projects:

How Much Will it Cost Me?

For a typical Massachusetts home that uses 500 kilowatt-hours per month, participating in GreenUp with Community Energy will add $6 to $12 per month to your electric bill, depending on which option you choose. Please note this cost is tax deductible.

How do I sign up?

Signing up is easy. Look in your October Bill for an enrolement form or download a pdf of the form here. Cape Ann Climate Change Network thanks you for your support of the GreenUp program. We can make a difference!

Posted by monty at 04:18 PM | Permalink

Many of us on Cape Ann are aware that our dependence on fossil fuels is causing air and water pollution and health problems as well as forcing us to build pipelines that degrade the ecological systems that support life. At the same time, fossil fuel dependence means reliance and political ties to many non-democratic régimes. The Cape Ann Climate Change Network (C3 Network) is a network of Cape Ann residents, businesses, and government officials working to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and minimize our emissions of greenhouse gas emissions.

Our goals are to:

• educate the community on the perils of global warming and the impacts of US dependence on fossil fuel energy;


• initiate business and government projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;


• promote strategies to mitigate our personal contributions to global warming;


• increase the affordability of energy services (heat, electricity) through conservation and efficiency efforts; and


• increase our use of renewable resources.

Posted by monty at 04:04 PM | Permalink

To Cape Ann Energy

Recent events have brought a sharp focus on this country's need to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. While this has been an issue for some time, these recent events have made this issue more prominent for all Americans. When you combine the increased costs, and the environmental impacts that this consumption creates, it is clear that it is in all of our interests to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. In Gloucester we have been working on this issue for some time, and have approached the issue on several fronts.

The first approach is to reduce consumption, and we have approached this through our citizens, our government, and our facilities. The School Committee has brought on facility management staff and consultants, who will be able to change behavioral aspects of staff and reduce energy needs by a third. I have asked all of my managers to consider their operations and report to our Department of Public Works Director on ways that we can also reduce consumption in our operations. This will look at everything from idling vehicles to turning off computers at night. The City also continues to look for other ways to encourage conservation.

I have also appointed an energy committee called the Gloucester Renewable Energy Committee. The group helps Gloucester consider alternative energy sources and encourage their use. The group has already been briefed on the proposal at Varian to locate wind turbines. It has also contacted the Massachusetts Technology Council to further evaluate wind resources with the goal of possibly locating a facility to supply a City facility. The Committee is also promoting the Clean Energy Choice program. This program involves consumers opting to purchase their electricity from a clean energy source. There is a cost associated with this, but it also allows for a portion of these funds to come back to the community to be spent in furtherance of the use clean energy sources and the education of its citizens. The more citizens that participate in this program increases the grant amount that comes back to the community to support these efforts.

Clearly there still is much work to be done. I encourage all residents of our City, its businesses and institutions to look for ways that you can help to reduce our consumption and encourage our use of renewable sources of energy. Together we can be a leader, addressing these important issues for our community and our country.

Posted by monty at 03:54 PM | Permalink

Think of it as the Kyoto Protocol for your car.

You can learn more about this program at www.terrapass.com

Posted by monty at 11:31 AM | Permalink

October 5, 2005

Senator Bruce Tarr
Room 313-A
State House
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Senator Tarr,

We are writing to encourage you to support the Energy Efficiency Standards bill, HB 4299 now in the State Senate, and to help move the bill through the Senate. As you know, greater energy efficiency standards would save consumers and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars on their electricity and natural gas bills, while improving air quality and reliability of the electricity grid here in the Commonwealth, and cutting global warming emissions.

We on Cape Ann recognize the importance of this issue and appreciate the leadership you have provided on energy and environmental matters. Your recent sponsorship of the bill on hybrids is a great example of this.

HB 4299 passed in the House by an overwhelming majority. We hope your leadership will help the bill gain victory in the Senate as well.

Sincerely,

Cape Ann Climate Action Network
47R Englewood Rd
Gloucester, MA 01930
www.capeannenergy.org

Posted by monty at 04:23 PM | Permalink

If adding solar power to your home or business is of interest to you, there are rebates available.

This from Mass Energy Consumers Alliance:

The Mass. Technology Collaborative is seeking applications for its "Small Renewables Initiative. They invite rebate applications of up to $50,000 for design and construction of renewable energy projects that are up to 10 kilowatts in size. For systems above 10 kW, look for details on MTC's upcoming Large Renewables Initiative.

Click here for more info.

Posted by monty at 11:07 AM | Permalink

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has been working with ten communities in the North Shore region to provide technical and educational assistance for the siting of onshore wind turbines with the goal of increasing public acceptability for these projects. The goal of this work is to create an integration strategy for renewable energy into the regional growth strategy. The communities in the study include Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Rockport, Salem and Swampscott.

The North Shore Wind project has generated considerable interest by communities around the North Shore. Both Swampscott and Gloucester have just appointed Renewable Energy Committees, which will allow them access to free technical assistance from the UMass Renewable Energy Lab to investigate potential wind turbine sites. Beverly, Rockport and Salem will have follow up presentations from the Community Wind Collaborative this summer, to learn more about the program and then consider appointing Renewable Energy Committees of their own. Working with Community Wind, Eastham, Falmouth, Orleans and Lynn have all appointed Renewable Energy Committees and erected MET towers to test wind sites. The Lynn City Council will consider adopting the MAPC-drafted wind turbine siting ordinance this summer. Read more and see the wind maps for the North Shore communities here...

Posted by monty at 10:06 AM | Permalink

Our climate is changing and we need to take concrete actions today to head off the damaging effects of global warming. Right now, power plants have no limits on their emissions of greenhouse gases. And since action at the federal level is unlikely, we need local and state government to provide the leadership on this issue. Hats off to Salem's mayor, Stanley J. Usovicz, Mayor Bell, and other political leaders on the North Shore for taking a stand!

Read the Boston Globe article here.

Posted by monty at 10:15 AM | Permalink