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.