Greenbytes: August 16, 2004 Edition

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Feature: NE States Stepping to Plate on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Power

From energy-saving vending machines in Maine, to energy efficient buildings in New Hampshire to renewable power in Rhode Island and Connecticut, the New England states are all getting serious about fostering energy efficiency and ‘clean’ energy sources within their borders.

As part of their commitment to reduce air pollution and meet greenhouse gas reduction goals set by the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers in 2001, the region’s six state governments are adopting various strategies and programs to reduce their overall emissions and, in many cases, save money at the same time. Among the recent highlights:

In addition to distributing 3,700 energy-saving LED traffic bulbs to municipalities, Maine recently announced the purchase of 100 percent renewable electricity for 750 state accounts. The extra cost will be offset by making energy efficiency upgrades at state buildings, including the recent installation of VendingMisers in all state building vending machines which has resulted in a 46 percent cut in their energy use.

Massachusetts recently completed an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions at all state buildings and has pledged to reduce them by 25 percent by 2012, saving the state millions of dollars per year in their energy bills.

New Hampshire is saving more than $1 million a year on its energy bills due to recent energy-saving upgrades at more than two-dozen state buildings. The work is being done through a performance contracting mechanism which simplifies the upgrade work and improves efficiency.

Rhode Island recently approved a renewable energy portfolio standard which requires electricity suppliers to purchase an increasing percentage of renewable energy every year, reaching 16 percent by 2020.

The Connecticut governor issued an executive order calling for state agencies to purchase 20 percent clean energy by 2010 and 50 percent by 2020. The commitment is the largest state purchase of clean energy in New England to date.

Efficiency Vermont, the first state energy efficiency utility in the country, last year saved 54 million kilowatt hours of electricity and prevented 594,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Each kilowatt saved cost Vermont ratepayers only 2.6 cents – a fraction of what it would have cost to purchase that power on the market.

All told, the New England states have been among the nation’s leaders when it comes to public investments in energy efficiency – committing nearly $250 million in 2003 alone.

For more information on energy-related activities, visit EPA NE’s web site at www.epa.gov/region1/topics/envpractice/eefficiency.html or visit the following state web sites:

Connecticut – www.ctclimatechange.com
Maine – www.maine.gov/dep/air/globalwarming/index.htm
Massachusetts – www.mass.gov/ocd/climate.html
New Hampshire – www.des.state.nh.us/ard/climatechange/index.html
Rhode Island – www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bpoladm/stratpp/greenhos.htm
Vermont – www.vermont.gov/tools/whatsnew2/index.php?topic=ExecutiveOrders
&id=249&v=Article

Press Releases

Town of Belmont To Pay Fine For Oil Spill at Elementary School

Meat Processing Co. to Pay $26,000 to Settle Clean Air Act Case At New Hampshire Facility

Three NH Companies Agree to Pay Fine to Settle EPA Complaint; Case is Part of EPA Push to Improve Compliance with Stormwater Regulations

Portfields Project Helps Economy and Environment of Harbor - New Bedford Harbor Portfields Partners Announce $5 Million for Navigational Dredging and EPA Launches New PCB Harbor Cleanup Facility at Open House and Ribbon Cutting

Connecticut Property Manager Agrees to $215,000 Settlement for Violating Lead Laws

Sites in Corrina, Maine and Lowell, Mass. Recognized at Redevelopment Conference

EPA Files Complaint Against Oil Terminal in Revere Over Lapsed Storm Water Permit

EPA Lists Corinth, Vermont Mine Site to Superfund List

Events and conferences are not archived. Please refer to the Regional Calendar for upcoming events and conferences.

Electronic Waste and eCycling - updated site

Honors Attorney Fellowship - application deadline sept 24

New London Submarine Superfund Site - files added

Norwood PCBs Superfund Site - files added

OMSAP - updated meetings section

Performance Track - open season info

ReUse Guide - site updated

"In The News" is a free daily service that provides links to today's top newspaper stories about the New England environment and links to related EPA New England information.

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