Brown to Green: Make the Connection to Renewable Energy
Santa Fe, New Mexico, December 10 - 11, 2008
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Summary
EPA and State of New Mexico Energy, Minerals, & Natural Resources Department and Environment Department - hosted a one-and-a-half-day workshop focusing on reusing contaminated or previously contaminated properties for renewable energy production - solar, wind, geothermal and biomass. The goal of the workshop was to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to identify and discuss the unique opportunities and potential obstacles for siting renewable energy projects on contaminated or previously contaminated properties.
Approximately 200 people gathered in Santa Fe at the Inn & Spa of Loretto, including renewable energy experts, landowners, manufacturers, developers, financiers, consultants, utilities, governmental agencies (Federal, State, Tribal, county, local), academia, and community groups. They shared experiences and perspectives on renewable energy development and heard presentations on topics such as:
- EPA’s National Renewable Energy Development Initiative for siting renewable energy projects on contaminated or previously contaminated properties and mining sites
- New Mexico's Clean Energy Initiatives - renewable energy portfolio standards, production and other tax credits, green power purchasing, etc.
- Common Elements of Success - What makes the deal work at contaminated properties from developer, financier, and landowner perspectives (e.g., infrastructure, financial incentives, location, technical feasibility, etc.)
- State and federal regulatory considerations - identify regulatory concerns/encumbrances and means for resolution, along with integration of renewable energy development into reclamation/closure plans and permits, etc.
- Tribal projects in renewable energy development
- Unique sources of funding to help assist with renewable energy projects
- Case studies of on-the-ground renewable energy development projects, success stories, and lessons learned
Presentations
Renewable Energy on Contaminated Lands: Mine sites, Landfills, Brownfields, Superfund, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), etc.
- EPA's Renewable Energy Initiatives on Contaminated Lands
- Solar America Cities: Accelerating Solar on a Local Level
Common Elements for Success: What Makes the Deal Work at Contaminated Sites
- Infrastructure Considerations
- Financial Considerations
State/Federal Regulatory Considerations
- EPA Tools to Encourage Redevelopment/Reuse of Contaminated Lands
- Brown to Green - New Mexico Environment Department
- New Mexico Environment Department: A few more things to keep in mind
- State/Federal Regulatory Considerations
Renewable Energy on Tribal Lands
- Pueblo of Jemez Solar Project
- Green Development in Native Communities
- Tribal Energy Program: Renewable Energy Development on Tribal Lands