SIERRA SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE: LOCALIZE ENERGY
Plug-In to LocaVolt Movement
Released
on: September 23, 2008, 4:02 am
Press Release Author: Velocity7
Industry:
Environment
Press
Release Summary: Rick Phelps, Executive Director of the nonprofit
High Sierra Energy Foundation, from Mammoth Lakes, California
is one of the facilitators at Sierra Solutions conference in Mammoth
Lakes, California October 3-4, 2008.
The High Sierra Energy Foundation has been working on transitioning
Mammoth Lakes from its dependency on propane as a primary home-heat
to geothermal energy, obtained locally. Currently about 75% of
Mammoth Lakes heat source comes from propane—going to local
energy would radically effect not only the emissions from the
production and burning of propane, but the impact of moving the
fuel to Mammoth and then delivery to each home’s fuel tank—the
trickle down of energy loss gets converted to energy saved when
the movement is made to a local energy distribution network.
Press
Release Body: The California Energy Commission approved a grant
of $191,000 from the Geothermal Resource Development Account to
the Town of Mammoth Lakes in 2006, which is now underway.
“The grant facilitates developing a business model for a
geothermal heating district in Mammoth Lakes,” stated
Phelps. “Over the last 20 years there
have been numerous technical studies confirming that there is
hot water under Mammoth Lakes, but this is the first study that
will generate a comprehensive business plan,” continued
Phelps. “This project has the potential
to become a model for local energy creation and distribution.
Mammoth Lakes will be a showpiece for energy efficiency and responsible
use of local resources.”
Dave Harvey, Board President of the High Sierra Energy
Foundation pointed out “this CEC grant, combined
with the recent Community Energy Partnership with Southern California
Edison, puts the Foundation well on the way to fulfilling its
mission of promoting and developing efficiency and renewables
in the High Sierra.”
In fact, electric power production and transportation are the
two largest sources of carbon emissions in the United States with
California producing 47.24 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
It qualifies as one of the biggest emitters in the United States.
Moving towards local economies and local energy sources is a powerful
notion for saving energy, reducing carbon and building strong
economies. Learn more about local energy generation, and other
strategies for building resilient, sustainable communities in
the Sierra—and how these practices apply to other regions
by attending Sierra Solutions conference.
ABOUT
THE CONFERENCE: SIERRA SOLUTIONS—Tools for Sustainable
Communities, Economies and the Environment
October 3-4, 2008
Mammoth Resort Conference Center
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Hosted by The Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Nevada
Conservancy, SIERRA SOLUTIONS highlights
leading sustainability speakers, who believe, “The Sierra
Nevada is a place that serves as a model for the rest of the nation
– it is a place where we pursue a green economy, support
valuable ecosystems, and design sustainable communities.”
Steve Frisch, Sierra Business Council
Solution-based
tools, processes and opportunities for ensuring sustainable and
vibrant Sierra communities, landscapes and local economies are
the focus of this 2-day event in scenic Mammoth, California.
Web
Site: http://www.sbcouncil.org/2008sierrasolutions
Conference
details—Nikki Streegan 530.582.4800
http://www.sbcouncil.org/Events/Schedule
nstreegan@sbcouncil.org,
530.582.4800
Media: Pamela Biery, 530.470.9292
Details on High Sierra Energy: Rick Phelps, 760.934.4650