Energy Update #17

From: Rita Schenck [rita@iere.org]
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2005 3:56 PM
To: energyupdates@iere.org
Subject: [energyupdates] Energy Update #17

Dear friends:

We have finalized our energy independence report and you can now get to it on the web at http://www.iere.org/documents/EnergyIndependentCommunities-10yearplan.pdf

The outcomes of the study are terrific. They show that Vashon Island (and probably most other Pacific Northwest grid-linked communities) can profitably become energy independent within a decade.

How can we do that? It turns out that the potential for energy savings is so great that the cost savings amount to $95 Million. Even though renewable energy resources are sparse here, we could build all the renewable energy generation we need for less than $40 Million. That leaves a profit of $55 Million to the island.

Going energy independent would mean new jobs, too. Real jobs on-island to install and maintain equipment. We estimate that 30 new jobs would be created. If all of Washington State did the same thing, this would amount to 20,000 new jobs.

Best of all, these would be jobs that are based on making the environment better, not worse.

So what is next? We will be promoting the results of our study all over the state. And we will be working on developing the Harrison-Beall greenhouse historic district as a place to demonstrate sustainable technology: energy, transportation, agriculture and green building are all on the agenda.

If you are interested in helping, let us know.

If you are receiving this email it is because you or one of your friends indicated you wanted this information.

You are getting this email because in the past you have expressed interest in knowing what is going on here. After several snafu’s with our email list, we have decided to set up a list serve that will allow you to update your personal information yourself, as well as sign off or onto the list serve.

Thanks for your support!

Rita Schenck

Institute for Environmental Research and Education
PO Box 2449, Vashon, WA 98070 USA

Phone: 206-463-7430
Fax: 206-279-1570