A monthly E-newsletter from Montana Green Power 

The Montana Green Power E-newsletter is a monthly feature of the Montana Green Power website: www.montanagreenpower.com. Visit the website for details about all the stories below, a link to "Solar Access" national and international news about renewable energy, plus lots of other green power news. The site is funded with Universal System Benefits charges paid by all NorthWestern Energy customers.

2003
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December 2003

"One person flying in an airplane for one hour is responsible for the same greenhouse gas emissions as a typical Bangladeshi in a whole year."  – Beatrice Schell, European federation for Transport and Environment

NEWS & NOTES

IN MONTANA…
First PV Installer Exam Completed
Rural Institute Investigates Wind Power Potential for Hi-Line Communities
Legislators Reveal Republican Version of State Energy Plan
Montana Democrats Unveil New Energy Plan for State
City of Missoula Utilizes Bio-Diesel Fuel for Its Snowplows
Public Biodiesel Pump Open in Missoula
NorthWestern Energy Offering Green Power

IN OTHER NEWS…
Oregon Professor Turns to Solar, Energy Efficiency to Green Up Campus
Largest Northwest Industrial Solar Installation Underway in Oregon
Oregon Issues RFP for Solar Energy Demonstration Projects
Soy Milk Manufacturer to Power Production Facilities with Wind Power
Idaho Rancher to Build Private Wind Farm
Paper Looks at State Level Wind Power Policies and Markets
Nine of Ten Washington Voters Support Increased Usage of Renewable Energy
Better Than Green: New Mexico Renewable Energy Advocates Emphasize Industry Profitability

IN MONTANA…

First PV Installer Exam Completed
Some 100 candidates sat for the first Photovoltaic (PV) Installer Certification Exam on October 25. The exam was given by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) at 14 sites around the country, including Montana. Applicants for the exam were from 30 states around the country. According to NABCEP, a candidate must meet one of seven combinations of training and experience in order to sit for the exam. The National Center for Appropriate Technology in Butte hosted the Montana exam. The next exam will be on April 17, 2004. Read the full story.

Rural Institute Investigates Wind Power Potential for Hi-Line Communities
The North American Rural Futures Institute in Havre hopes to help rural Montanans living along the Hi-Line with their energy bills.  The 2002 Farm Bill, administered by the US Department of Agriculture, provides funding for alternative energy production by farmers and ranchers, and the Institute is investigating the possibilities for wind power production. Read the Havre Daily News article.

Legislators Reveal Republican Version of State Energy Plan
Montana Republican leaders have released their version of a state energy bill. The plan "calls for the construction of new power plants in Montana to create jobs and provide affordable electricity." Among its major points, the bill includes continued support for renewable energy sources and energy conservation. The Democrats unveiled their energy plan on November 10.  Read the story.

Montana Democrats Unveil New Energy Plan for State
Citing the rise in consumer energy prices in Montana since the 1997 deregulation bill was enacted, the Montana Democratic leadership has announced a new energy plan for the state.  The plan emphasizes energy conservation and the development of renewable energies, such as wind and water.  The plan also recommends the purchase of PPL dams in the state and the creation of a rural electric cooperative to own and operate Northwest Energy’s consumer energy market in Montana, which provides power to 300,000 Montanans. Learn more.

City of Missoula Utilizes Bio-Diesel Fuel for Its Snowplows
Missoula air might be cleaner this winter, as city officials have authorized the purchase of bio-diesel fuel for their snowplow fleet this winter.  Bio-diesel fuel is made of 20 percent soybean-based fuel-grade oil mixed with 80 percent traditional diesel fuel, and is offered at the Cenex station on Brooks.  City officials call this a ‘test year’ and if considered successful, may be expanded to other city vehicles in the future. Read more.

Public Biodiesel Pump Open in MIssoula
Bio-diesel fuel called ‘B20’ – a blend of 80 percent petroleum and 20 percent agricultural-based fuel– is being sold at the Brooks Street Cenex station in Missoula.  While biodiesel fuel costs about 25 cents more per gallon, it burns cleaner and uses sustainable energy.  Already used by the University of Montana in its "bio-bus," the fuel will be utilized this winter by Missoula City vehicles. Read more.

NorthWestern Energy Offering Green Power
NorthWestern Energy is offering its electric customers an opportunity to support renewable energy sources by enrolling in its new E+ Green Program.  Customers can, for $2 per month per 100kilowatt-hours, buy the environmental benefits of renewable energy from wind and solar projects in Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. For more information, see E+ Green Program.

OTHER NEWS...

Oregon Professor Turns to Solar, Energy Efficiency to Green Up Campus
University of Oregon Professor GZ "Charlie" Brown has been steadfastly generating new ideas--from innovative architecture to energy-efficient designs--since he began teaching at the school. As a result, the university overcome a number of sustainability problems. In 2003, Brown focused on installing solar panels to help supply energy for pool heating and domestic hot water. University officials subsequently decided to install solar energy systems all over campus.  Read more.

Largest Northwest Industrial Solar Installation Underway in Oregon
Kettle Foods, based in Salem, Oregon, now boasts the largest industrial solar installation in the Pacific Northwest. The plant has a new 114-kilowatt photovoltaic system that produces about one-fourth of the company's electricity demand during peak hours. The system will produce an estimated 3,000,000 kWh over the next 25 years, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by some 1,500 tons. The Energy Trust or Oregon provide $112,000 toward the cost of the system. Read the full story.

Oregon Issues RFP for Solar Energy Demonstration Projects
The Energy Trust of Oregon is providing a special opportunity for public and nonprofit organizations to propose solar electric demonstration projects of 5 kilowatts (kW) or more. Substantial incentives are available to successful proposals to offset system and implementation costs. Responses are due November 28, 2003. Projects must be completed by June 1, 2004. The Request for Proposal is available online, or by calling the Energy Trust at 1-866-368-7878.

Soy Milk Manufacturer to Power Production Facilities with Wind Power
Boulder, Colorado-based White Wave, the largest producer of soy-based food products, announced that its manufacturing plants would switch to renewable sources of power.  White Wave has purchased 20 million kilowatt hours of wind turbine-produced energy since January 2003.  EPA estimates that White Wave’s commitment to clean energy will save 32 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Read the full story. 

Idaho Rancher to Build Private Wind Farm
The Schwendiman family of Newdale, Idaho, is building two 1.5-megawatt wind turbines on 260-foot towers Bonneville County, which will generate enough energy to power 800 homes.  While the U.S. Department of Agriculture will cover one-fourth the cost of the turbines, the Schwendiman family is investing one million dollars of their own money in the project. Read more.

Paper Looks at State Level Wind Power Policies and Markets
A recent paper from the National Renewable Energy Lab explores the policies and market factors that have been driving utility-scale wind energy development in the United States, particularly in the states that have achieved a substantial amount of wind energy investment in recent  years. In the United States, wind energy generating capacity growth has averaged 24% annually during the past five years  and there are now wind facilities in roughly half of all states. Although there are federal policies and overarching market issues that are encouraging investment nationally, much of the recent activity has resulted from state-level policies or localized market drivers. This paper identifies the key  policies, incentives, regulations, and markets affecting development, and draws lessons from the experience of leading states that may be transferable to other states or regions. Read the paper (pdf).

Nine of Ten Washington Voters Support Increased Usage of Renewable Energy
In a recent poll, 93 percent of Washington voters were favorable to increased use of renewable energy resources, and 95 percent supported measures to improve energy efficiency.  The poll, conducted by Opinion Dynamic Corporation (Cambridge, MA), involved 600 Washington voters sampled randomly, with a stated error margin of four percent. Read the full story.

Better Than Green: New Mexico Renewable Energy Advocates Emphasize Industry Profitability
Proponents of renewable energy development in New Mexico state that renewable energy is not just cleaner, but could also become profitable.  Government agencies, environmental groups and business leaders have all recently stressed the potential for job creation, tax revenue and reduced energy costs which could accompany increased development of wind and solar power in New Mexican communities. Read more.
 

November 2003

"We must not waste life in devising means. It is better to plan less and do more.” – William Emery Channing

NEWS & NOTES

IN MONTANA…

UM Grants Approval for Wind Turbine Installation
First Solar Hot Water System Installed Under NWE’s USB Rebate Program
Senator Burns: "Montana Must Harness Wind Potential"
Zoot Enterprises Providing Clean Energy With Fuel Cells
Ryegate Solar Home Featured in Billings Gazette
Dedication for State's First Cooperative Wind Project Held Oct. 14

OTHER NEWS…

World's Largest Utility Battery System Installed in Alaska
Scientists Make Discovery that Could Dramatically Reduce Cost of Solar
Fact Sheet Offers Simple Ways to Bring Solar to Your Community
All-Solar Community in Arizona to Feature 487 Off-Grid Homes
Western Governors Consider Wind As Possible Solution to Energy Crisis
Federal Facilities Showing Dramatic Increase in Green Power Purchases
'Wind Pipelines' Project Looks to Deliver Wind Energy to Western States
Honda Introduces Fuel Cell for Below-Freezing Temperatures

IN MONTANA…

UM Grants Approval for Wind Turbine Installation
The University of Montana’s Committee on Campus and Facilities has approved a request by the dean of the College of Technology (COT) to install a wind turbine on the northeastern corner of UM’s main campus. 

The tall, narrow wind turbine folds to the ground when not in use, so students would be able to study its blades. The system will produce enough energy to power a "couple of houses."

COT dean R. Paul Williamson said he sees the 10-kilowatt turbine, should it be erected, becoming a part of an alternative energy learning center where wind and solar energy will generate electricity to be used directly at the nearby physical plant, fed into the city’s power grid, or used in an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen that will power a fuel cell.

As well, an Alternative Energy Technician/Engineer Program that Williamson envisions would allow UM students to earn an alternative energy technician certificate in one year, associate’s degree as an alternative energy technician in two years, or a bachelor of science in energy engineering in four years. The program is still in the conceptual stages, but Williamson hopes to have it in place by Fall 2004.

There are still several steps that need to be taken before the wind turbine is erected, said Bob Duringer, vice president of Administration and Finance and chairman of the committee on campus and facilities. For example, both the city and Missoula residents need to be approached before any final decisions are made.

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, there will be a free presentation on the proposed wind turbine and the Montana hydrogen economy. The presentation will be held in Room 1 of the Health and Business Building on the COT campus from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Montana Kaimin article.

First Solar Hot Water System Installed Under NWE’s USB Rebate Program
The first system installed under NorthWestern Energy's Solar Hot Water USB rebate program is complete at the home of Jerry and Francie Hargrove. The system, with 54 square feet of solar collector, heated 80 gallons of water to 128°F on October 20.  The new system has the advantage of fail-proof freeze protection system and far greater efficiency than the older system installed by the Hargroves years ago.  Inside the house are a heat exchanger, circulation pumps, and an 80-gallon solar storage tank. The solar system is designed to serve as a pre-heater to the existing domestic water heater. On October 20, however, it is unlikely that the existing water heater turned on. The system was installed by the homeowners.

Senator Burns: "Montana Must Harness Wind Potential"
Senator Conrad Burns recently addressed some of the questions surrounding the Energy Bill amendment he is considering supporting in Congress relating to electrical transmission.  "We must develop our vast clean-coal resources and harness the abundant wind potential here in Montana. Development of these resources will put millions of dollars paid in royalties and taxes in our state coffers, benefiting our schools and other public needs. Development will bring good-paying jobs and have a positive impact on the Montana economy," Burns said.  Billings Gazette article.

Zoot Enterprises Providing Clean Energy With Fuel Cells
Zoot Enterprises has completed installation of two 250-kilowatt fuel cell systems at its technology campus west of Bozeman. The systems use use natural gas for fuel and produce electric power and hot water for heating and domestic uses. Fuel cells generate electricity with no combustion, and thus greatly reduce harmful emissions. DOE provided a $1.4 million grant for the $3.8 million project. Press release.

Ryegate Solar Home Featured in Billings Gazette
The solar home of  David Wallace was recently featured in the Billings Gazette. The article describes the features of Wallace's home, including its high energy efficiency, its solar energy system, and Wallace's future plans to incorporate a wind energy system into the home. The article ran as part of the recent tour of solar homes in the area. Billings Gazette article.

Dedication for State's First Cooperative Wind Project Oct. 14
Two Montana ranchers and a maintenance shop celebrate as the state's first cooperative wind energy project with a dedication on October 14.  The project's 10-kilowatt wind turbines are cooperatively owned by ranchers Jess Alger and Doug Nelson, as well as the Liberty County maintenance shop. The three small-scale machines will primarily serve on-site electrical needs, with surplus energy fed into the power grid for use by other utility customers.  Funding for the project came from the Our Wind Co-op, a partnership that invests in locally-owned, small-scale wind turbines on farms, ranches and rural facilities across the Northwest. The co-op model is different from most wind development models in the U.S., where rural landowners and communities have participated primarily by leasing land to wind developers.  Great Falls Tribune article. 

OTHER NEWS…

World's Largest Utility Battery System Installed in Alaska
The world's largest battery energy storage system recently began operating near Fairbanks, Alaska.  When complete, the grid-connected system will combine 13,670 nickel-cadmium battery cells to generate up to 40 megawatts of power for about 7 minutes, or 27 megawatts of power for 15 minutes. Currently three of four battery strings are operating, and the fourth will be added by year-end. The system, operated by the Golden Valley Electrical Association, is expected to reduce power blackouts on the local power grid by more than 60 percent.  Press release.

Scientists Make Discovery that Could Dramatically Reduce Cost of Solar
CNN recently reported that STMicroelectronics, Europe's largest semiconductor maker, has discovered a new way to produce solar cells--one that will considerably reduce costs. The company says a single produced watt should cost as little as $0.20, compared with the current $4. CNN Article. 

Fact Sheet Offers Simple Ways to Bring Solar to Your Community
A new one-page fact sheet from the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) offers five simple  and practical steps you can take to bring more solar into your community. Find out how at Getting to Clean and Green. 

All-Solar Community in Arizona to Feature 487 Off-Grid Homes
A new housing development near Kingman, Arizona, lacks one feature most developments take for granted: power lines. Every "ranchette" in the 487-home community will be equipped with a 1.65-kilowatt solar power system; when all the homes are built, the community will have a combined solar power capacity of just over 800 kilowatts. The homes use propane to fuel their furnace, refrigerator, and range and oven, and also include electric water heaters that can be upgraded to propane. The GreenWood Ranch Estates held its grand opening in late August.  Press release.

Western Governors Consider Wind As Possible Solution to Energy Crisis
According to a recent report in The Montana Standard, governors from Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and Idaho began a "planning session as a first step to figure out how to improve the Western energy grid and bring clean, affordable and reliable electric power to the Rocky Mountain subregion."  Among the options discussed were renewable energy sources, including wind power, which could reduce dependence on natural gas-fired electric plants that are subject to volatile costs.  Alternatives offered by the American Wind Energy Association also were under consideration. Montana Standard article.

Federal Facilities Showing Dramatic Increase in Green Power Purchases
Federal purchases of green power have increased dramatically, from 125 million kWh to more than 300 million kWh in the past year. This puts the federal government halfway toward meeting Executive Order 13123, which encourages greater use of renewable energy. Green Power Network.

'Wind Pipelines' Project Looks to Deliver Wind Energy to Western States
A group of wind power planners are investigating a transmission project that would tap into wind-generated electricity in the windy Plains states for delivery to cities in the Midwest and West. The goal of the project is threefold: to increase the use of wind energy, to rely on wind energy to address a possible shortage of natural gas, and to strengthen the reliability of the power grid, according to Randall Swisher, executive director of the American Wind Energy Association.

If built, the projects -- called wind pipelines -- could add as much as 60,000 megawatts of new wind power, enough power for some 18 million homes. The plan, which is still being developed, results from a study launched by the Western Governors Association in 2001 to ensure that the West would have enough power plants and transmission capacity to meet growing demand. Read more.

Honda Introduces Fuel Cell for Below-Freezing Temperatures
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has tackled one of the largest technical barriers for fuel cell vehicles, producing a fuel cell with advanced electrolyte membranes that can operate at temperatures as low as 4 degrees Fahrenheit below zero (negative 20 degrees Celsius). Honda announced last week that the new fuel cell uses a simplified structure to cut the number of components by nearly half, while more than doubling the power output per pound of fuel cell, compared to Honda's previous-generation fuel cell. Incorporating the new fuel cell into Honda's fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, yields a 10-percent increase in fuel efficiency and a 20-mile increase in range, to more than 180 miles.  News release.

South Dakota Paving Way for Increased Wind Energy Development
The first wind farm was dedicated earlier this month Hyde County, South Dakota. Now officials in that state are looking toward planning several more wind energy projects over the next few years to take advantage of the state's vast wind resource.  To make wind energy more viable, legislators voted to reduce the property taxes on a typical wind turbine by about 70 percent. Anomometers placed in central and northeastern areas of the state are measuring wind velocities for potential developers. And, funding from the Department of Energy and Florida Power and Light will allow at least five more to be installed.  Huron Plainsman article. 

NEWS & NOTES ...

October 2003

Brochure and Registration Form

Fees:
$50.00 NWE customer
$75.00 Non-NWE customer

Registration forms and other details

REPORT SHOWS NW GREEN POWER' SALES DOUBLING, 
SIX MONTANA UTILITIES SIGN UP CUSTOMERS 
The amount of "green power" purchased by retail customers in the Northwest has increased by 88 percent from last year, according to a new report by the Renewable Northwest Project (RNP). 

Powerful Choices IV: http://www.rnp.org/Resources/PC4_report_v2.pdf 

For more information, contact John Walden at NCAT at [email protected] or 406-494-8641 or Mark Hines at DEQ at [email protected] or 406-444-6769.

Solar financing

Myths about Solar Electricity

ME3

VISIT 'GRASSOLEAN' WEBSITE FOR BIODIESEL NEWS 
The Grassolean Team is a group of individuals and organizations committed to the advancement of biodiesel - "cleanest fuel technologies available today,'' according to the Grassolean http://www.grassolean.com/) website. 

Full Story: http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2003/09/08/news/local/news09.txt

AWEA TO HOST WIND FINANCING WORKSHOP
The American Wind Energy Association has announced the first AWEA Wind Financing Workshop taking place this fall in Palm Springs, Calif. This two-day workshop will be Nov. 11-13 at the Westin Mission Hills Resort. Information, including hotel reservations at the Westin Mission Hills Resort, is posted at the AWEA website: 

September 2003

For more information, contact Siring at:
Vigilante Electric Cooperative, Inc.
P.O. Box 71
Dillon, MT 59725-0071
Phone: (800) 221-8271
Fax: (406) 683-4328
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.vec.coop/

DATES SET FOR ELECTRICIAN SEMINARS
The third in a series of seminars on photovoltaics for licensed electricians will be Saturday, Oct. 4, in Great Falls. The seminar, officially titled Photovoltaic Systems: Solar Electricity and the National Electrical Code, will include a tour of a photovoltaic installation in Great Falls.

Eight hours of code related continuing education credits are available through the Montana State Electrical Board. A certificate will be issued to those who complete the course.

Renewable Energy Development on Tribal Lands:
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/32778.pdf

August 2003

Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world. 
– Archimedes, Pappus of Alexandria 

IN MONTANA...
'Green' Power Advocate Provides All His Own Energy
Who’s Offering Energy Efficiency Programs in Your State?
Fairmont Featured in Geo-Heat Center Bulletin
Clean Energy, Efficiency Key to America's (and Montana's) Future
'Wind Prospectors' Set Up Station Near Rapelje

OTHER NEWS...
Energy Chief Advances Renewable Alternatives
Report Examines Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy Development
PPL to Buy Wind Power in Pennsylvania

IN MONTANA...

'GREEN' POWER ADVOCATE PROVIDES ALL HIS OWN ENERGY
Montana Standard reporter Kristen Inbody describes how one renewable energy proponent has turned his home near Whitehall into "a little power plant" in a copyrighted story published July 6.

Inbody writes: "With electricity costs on the rise, the image of an electric meter spinning backward is a fantasy for most homeowners. For some people, however, every time the wind blows or the sun shines their meter may start spinning backward. The tables turn as they sell electricity back to a power company. By using solar and wind energy, 'your house is a little power plant,' said Chris Borton, director of Sage Mountain Center west of Whitehall near Pipestone."

Check the Montana Associated Technology Roundup website: http://www.matr.net/article-7379.html for a link to the story. A sidebar describes programs that help fund alternative energy.

WHO’S OFFERING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS IN YOUR STATE?
Many residential electric and natural gas customers don’t realize that their utilities offer home energy audits, rebates for energy efficient appliances, zero- or low-interest loans to upgrade insulation or replace old heating and cooling equipment, and other products and programs.

The National Energy Affordability and Accessibility Program (NEAAP) gives Internet users free and easy access to an extensive database of residential energy efficiency programs offered by public and private utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and state agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Database users can search for residential energy efficiency programs by state, utility name, utility type (investor-owned, municipal, etc.), program type (appliances, audits, financing, heating/cooling, lighting, special rates, and weatherization) and keywords.

"In an era of ever-escalating energy demand and prices," according to a prepared release, "the NEAAP database is a valuable tool for learning about programs that can make homes more comfortable and utility bills less shocking."

NEAAP Database

FAIRMONT FEATURED IN GEO-HEAT CENTER BULLETIN
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort near Anaconda makes the most of its hot water. According to a recently published GEO-HEAT CENTER bulletin, Fairmont uses the flow from its springs to heat all of the approximately 106,000 square foot area of the resort and four pools. You can read more about it in the bulletin.

Quarterly Bulletin (Vol. 24, No. 2)

REMOTE FWP CABIN POWERED BY SUN, WIND
The sun and wind are providing power to a Fish, Wildlife and Parks cabin at the Robb Creek Wildlife Management Area about 20 miles southwest of Alder.

The project at Robb Creek was installed in July 2002, according to Mark Hines, an engineer with the state Department of Environmental Quality. The system includes 750 watts of photovoltaic panels (Siemens SP75) and 1 kilowatt of wind power from a Whisper H80 turbine. The off-grid system gets backup power from a bank of batteries.

As part of the project, Hines said, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks installed a high-efficiency refrigerator and compact fluorescent lighting.

CLEAN ENERGY, EFFICIENCY KEY TO AMERICA'S (AND MONTANA'S) FUTURE
Dave Ryan, president of the Montana Renewable Energy Association, replied to a guest editorial that appeared in the June 16 issue of the Billings Gazette

"I represent a group dedicated to promoting renewable energy in Montana," Ryan wrote. "We take issue with a June 16 guest opinion ‘Don't waste money on renewable energy.’"

Here’s the rest of Ryan’s editorial:

Because the United States imports over half its oil we must find reliable, domestic sources of energy. Health concerns demand that we use clean energy.

Efficiency is the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy. High-efficiency equipment is available, and we should install it whenever replacing older, less efficient equipment.

Wind, solar and biomass energy are renewable, clean and local. These can contribute significantly to a reliable energy supply. Denmark and northern Germany supply over 20 percent of their electricity needs with wind. One reason they have so much wind power installed is they have public policy encouraging clean generation.

Renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are a part of this policy. According to a 2001 study done by the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, a 20 percent RPS would cost the same as business as usual through 2006, would result in a 0.7 percent increase in energy prices by 2010, and would result in lower prices by 2020. 

Colorado policy
In 2001, the Colorado PUC ordered Xcel Energy (formerly Public Service Company of Colorado) to add wind power to its supply because the cost of wind power is cheaper than power generated using natural gas if the gas is more than $3.50 per MCF (thousand cubic feet). According to the EIA, the average gas price to utilities in 2001 was $3.77 per MCF. Gas futures were trading recently (June 19, 2003) on the New York Mercantile exchange at over $6.00 per MCF. Since 1978, the federal government has spent $11 billion of taxpayer money to encourage renewable energy.

This number compares to $5 billion dollars PER YEAR of federal subsidies for the petroleum industry from 1916 to 1978, and $145 billion for the nuclear industry since 1947. The current energy bill includes $16 billion in subsidies in the form of loan guarantees for nuclear in a single piece of legislation.

One benefit of creating electric energy from the sun or wind is that the fuel is free. Renewable energy can be a hedge against fuel cost increases. While the cost of natural gas has risen, the cost of renewables has fallen. It is true that wind and solar is intermittent, and siting wind power plants should avoid impacting views or wildlife. We support development of technologies able to follow electric loads on a utility scale. We prefer that these technologies use renewable fuels wherever possible.

According to the EIA, 8 percent of the electric energy generated in 2001 was generated by renewable sources, 2.1 percent with non-hydroelectric renewable energy. We believe strongly that these numbers will grow substantially before 2025.

According to the New York Times, the wholesale price of ethanol is less than of gasoline. Blended ethanol fuels should be cheaper at the pump than straight gasoline, and they are less polluting. Ethanol is replacing MTBE, a petroleum-based gasoline additive, increasing market demand for ethanol. 

Park uses biodiesel
Biodiesel, another clean fuel is used now in all diesel machinery in Yellowstone Park. Diesel engines can use 100 percent biodiesel. In Germany, biodiesel is available at gas stations.

London air in the 1600s was so polluted by the burning of coal that British scientist John Evelyn wrote that breathing problems "rage more in that one city than the whole earth besides." Though our air is now cleaner than London's in the 1600s, there is little debate over the source of global warming. Two thousand scientists on the International Government Panel on Climate Change agreed that human activity is altering global temperatures and weather patterns.

We believe that carbon emission credits should be traded. Because of the Kyoto Protocol, a global market has emerged for trading carbon emission credits. Many large companies engage in carbon trading on the Chicago Climate Exchange. A voluntary approach for carbon trading has been embraced by the Bush administration.

The effort advocating energy bill amendments to reduce greenhouse gases has the support of farmers, industry, environmentalists and economists. This broad support shows that the status quo contributes to our dependence on foreign oil. Suppose we got cut off from Middle East oil. Why wouldn't we explore clean and abundant energy sources existing here in the United States? Renewable energy can provide for electricity, heating, and transportation. Renewable fuels yield more than just energy, they create jobs and tax revenue and keeps our money in the United States instead of exporting it to the Middle East.

'WIND PROSPECTORS' SET UP STATION NEAR RAPELJE
By Rip Cook - Staff Reporter
Stillwater County News
Jones Hill Road is an east-west, dirt-gravel ranch access just south of Rapelje off the main highway. It goes through one of the more desolate areas of Stillwater County, serving only a handful of ranches. Normally a dry and bleak landscape, the prairie bisected by the road is a lively emerald green, charged up by the abundant rainfall this spring. Numerous species of hawk stake their claim to alternate sections of hunting ground, and prairie dogs scurry back and forth, looking for cover.

Drive 13 miles west on Jones Hill Road and you encounter the border with Sweet Grass County. An ancient tin sign is tacked up on a fence post, with "Sweet Grass County Line" hammered into it with a metal punch. North of the road, on the Stillwater side, is a section of state-owned land.

Six mountain ranges can seen from this spot. Immediately to the west, the Crazy Mountains seem to jump out at you. Just beyond them, you can barely make out the Bridger Range. The Pryors are to the southeast. The Beartooths and Absarokas are south and southwest. To the north of the Crazys are the Little Belts.

On this day, three engineers are busy preparing a 40-meter (131-foot) tower. Three anemometers will be set at various heights along the tower to measure wind speed, along with a wind vane for determining direction. This is part of a project to construct an accurate wind map of Montana, and to possibly study the potential for putting a wind-powered electrical generating facility in the area.

The three workers are state engineer Mark Hines, John Walden from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in Butte, and Manny Morrell from Montana Wind Harness, a private company developing wind power in Montana.

Hines described the trio as "wind prospectors." These engineers and others are part of a wind working group, which also involves Secretary of State Bob Brown to promote wind-powered systems on state land.

"We're trying to validate a wind map of the state," said Hines. "The information gathered from this site will be public data which we hope promotes wind power in general."

Walden explained that the wind speed and direction will be stored in a data chip that is swapped out every two months.

"This is a good spot because of the wind," said Walden, "and because there's no avian issues."

He said that some sites were removed from consideration because of their proximity to bird habitat. It doesn't take a lot of imagination to visualize the effect that giant, whirling propellers can have on feathered, flying creatures.

Environmental groups are holding up development of a proposed site near Judith Gap because it is allegedly in a bird flight path. Walden said this area in northwest Stillwater County is an ideal site because it is on state land, in an agricultural area (power facilities, even wind-powered ones, are frowned upon near residential or wilderness areas), and is close to one of Northwestern Energy's main transmission lines, a few miles to the south.

This new tower, along with two other towers in the Rapelje area, will give wind power developers an idea of the resource in the area.

Adelbert Eder has a ranch near the center of the triangle formed by the three towers. He is currently leasing part of his property to Montana Wind Harness on speculation that it will be used for a wind generation system.

"If it comes, it's going to help everybody," said Eder, who also acknowledged that there are a lot of problems that need to be worked out.

Eder, the chairman of the Stillwater County Planning Board, said a wind system would pay taxes like other utilities, benefiting the county and school districts, but he said the financial difficulties of NorthWestern Energy are giving power developers second thoughts.

"I'll believe it's going to happen when I see the concrete trucks moving up the road," he said.

For now, this remote area will be used as a testing ground to measure the wind's potential. Hines said the new tower should be finished in the next two weeks.

(Reprinted with permission of the publisher)

OTHER NEWS...

ENERGY CHIEF ADVANCES RENEWABLE ALTERNATIVES
Denver Post Business Writer Steve Raabe writes in the July 2 issue of the newspaper about Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham’s visit to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory:

"America's long-term energy needs will be better met by government support for renewable energy than by tax breaks for fossil-fuel producers," said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.

Abraham said he supports increased federal tax incentives for renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs but not for traditional energy industries.

"We have been very clear in our energy plan as well as in our comments on energy legislation that we do not support broad, expansive tax incentives for industries for energy development, except in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy," Abraham said during a tour of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden.

Abraham said he supports tax incentives for vehicles powered by alternative fuels or fuel cells in particular.

Americans can help mitigate an expected natural-gas shortage during the coming year by reducing energy use and adopting efficiency measures for heating and cooling homes and offices, he said.

With demand for natural gas exceeding supply, energy experts say the nation is facing its most severe shortage in decades.

Almost all new electrical generation plants being built in the United States are fueled by natural gas. Yet even as energy production companies increase drilling for gas, production has been flat, with some North American basins showing steep declines.

"We know today that the amount of stored natural gas is not sufficient to meet the challenges we expect over the months ahead, especially if we were to have an excessively warm summer or cold winter," Abraham said.

Natural gas prices have almost doubled in the past year, peaking at more than $6 per thousand cubic feet. Some experts are predicting that during the winter heating season, prices could soar above the record $10 level reached briefly in early 2001.

"We care very much about high home heating bills for families in this country, and we know to start right now to address the natural gas shortage issues," Abraham said.

He said gas production could be increased by easing the bottleneck for drilling applications and by building more facilities to handle importation of liquefied natural gas.

The Solar Energy Industries Association, in the meantime, proposed significant new tax breaks to help alleviate the natural-gas shortage.

The Washington, D.C.-based group on Tuesday suggested an incentive package, including a $4-per-watt rebate on solar-panel installations, a 25 percent tax credit for solar-system purchases and a production tax credit for electricity produced from photovoltaic panels.

"If Congress included a solar-power stimulus section as part of its pending energy bill, we could mitigate nearly a third of the natural gas shortfall with clean, renewable power from the sun," said Glen Hamer, the solar association's executive director.

Abraham's tour of the NREL focused on experimental equipment that would help reduce energy use in buildings.

One such piece of equipment would help remove humidity from air inside buildings more effectively than air conditioners, thus creating more comfort without additional energy use.

U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, R-Colo., whose district includes the NREL, toured the facility with Abraham and said the lab's $220 million annual funding is money well spent. "(Renewable energy) is the next wave," he said. "I think one of the real wise uses of taxpayer dollars is right here at this lab."

REPORT EXAMINES ECONOMIC BENEFITS 
OF RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Renewable energy sources are already recognized for their potential to help develop our energy security, improve environmental conditions and public health, and control consumer energy costs. The possibility that, in addition to these indirect benefits, renewable energy sources could help spur economic development in certain areas of the United States provides an interesting and valuable option to state policy-makers.

A report by the Council of State Governments examines the potential benefits of renewable energy development for state economies and will be a valuable asset to state decision-makers as they consider the future of their states' energy sectors. Fueled by the sun, wind, water, plant and other organic matter, the Earth's heat and, in the case of hydrogen, a naturally occurring element, these inexhaustible resources are converted through the use of renewable energy technologies into usable forms of energy. Those currently with the most potential to benefit states include the following:

• biomass energy - generated from organic material;
• geothermal energy - produced using heat sources found within the earth;
• hydrogen energy - generated through the combustion of hydrogen;
• solar energy - produced using energy from the heat and light of the sun;
• wind energy - produced using the power from moving air.

Born out of a confluence of economic, environmental and political events in the 1970s, recent technological developments have made renewable energy sources more affordable. Therefore, since all states have some form of developable renewable resources, there are several reasons states should consider using renewable energy. These include its potential to do the following:

• stimulate local economies and create jobs;
• increase local and state tax revenue bases;
• provide environmental and public health benefits;
• allow states to better control consumer energy costs;
• reduce dependence on foreign oil;

• enhance domestic energy security and increase generation reliability.

In the United States, there is still adequate room for growth in energy consumption from renewable sources. As a percentage of total U.S. electricity generation, only about 2 percent comes from renewable sources when hydroelectric power is excluded. However, recent trends indicate that renewable energy development in the states is growing.

States have a variety of policy options available when considering how to spur renewable energy development. Several states have instituted a range of initiatives and legislative changes to promote renewable energy development in order to capture the wide range of potential benefits. Of these potential benefits, the direct economic incentives of stimulating local economies, job creation and increased revenue generation have helped fuel states' interest in renewables.

The CSG TrendsAlert report focuses on the economic potential renewable energy holds for the states, details states' current renewable activities and outlines policy options available to states when developing their renewable energy sector. 

TrendsAlert: Renewable Energy and State Economies:

PPL TO BUY WIND POWER IN PENNSYLVANIA
ALLENTOWN, Pa., May 30 /PRNewswire/ – The energy marketing subsidiary of PPL Corporation has signed a power purchase agreement that will add more renewable power to the Mid-Atlantic power grid. PPL EnergyPlus, LLC, has signed an agreement with Community Energy, Inc. to purchase energy from the Bear Creek Wind Power Project for 20 years once the project begins producing electricity.

Bear Creek is a 20-megawatt wind power project located in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area near the Bear Creek exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It is within the PJM regional transmission and wholesale electricity market area, serving seven states and the District of Columbia.

http://news.corporate.findlaw.com/prnewswire/20030530/30may2003112720.html

I recently heard that scientists have isolated the gene that makes scientists want to isolate genes. 
– Unknown

Among the highlights:
* Electric hybrid vehicles and two panel discussions with the vehicle owners
* Underground housing workshop with Mike Oehler whose book, The $50 & Up Underground House Book has sold over 75,000 copies
* A model Bath/Utility Room constructed on-site with the most sustainable furnishings, appliances, building materials, cosmetics and cleaning supplies available
* Renewable energy demonstrations & information
* All-day children's programs conducted by MSU's Experiential Education Department
* Great music and great food available all day
* Farmers Market section with food, plants and flowers
* Stream health check list and toolkit workshop
* Straw bale house construction demonstration wall

http://www.northrock.org/fair.html

Wells-Fargo News and Tips: http://www.irecusa.org/articles/static/1/binaries/wfnews.pdf

www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=nci&script=410&layout=0&item_id=423910

SMMPA News Release: http://www.smmpa.com/atsmmpa/news.asp

GREENING CONFERENCE TO FEATURE LATEST IN BIO-FUELS USES|
Ethanol, biodiesel and bio-lubricants are fast becoming part of the energy future of the United States and a new income source for farmers. Learn more about just how quickly these fuels and lubricants will become part of Americans' lives at the June 11-13 Under the Big Sky Greening Conference at Big Sky, Montana. Nationally recognized speakers will explain the production, performance and marketing of these clean biofuels.

HANDFUL OF STATES LEAD THE UNITED STATES
IN PROSPECTING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY|
WASHINGTON, May 13 - A national study released by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that, in the absence of federal leadership, 19 states have acted to increase the nation's supply of wind, solar, and other renewable energy resources. Five of those states account for 80 percent of the total projected gains. California and Nevada led the nation with grades of A- for committing to increase the amount of electricity generated from clean, renewable energy sources. However, 34 states received grades of D or F for failing to tap into the new jobs, public health gains, and reduced air and water pollution that homegrown renewable electricity could provide. Montana, along with 20 other states, rated a D.

May 2003

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not "Eureka!" (I found it!) but "That's funny..." – Isaac Asimov

IN MONTANA...

Windmill Could Revolutionize Alternative Energy Operations
Loan Program Encourages Alternative Energy Installations
Governor's Signature Extends USB through 2005
Roundtable to Discuss Montana's 'NEW' Electrical Future
'Energy from the Farm' Tour Set for May 1-3
NWE Teams with Non-Profit to Install Large Solar Electric System
Avista Labs' Fuel Cells to be Distributed by Sunelco
IREC Website Features NWE Fire Station Project
Greening Conference to Highlight Latest in Bio-Fuels Uses
Report on Montana Wind/Biomass Meeting Released
Sage Mountain Center Slates Renewable Energy Workshops
Northwestern Offers Incentives for Renewable Energy Projects
PSC to Include Public Comment Period in Weekly Meetings
Review Energy Bills in the 2003 Montana Legislature

OTHER NEWS...

Idaho Tribes Think Future Is in the Wind
Veneman Announces $44 Million in Grants for RE Initiatives
Conservation Achievements since 1980 Can Be Repeated: NWPPC
Conservation Rises to Level of Fourth Largest 'Dam'
BEF to Deliver Record Amount of Wind Energy to Soy Manufacturer

IN MONTANA...

WINDMILL COULD REVOLUTIONIZE 
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OPERATIONS
Great Falls Tribune business editor Beth Britton describes a new wind machine designed by a Montana company in Sun River. Energy Transfer Corp. has set its sights on a big target. Working with Jim Helfrich, the product engineer with Sun River's Technical Solutions International, Energy Transfer has for the past two years tested a new windmill design that it says may revolutionize the way rural farming operations and businesses operate.

MATR  

LOW-INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM ENCOURAGES 
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INSTALLATIONS
Montanans looking for cash to install a solar, wind or other renewable energy systems can get financial help through the state's Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program. Established by the 57th Montana Legislature in Senate Bill 506, the program provides financing for Montana homeowners and small businesses to install alternative energy systems that generate energy for their own use.

Learn more about the loan program or download an application at the Energize Montana website. Or contact Kathi Montgomery (1-406-444-6778).

Energize Montana

GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE EXTENDS USB THROUGH 2005
Gov. Judy Martz has signed a bill extending universal system benefits charge rates by 2 1/2 years through December 2005. Senate Bill 77, which became law on April 11, was sponsored by Sen. Royal Johnson (R-Billings), chairman of the Energy and Telecommunication Committee. The Legislature's Transition Advisory Committee had requested the measure.

Montana established universal system benefits programs to ensure continued funding of and new expenditures for energy conservation, renewable resource projects and applications, and low-income energy assistance during the transition period and into the future. The USB bill raises about $13 million a year for these purposes.

Beginning Jan. 1, 1999, 2.4 percent of each utility's annual retail sales revenue in Montana for the calendar year ending December 31, 1995, was established as the initial funding level for universal system benefits programs.

SB 77 re-enacts the extension passed by the 2001 Legislature but overturned by the voters through Initiative Referendum 117 last November.

SB 77

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS TO DISCUSS
MONTANA'S 'NEW' ELECTRICAL FUTURE
State and national energy experts will discuss Montana's electrical future at the Burton K. Wheeler Center's Spring Business Roundtable May 15 in Bozeman. The roundtable, officially titled Montana's NEW Electrical Future: Generation, Transmission and Utilization, has been advertised as a "day to discuss the costs and opportunities involved in developing our state's alternative energy sources."

Montana enjoys a potential competitive advantage in its ability to produce electrical energy through alternative sources such as wind, biomass and hydrogen, Roundtable organizers say.

"However, our ability to utilize or exploit our 'natural' advantage has been severely hampered by underutilization of resources, transmission constraints and a lack of designated uses. This year's Business Roundtable will focus on why this disconnect exists, and what can be done about it. The meeting is designed for those who have or wish to have a stake in the alternative electrical energy business and in statewide economic development. That includes those in energy or energy-related businesses, academics, legislators, economic developers, 'green' energy organizations and coalitions, and representatives of government entities which either permit, support, assess or regulate energy businesses."

The program is co-sponsored by the Montana Wind Energy Consortium and by the U. S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratories.

Conference pre-registration is required by May 10.

Register online

You may also write to the Wheeler Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717. Or, call 406-994-0336.

'ENERGY FROM THE FARM' TOUR SET FOR MAY 1-3
Montana Secretary of Station Bob Brown will host a three-day bus tour (May 1-3) aimed at exploring the potential economic, national security and environmental opportunities that wind and biofuel energy have to offer Montana farmers and ranchers. The tour will include a discussion of how the Farm Bill can help rural residents take advantage of those opportunities.

The tour, called "Energy from the Farm," will include visits to:

* Biodiesel refueling stations in and around Yellowstone National Park.
* The vehicle maintenance facility in Yellowstone.
* Montana State University for a presentation on oilseeds.
* The Foote Creek Wind Production Facility in southeastern Wyoming.

Alternative-energy experts will accompany the bus tour and will speak to participants between stops. The bus itself will be powered by biodiesel.

The development of wind and biofuel energy offers an new economic opportunity for rural and agricultural communities. In other states, farmers and ranchers are making thousands of dollars a year by leasing land to wind-energy companies for wind generators. Others are making a profit growing oilseed crops such as rapeseed, canola, and safflower.

"Montana is well suited to both wind and biofuel development," Brown said. "We rank fifth in the nation for wind-energy potential, and we have a climate and land base ideal for the cultivation of oilseeds. Montana State University has been a leader in researching oilseed varieties that yield more oil and are suited to the state's growing conditions. Our rural residents deserve to benefit economically from the development of these resources. This tour will explore how we can make that happen."

Discussion will also feature the environmental and energy security advantages of alternative energy, as well as provisions of the Farm Bill related to on-farm energy production.

The tour will begin and end at the State Capitol in Helena, May 1-3. The cost per person is $100, which will cover transportation and two nights' lodging. Participants will be responsible for their own meal costs. A block of hotel rooms has been reserved in Cody for the first night and Rawlins for the second night.

For more information, contact Jason Thielman, at 444-2034 or [email protected].

NORTHWESTERN ENERGY TEAMS WITH MISSOULA NON-PROFIT
TO INSTALL LARGEST SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM IN MONTANA
Downtown Missoula's newest affordable rental housing opened its doors in February. The Gold Dust Apartments, developed by Missoula Based nonprofit homeWORD, offers 18 units at affordable prices in a centrally located area within walking distance of downtown attractions and public transit.

The Missoula-based architectural firm, MacArthur, Means & Wells, which specializes in sustainable planning and alternative building techniques, designed the Gold Dust Apartments. Along with the sixteen-kilowatt solar electric system that will produce more than one third of the electric energy supply for the building, the Gold Dust offers 23 energy-efficient and sustainable features. The solar electric system was designed and installed by Solar Plexus of Missoula.

The apartment complex features such energy-efficiency and sustainable features such as in-slab radiant concrete floors, high efficiency fluorescent lighting, Energy Star clothes washers and gas-fired clothes dryers, water conserving plumbing fixtures, wheatboard cabinets and recycled materials throughout the property.

The Gold Dust received support from NorthWestern Energy in the form of a grant from the Universal System Benefits Fund for energy upgrades, including the solar electric system, energy efficient lighting, and energy efficient washers and dryers.

For more information on the Gold Dust Apartments, contact Ren Essene: 406-543-3550.

AVISTA LABS FUEL CELLS TO BE DISTRIBUTED
BY SUNELCO FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Spokane, Wash. - Avista Labs, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp., has signed a distribution agreement with Sunelco, Inc., of Hamilton. Sunelco will carry the Avista Labs Independence fuel cell line in its Planning Guide and Products Catalog.

According to a prepared news release, Avista Labs has granted Sunelco a non-exclusive distribution agreement through July 2004 through which Sunelco will sell the fuel cells to commercial and industrial customers seeking renewable solutions to their back up power needs.

"We are excited to add Avista Labs fuel cells to our product offering," said Tom Bishop, Sunelco owner/manager. "Their simple, air-cooled design using modular cartridge technology and the ability to perform maintenance while the system continues to operate are key attributes that offer our customers the reliability they need for critical remote site applications. We have been watching the world's enthusiasm and interest in hydrogen fuel cells and we feel that by offering our commercial and industrial customers the Independence line of fuel cells, we are taking renewable energy applications into the 21st century and ushering in a new era in renewable energy technology."

Sunelco, Inc., The Sun Electric Company, a Montana-based corporation, is a distributor of renewable energy products including solar, wind and micro-hydro systems.

Established in 1985, Sunelco, Inc. has established an international reputation for providing high quality renewable energy systems for residential, industrial, communications and agricultural applications. Sunelco, Inc., has published 15 editions of its popular Planning Guide and Product Catalog, a layman's guidebook for sizing and selecting materials and equipment essential to the integration of renewable energy systems.

Bishop said Sunelco is continually upgrading and revising its product offerings. For a copy of the Sunelco Planning Guide and Product Catalog, call 1-800-338-6844.

IREC WEBSITE FEATURES NWE FIRE STATION PROJECT
The non-profit Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) features NorthWestern energy's solar

fire station project on its website. Under the heading, "Montana's Solar for Fire Stations-Funding Opportunity," IREC reports:

"This project will install roof-mounted, grid-tied PV systems on six (6) selected fire stations within NorthWestern Energy's electric distribution system. In addition, the systems will have a battery bank to provide an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and will include a performance-monitoring component.

IREC Story

GREENING CONFERENCE TO HIGHLIGHT
LATEST IN BIO-FUELS USES AND PRODUCTION
Ethanol, biodiesel and bio-lubricants are fast becoming part of the country's energy future and a new income source for farmers. Learn more about how quickly these fuels and lubricants will become part of everyday life at the June 11-13 Under the Big Sky Greening Conference at Big Sky, Montana. Nationally recognized speakers will explain the production, performance and marketing of these clean bio-fuels.

The conference will also include sessions on recycling and composting. The conference is organized by the Ethanol Producers And Consumers (EPAC), conference of the Headwaters Cooperative Recycling Project (HCRP), the National Center for Appropriate Technology NCAT, MSU-Cooperative Extension Service and other organizations. For more information, call Shirley Ball at EPAC, 406-785- 3722; Kathy Jackson of HCRP at 406-225-3194; or Al Kurki of NCAT at 406-449-0104 for details.

Greening Conference Brochure

REPORT ON MONTANA WIND/BIOMASS MEETING RELEASED
The Montana Associated Technology Roundtables (MATR) website reports on Montana Secretary of State Bob Brown's efforts to develop wind energy on School Trust Lands. Brown convened a number of experts to begin discussions in at a meeting in Helena in March. The group includes participants in biomass energy generation, hydrogen development potential and other forms of alternative energy. The report from the last meeting is posted on the MATR website. For further information, contact Gayle Shirley: [email protected]; 1-406-444-4195.

Wind/Biomass Report

SAGE MOUNTAIN CENTER SLATES
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOPS
Solar electricity is clean, quiet, and abundant. Right now it is providing electricity to thousands of homes around the world. It's also perfect for remote water pumping and RV applications.

The sun and wind still, after 12 years, provide all of the electricity needs at Sage Mountain Center near Whitehall. Again in 2003, the Center is offering an in-depth, hands-on class on Solar Electricity for the Home. The workshop covers solar panels, system sizing and design, costs, batteries, inverters, codes, grid-interties, controllers, and more.

The class will be August 9 at Sage Mountain Center, 79 Sage Mountain, Whitehall, MT 59795. Cost is $75. NorthWestern Energy customers are eligible for a $25 discount. Please call 1-406-494-9875 for details.

Sage Mountain Center is also offering a series of free Renewable Energy Mini- Seminars around the state.

As energy security and environmental issues become more important, clean renewable energy sources are making their way into the mainstream. In Montana hundreds of homes and businesses are turning to renewable energy to offset power bills and contribute to cleaner air, water, and soil. The two-hour mini-seminar includes an overview covering solar and small wind equipment, financing, and net-metering. Sage Mountain staffers will also present a slide show with Q&A, and hand out literature.

Here's the seminar schedule:

TBA - Helena
June 24 - Butte
TBA - Great Falls
TBA - Billings
TBA - Missoula

Please call 1-406-494-9875 for location details, dates, and times. For more information, download Sage Mountain Center's Workshop and Seminar Brochure.

NORTHWESTERN OFFERS INCENTIVES
FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
NorthWestern Energy's electric customers in Montana who are interested in generating their electricity from the sun and wind or who want to use the sun to heat their domestic water may be eligible to participate in demonstration projects in 2003 to turn their dreams into reality.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is administering two residential solar energy demonstration programs, a wind energy demonstration project and solar projects intended for schools and fire stations.

All the projects are funded by NorthWestern Energy's Universal Systems Benefits (USB) charge paid by the company's electric customers.

Applications and accompanying documents can be downloaded in pdf format from the Montana Green Power website: http://www.montanagreenpower.com/usb2003.html

PSC TO INCLUDE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IN WEEKLY MEETINGS
The state Public Service Commission plans to provide the public an opportunity to comment on PSC matters during the commission's weekly meetings, generally held each Tuesday. The public comment period will be scheduled for 9:30 a.m., immediately before the work sessions at which PSC and staff discuss pending regulatory issues.

"By inviting public comment at our weekly meetings, the Commission continues and improves upon its long-standing commitment to encouraging public participation in PSC matters," said PSC Chairman Bob Rowe.

Submit written comments on pending Commission proceedings either by mail or on the PSC's website.

TRACK ENERGY BILLS IN THE 2003 MONTANA LEGISLATURE
Use the Green Power Preference List to review what happened to energy bills in the 2003 Montana Legislature:

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Preference List Searching." The user name to log on is "Montanagreenpower"; the password is "montanagreen."

OTHER NEWS...

IDAHO TRIBES THINK FUTURE IS IN THE WIND
The Montana Associated Technology Roundtables website features a story on leaders of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes who are hoping to cash in on the strong wind that blows across the Fort Hall Indian reservation in eastern Idaho. The story, by Idaho Statesman reporter Ken Dey, says wind speed data collected on the reservation at five separate sites over the course of a year show that all the sites could support a commercial wind farm.

MATR Article

VENEMAN ANNOUNCES $44 MILLION IN GRANTS
FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES
WASHINGTON, DC - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman has announced the availability of approximately $44 million in grants that will support President Bush's energy plan to develop renewable energy and expand the economic prospects and environmental promise of biomass.

"These programs support the President's goal to enhance renewable energy supplies," said Veneman. "Developing alternative energy sources that reduce pollution and increase energy security is an important part of the administration's overall energy policy."

Both programs were authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill and will be conducted in collaboration with the Department of Energy.

Of the total, $23 million has been targeted for farmers, ranchers and small business to improve energy efficiencies and $21 million has been provided for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative.

USDA News Release

IMPRESSIVE CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 1980
CAN BE REPEATED BY 2025: POWER PLANNING COUNCIL
PORTLAND - Energy conservation increased the efficiency of electricity usage in the Pacific Northwest by the equivalent of more than two Seattles worth of power during the last 22 years, and the potential exists to acquire as much conservation, and more, by 2025, the Northwest Power Planning Council reported recently.

Since 1980, when the Northwest Power Act made cost-effective energy conservation the highest-priority for meeting new demand for electricity, the region's utilities and the federal Bonneville Power Administration have reduced demand for power by nearly 1,500 megawatts through investments in energy conservation

in homes and buildings, industrial facilities and irrigated agriculture. The savings primarily are in energy-efficient water heaters, lighting, windows and equipment for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

In addition, new building codes that require energy-use efficiency saved 735 megawatts, and new energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing and major appliances caused another 375 megawatts in savings in the region, the Council reported. If the region's conservation achievements were expressed as power generated rather than power saved, the total - more than 2,600 megawatts - would be more than enough electricity for two cities the size of Seattle, which uses about 1,150 megawatts on average.

Energy conservation now accounts for 10.2 percent of the Northwest electricity supply. That is, if the energy conservation measures, codes and standards were not in place, the Northwest would use 10.2 percent more electricity than it does now. The reduced demand for power helps reduce the region's exposure to the wholesale power market, which was important during the energy crisis of 2000 and 2001 when prices rose to levels never seen before.

NWPPC Release

CONSERVATION KEEPS ON GROWING,
RISES TO LEVEL OF FOURTH LARGEST 'DAM'
The fourth-biggest "dam" in the Columbia River system isn't a dam at all, but the net effect of 20 years of BPA energy efficiency programs. According to the energy efficiency annual report, the agency has added 860 average megawatts of energy efficiency to its resource portfolio since 1982. This is higher than the average output of Bonneville Dam.

What's New at BPA?

BONNEVILLE ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION TO DELIVER
RECORD AMOUNT OF WIND ENERGY TO SOY MANUFACTURER
PORTLAND - Portland's non-profit Bonneville Environmental Foundation has announced its largest sale to date of Green Tags (also know as Tradable Renewable Energy Credits) to White Wave, Inc., the country's largest soy products manufacturer. At the contract minimum of 55,000 megawatt-hours worth of credits over three years, the commitment replaces the electrical power used in all of White Wave's operations with clean, sustainable wind energy.

BEF News Release

SEN. CAMPBELL INTRODUCES INDIAN ENERGY BILL
The National Tribal Environmental Research Institute reports that Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado and Sen. Pete Domenici of Arizona, both Republicans, have introduced S. 522 to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to assist Indian tribes in developing energy resources. The bill was introduced, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 5, 2003. The bill covers renewable and non-renewable energy development.

S.522

HARVESTING CLEAN ENERGY CONFERENCE SHOWS
FARM CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION IS COMPETITIVE
Clean energy production is emerging as a competitive economic option for Northwest agriculture. Windpower, biofuels and biogas are already arriving in the region and promise continued growth in new revenues and jobs for the region's farmers and rural communities. Those messages echoed time and again at Climate Solutions' Harvesting Clean Energy Conference organized with the NW Co-op Development Center and the Idaho Ag Summit Feb. 10-11 in Boise, as speakers detailed the Northwest's emerging clean energy opportunity.

Harvesting Clean Energy Newsletter

BIOCYCLE CONFERENCE FEATURES
GOOD NEWS FOR FARMERS
DENVER, COLORADO - You can find positive news in the difficult agricultural economy. Farmers and ranchers are turning around problems and discovering opportunities in diversification of farm products, new market niches, water use reduction, and energy production. In some cases, the stories are remarkable, according to BioCycle magazine editor, Robert Rynk, who cites the Texas grapefruit grower who reduced the number of irrigation cycles by 60 percent. And the Colorado hog producer who eliminated rendering charges. Many of these significant case studies will be presented at the 33rd Annual BioCycle National Conference, May 5, 6, 7 in Denver, Colorado, at the Denver Renaissance Hotel.

The 33rd Annual BioCycle Conference focuses on managing organic materials, such as manure and crop residues, to create products like biogas, biofuels, compost, livestock bedding and other biobased products. Nationally known experts, as well as regional and local specialists and practitioners, will discuss successful ideas, methods and examples for converting organic residuals into value-added products.

Presenters will also address how to produce and use these products to obtain the greatest benefits with minimal environmental impact.

Sponsored by BioCycle, Journal of Composting & Organics Recycling, this Conference is cosponsored by organizations which include: Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation; A1 Organics; Colorado Environmental Business Alliance; Eco-Cycle; U.S. EPA AgStar Program; U.S. EPA Region 8; and Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service.

The Conference site is the Renaissance Denver Hotel. For conference program and registration information, visit BioCycle magazine's web site, www.biocycle.net. Or contact use at 610-967-4135, ext. 22 or [email protected].

Once a new technology rolls over you, if you're not part of the steamroller, you're part of the road. - Stewart Brand

April 2003

The major problems in the world are the result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think." - Gregory Bateson

IN MONTANA...

NWE Offers Incentives for Renewable Energy Projects
Track Energy Bills in the 2003 Montana Legislature
Sage Mountain Center Offers Renewable Energy Workshops
Report on Montana Wind/Biomass Meeting Released
Interior Department Study Identifies Alternative Energy Sites in Montana
Co-ops Working to Accommodate Alternative Generation
Blackfeet Community College Wind Turbine On Line

OTHER NEWS...
Conference Shows Farm Clean Energy Production Is Competitive
Sen. Campbell Introduces Indian Energy Bill
Biocycle Conference Features Good News for Farmers
Wind Power Developers Race to Beat Tax Credit Expiration
Website Features Everything about Solar Roofs Initiative

IN MONTANA...

NORTHWESTERN ENERGY OFFERS INCENTIVES
FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
NorthWestern Energy's electric customers in Montana who are interested in generating their electricity from the sun and wind or who want to use the sun to heat their domestic water may be eligible to participate in demonstration projects in 2003 to turn their dreams into reality.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is administering two residential solar energy demonstration programs, a wind energy demonstration project and solar projects intended for schools and fire stations.

All the projects are funded by NorthWestern Energy's Universal Systems Benefits (USB) charge paid by the company's electric customers.

Look below for company news releases announcing the residential and school projects, plus applications and accompanying documents for each project, and a list of Montana renewable energy dealers. Applications and accompanying documents can be downloaded in pdf format.

http://www.montanagreenpower.com/usb2003.html

USB documents include:

Solar News Release
Solar Water Information
Solar Water Application

Residential PV Introduction
Residential PV Application
Residential PV Specifications

Sun4Schools News Release
Sun4Schools Application
Sun4Schools Contract

Wind News Release
Wind Introduction
Wind Application
Wind Specifications

Fire Station Application

Renewable Energy Dealers

SAGE MOUNTAIN CENTER OFFERS
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOPS
Solar electricity is clean, quiet, and abundant. Right now it is providing electricity to thousands of homes around the world. It's also perfect for remote water pumping and RV applications!

The sun and wind still, after 12 years, provide all of the electricity needs at Sage Mountain Center (http://www.sagemountain.org) near Whitehall. Again in 2003, the Center is offering an in-depth, hands-on class on Solar Electricity for the Home. The workshop covers solar panels, system sizing and design, costs, batteries, inverters, codes, grid-interties, controllers, and more.

The class will be August 9 at Sage Mountain Center, 79 Sage Mountain, Whitehall, MT 59795. Cost is $75. NorthWestern Energy customers are eligible for a $25 discount. Please call 1-406-494-9875 for details.

Sage Mountain Center is also offering a series of free Renewable Energy
Mini- Seminars around the state.

As energy security and environmental issues become more important, clean renewable energy sources are making their way into the mainstream. In Montana hundreds of homes and businesses are turning to renewable energy to offset power bills and contribute to cleaner air, water, and soil. The two-hour mini-seminar includes an overview covering solar and small wind equipment, financing, and net-metering. Sage Mountain staffers will also present a slide show with Q&A, and hand out literature.

Here's the seminar schedule:

• April 22 - Bozeman
• TBA - Helena
• June 24 - Butte
• TBA - Great Falls
• TBA - Billings
• TBA - Missoula

Please call 1-406-494-9875 for location details, dates, and times. For more information, download Sage Mountain Center's Workshop and Seminar Brochure

TRACK ENERGY BILLS IN THE 2003 MONTANA LEGISLATURE
You can track energy bills in the 2003 Montana Legislature Green Power Preference List:

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Preference List Searching." The user name to log on is "Montanagreenpower"; the password is "montanagreen."

REPORT ON MONTANA WIND/BIOMASS MEETING RELEASED
The Montana Associated Technology Roundtables (MATR) website reports on Montana Secretary of State Bob Brown’s efforts to develop wind energy on School Trust Lands. Brown convened a number of experts to begin discussions in at a meeting in Helena in March. The group includes participants in biomass energy generation, hydrogen development potential and other forms of alternative energy. The report from the last meeting is posted on the MATR website. For further information, contact Gayle Shirley: [email protected]; 1-406-444-4195.

Wind/Biomass Report 

INTERIOR DEPARTMENT STUDY IDENTIFIES
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SITES IN MONTANA
Wyoming Bureau reporter Mike Stark describes the results of an Interior Department study on potential alternative energy sites in Montana and Wyoming in a copyrighted story in the Feb. 26 issue of the Billings Gazette.

"The persistent wind in Montana and Wyoming may eventually do more than just blow off hats and stir up dust," Stark writes. "The federal government says both states are good candidates for wind energy development on public lands, including near Billings, Missoula, Great Falls and in southern Wyoming near Rawlins and Rock Springs.

Stark reports that the new report identifies 65 areas in 11 Western states under the Bureau of Land Management's jurisdiction that have potential for renewable energy development, including wind power and solar, geothermal and "biomass" power, based on consumption of plants and trees.

Wind Power

CO-OPS WORKING TO ACCOMMODATE
ALTERNATIVE GENERATION
Rural Montana Magazine reports on how Montana rural electric cooperatives and their members are using alternative energy. "As interest in alternative energy sources, often called green energy, increases, Montana’s electric cooperatives are looking at various ways to accommodate their members," the magazine reports. "Although no alternative energy sources have been developed that can compete economically with conventional generation sources without substantial government subsidies, some people believe green power is worth paying more for. And there are some instances when the site to be electrified is prohibitively far from distribution lines. Those situations can be addressed with alternative generation, usually solar or wind power."

Co-ops Working to Accommodate Alternative Generation (153KB PDF)

BLACKFEET COMMUNITY COLLEGE WIND TURBINE ON LINE
Roy Nollkamper, member services manager for Glacier Electric Cooperative, reports on the installation of a wind turbine at Blackfeet Community College in a recent issue of Rural Montana Magazine. "With the installation of the 10 kilo Watt Bergey Wind Turbine complete, students at the Blackfeet Community College will now begin to compile and study the data produced by the project," Nollkamper writes. "The turbine, acquired by a grant written by Ron Ladue through the college, will also provide power for approximately 50 percent of the load at the vocational center where the generator is located. Any excess production will be passed onto Glacier Electric’s system."

Blackfeet Community College Wind Turbine On Line (3.5MB PDF)

OTHER NEWS...

HARVESTING CLEAN ENERGY CONFERENCE SHOWS
FARM CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION IS COMPETITIVE
Clean energy production is emerging as a competitive economic option for Northwest agriculture. Windpower, biofuels and biogas are already arriving in the region and promise continued growth in new revenues and jobs for the region's farmers and rural communities. Those messages echoed time and again at Climate Solutions' Harvesting Clean Energy Conference organized with the NW Co-op Development Center and the Idaho Ag Summit Feb. 10-11 in Boise, as speakers detailed the Northwest's emerging clean energy opportunity. Typical was Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID.), who opened the conference with an address by satellite.

Harvesting Clean Energy Newsletter

SEN. CAMPBELL INTRODUCES INDIAN ENERGY BILL
The National Tribal Environmental Research Institute reports that Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado and Sen. Pete Domenici of Arizona, both Republicans, have introduced S. 522 to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to assist Indian tribes in developing energy resources. The bill was introduced, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 5, 2003. The bill covers renewable and non-renewable energy development.

S.522

BIOCYCLE CONFERENCE FEATURES
GOOD NEWS FOR FARMERS
DENVER, COLORADO - You can find positive news in this difficult agricultural economy. Farmers and ranchers are turning around problems and discovering opportunities in diversification of farm products, new market niches, water use reduction, and energy production.

In some cases, the stories are remarkable, according to BioCycle magazine editor, Robert Rynk, who cites the Texas grapefruit grower who reduced the number of irrigation cycles by 60 percent. And the Colorado hog producer who eliminated rendering charges. Many of these significant case studies will be presented at the 33rd Annual BioCycle National Conference, May 5, 6, 7 in Denver, Colorado at the Denver Renaissance Hotel.

The 33rd Annual BioCycle Conference focuses on managing organic materials, such as manure and crop residues, to create products like biogas, biofuels, compost, livestock bedding and other biobased products. Nationally known experts, as well as regional and local specialists and practitioners, will discuss successful ideas, methods and examples for converting organic residuals into value-added products.

The presenters will also address how to produce and use these products to obtain the greatest benefits with minimal environmental impact.

Sponsored by BioCycle, Journal of Composting & Organics Recycling, this Conference is cosponsored by organizations which include: Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation; A1 Organics; Colorado Environmental Business Alliance; Eco-Cycle; U.S. EPA AgStar Program; U.S. EPA Region 8; and Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service.

Many sessions will focus on science-driven and field-tested alternatives for addressing shrinking farm revenue, drought, water shortage, on-again off-again energy crisis, odor complaints, falling soil productivity, erosion and nutrient management. Among these issues, water conservation will receive particular attention. In Colorado, as well as in other Western states, the dominant word is drought. It's all about drought - that is the message heard loud and clear. This conference will dedicate several sessions to the twin issues of drought and water use.

Many other facets of organics recycling will be featured at the conference including:

• Renewable energy from organic feedstocks
• Composting for managing animal mortalities
• Fate of prions from Chronic Wasting Disease
• Compost use for highways and landscapes
• Value-added manure products and options for producing compost and vermicompost.

Conference highlights include:

• Special evening session with extension educators and farm advisors to discuss recycling issues and projects
• Opportunities for networking with experts, researchers and public officials
• A full day of site tours for seeing, first-hand, local facilities producing or using compost and organic products.

The Conference site is the Renaissance Denver Hotel. For conference program and registration information, visit BioCycle magazine's web site, www.biocycle.net. Or contact use at 610-967-4135, ext. 22 or [email protected].

WIND POWER DEVELOPERS RACE
TO BEAT TAX CREDIT EXPIRATION
In a copyrighted Associated Press story, the Missoula reports on the Stateline Wind Project near Touchet, Wash., and the developers efforts to cash in on tax credits for the energy their wind machines generate.

Stateline Project

WEBSITE FEATURES EVERYTHING
ABOUT SOLAR ROOFS INITIATIVE
Learn more about the Million Solar Roofs Initiative at the MSR website:

Million Solar Roofs

You'll find information about the origins of the initiative, system qualifications, solar technologies and state and local MSR partners, including Montana's partnership. The site also features information about state financial incentives, downloadable presentations, publications, success stories, a photo gallery and an online library.

Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. – Immanuel Kant

Back to the top

March 2003

"Look at those cows and remember that the greatest scientists in the world have never discovered how to make grass into milk." – Michael Pupin

IN MONTANA...
Housing Complex Will Feature State's Largest Solar Array 
Legislator's Resolution Seeks Production Tax Credit Extension
Montana-German Partnership Plans 180MW Wind Project
Trout Unlimited Buys Renewable Energy To Power Field Offices
UM-Western Hosts Solar Radiation Monitoring Station
Baucus among Winners of First Renewable Energy Alliance Awards
ASiMI Moses Lake Plant Manufacturing Silicon for Solar Cells
Senate OKs USB Extension; SB77 Moves to House
UM to Host Hydrogen 'Leaders Conference'
Track energy bills in the 2003 Montana legislature

OTHER NEWS...
Congressman Reintroduces Residential Solar Tax Credit Bill
UCS Launches Clean Energy Network
Solar Stock Tanks Protect Pasture Land and History
Biodiesel Beats the Cold
Oregon Senator Seeks Extension of Wind Production Tax Credit
Wind Finance Website Lets Users Calculate True Project Costs
National Laboratory Seeking Solar Decathlon Participants

IN MONTANA...

HOUSING COMPLEX WILL FEATURE
STATE'S LARGEST SOLAR ARRAY
Gold Dust Apartments in Missoula eventually will feature the state's largest solar array, according to a copyrighted story in the Missoulian. Reporter Sherry Devlin writes that the 18-unite apartment complex is stylish, "sustainable" and captures a "sense of the North Side neighborhood's historic work ethic."

Missoulian Story

RESOLUTION SEEKS PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT EXTENSION
A Whitehall legislator who has promoted a wind project in his district is asking the Montana Legislature to support an extension of the federal wind energy production tax credit. Republican Rep. Scott Mendenhall, a freshman lawmaker, has introduced House Joint Resolution No. 16, urging President George Bush and the U.S. Congress to extend the tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2003.

The House overwhelmingly approved the measure and transmitted it to the Senate on Thursday, Feb. 20.

HJ 16: 

MONTANA-GERMAN PARTNERSHIP PLANS
180MW WIND PROJECT NEAR JUDITH GAP
Great Falls Tribune reporter Mike Dennison writes about a Big Sandy-based partnership that's ready to begin work on a 180-megawatt wind farm near Judith Gap, calling it the first major wind-power project in Montana. The story quotes Bob Quinn, an organic farmer from Big Sandy and a partner in WindPark Solutions America: "The project we've been studying for the last 2 years is ready for construction." The partnership includes Quinn and a pair of German wind-power experts. The corporation is preparing to bid on a contract to sell wind power to NorthWestern Energy.

Great Falls Tribune Story

WindPark Solutions News Release

TROUT UNLIMITED BUYS RENEWABLE ENERGY
TO POWER COLUMBIA BASIN FIELD OFFICES
Portland, OR – Trout Unlimited, the nation's largest trout and salmon conservation organization, today launched its "Salmon Generation" green power initiative to promote renewable energy generation alternatives and salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest.

"Salmon and energy became forever linked in this region when we started building dams on the rivers and asking the salmon and steelhead to carry the load," said Jeff Curtis, Western Conservation Director for Trout Unlimited. "We've reached a point now where we need either to invest in changes that will lighten the burden of our energy demands on the backs of wild salmon and steelhead or seriously face the prospect of future generations without them."

To initiate the campaign, Trout Unlimited has purchased-through Bonneville Environmental Foundation's Green Tags program-an amount of energy from renewable sources sufficient to power its five national field offices in Oregon, Idaho and Montana. About 99% of energy purchased through BEF's Green Tags comes from new wind power generated within the region, with the remainder from solar.

"This is our small attempt to demonstrate the positive link between clean, affordable energy and sustainable salmon and steelhead runs to counter the false impression many folks seem to have that they're mutually exclusive," said Alan Moore of TU. "We hope that others vested in the future of this region's salmon and steelhead heritage will recognize that link and follow our lead."

UM-WESTERN HOSTS SOLAR RADIATION MONITORING STATION
The University of Montana-Western is participating in a solar-radiation monitoring program administered by the University of Oregon Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory. Last October, Rich Kessler from the Solar Radiation Monitoring Lab and visiting scientist Dr. Igor Tyukhov from the All-Russian Research Institute for Electrification of Agriculture in Moscow visited the campus to install the equipment on the roof of the OC Building.

The site is one of 29 in a network around the Northwest and the only one in Montana. The equipment takes measurements of solar radiation at the Dillon site every five minutes. Tom Wagenknecht, an environmental sciences student, maintains the equipment and communicates with the University of Oregon lab.

More photos

UM-Western's environmental science curriculum emphasizes multi-disciplinary field-based research projects; specializations in applied mathematics, wildlife biology, environmental geochemistry, geology, sustainable natural resource management, wildlands therapy, or wildlands interpretation. Southwest Montana is its lab.

UO Solar Radiation Monitoring Laboratory

BAUCUS AMONG WINNERS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AWARDS
Washington, DC – The Renewable Energy Alliance, comprising some of the most promising renewable energy industries, has named Montana Sen. Max Baucus as one of its "Clean Fourteen."

The "Clean Fourteen" – a tripartisan group of six Republicans, seven Democrats, and one Independent from the House and Senate – were honored last October in the U.S. Capitol's Mansfield Room. They each received a Renewable Energy Leadership Award.

Each of the 14 has shown "extraordinary commitment" to advancing the development and deployment of clean energy across America, according to the Alliance.

"Renewable energy is cleaning our environment while reducing America's dependence on foreign energy sources," said Karl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association. "These Congressional leaders have been the true champions of clean energy, fighting the good fight on behalf of America's families." The winners are:

Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO)
Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO)
Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
Sen. James Jeffords (I-VT)
Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY)
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN)
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE)
Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA)
Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR)

The Renewable Energy Alliance comprises the American Bioenergy Association, American Wind Energy Association, Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Geothermal Energy Association, National Hydropower Association, and Solar Energy Industries Association. These industries collectively are growing at roughly 20 percent per year, and employ tens of thousands of Americans, according to the Alliance.

ASIMI PLANT MANUFACTURING SILICON FOR SOLAR CELLS
Moses Lake, WA – Advanced Silicon Materials LLC (ASiMI), a subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. of Japan and a manufacturer of polycrystalline silicon, and Silicon Technologies AS, a subsidiary of Renewable Energy Corporation AS (REC) of Norway have established a joint-venture company dedicated to the manufacture and sale of polycrystalline silicon for solar applications. Under the name of Solar Grade Silicon LLC (SGS), the joint venture started operations with 50:50 equity participation last October.

SGS launched production of polycrystalline silicon for solar applications in November after optimizing the production technologies for polycrystalline silicon licensed by ASiMI to SGS for solar applications at the Moses Lake Plant. SGS also plans to develop fluidized bed technology to produce granular polycrystalline silicon at a lower cost with a targeted completion date of not more than three years. ASiMI will have the right to use the technology in the polycrystalline silicon business for electronic applications. As REC will finance SGS's technology development program and a majority of its working capital requirements, it is expected that ASiMI's equity holding ratio in the joint venture will decline in the future, falling to 25 percent in three years.

The joint venture is the world's first polycrystalline silicon manufacturer exclusively focused on solar applications.

Advanced Silicon Materials LLC, with its head office in Butte, is a leading producer of ultra-high purity polycrystalline silicon, and the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of silane gas. Both products are integrated through a unique technology to create a base material for silicon wafers and devices produced by the semiconductor industry. Read more on Con.Web:

ASiMI Goes Solar

SENATE OKS USB EXTENSION; SB77 MOVES TO HOUSE
Extension of Montana's Universal System Benefits cleared another hurdle with the Montana Senate approving a bill that would extend the program through December 2005.

Senate Bill 77 has passed the Senate on a unanimous voice vote after winning approval in the Energy and Telecommunication Committee. Sen. Royal Johnson (R-Billings), who is chairman of the committee, sponsored the bill. The Legislature's Transition Advisory Committee had requested the measure.

Bozeman Democrat Sen. Emily Stonington's motion to extend USB through 2013 died in committee.

Montana established universal system benefits programs to ensure continued funding of and new expenditures for energy conservation, renewable resource projects and applications, and low-income energy assistance during the transition period and into the future.

Beginning Jan. 1, 1999, 2.4 percent of each utility's annual retail sales revenue in Montana for the calendar year ending December 31, 1995, was established as the initial funding level for universal system benefits programs.

Senate Bill 77

UM TO HOST HYDROGEN 'LEADERS CONFERENCE'
The University of Montana will host a "Leaders Conference" on hydrogen energy March 29 in Missoula. The conference is being organized by R. Paul Williamson, dean of UM's College of Technology. A summary of the conference will be offered to the public at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, at the College of Technology.

Speakers will cover such topics as wind and electrolysis, carbon fuel reforming, storage technology, batteries, Michigan's "SmartZone," hydrogen fuel cells and Montana's hydrogen energy plan.

For more information, contact:

R. Paul Williamson, Dean
University of Montana College of Technology
909 South Ave, West, Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 243 7851 [email protected]

TRACK ENERGY BILLS IN THE 2003 MONTANA LEGISLATURE
You can track energy bills in the 2003 Montana Legislature GreenPower Preference List.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Preference List Searching." The user name to log on is "Montanagreenpower"; the password is "montanagreen."

OTHER NEWS...

ARIZONA CONGRESSMAN REINTRODUCES
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR TAX CREDIT BILL
Washington, DC (January 13, 2003) – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has praised Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) for reintroducing his residential solar energy tax credit bill.

The bill would provide homeowners who install solar systems with a tax credit to offset the startup costs of adding clean, renewable solar power to their homes.

"The Hayworth bill is a winner for homeowners and for the air we breathe," said Glenn Hamer, SEIA's Executive Director. "Solar power is a clean, reliable and renewable resource, but the upfront costs can make some homeowners hesitate. The Hayworth bill will help increase demand for home-grown solar power and thus reduce demand for foreign and more polluting energy sources."

The bill would provide a federal tax credit of 15 percent of the cost of both solar electric and solar hot water systems installed on homes. The language passed both the House and Senate last Congress, and enjoyed the support of the White House, but did not become law because the comprehensive energy bill died in a conference committee. The Hayworth bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways & Means, of which Hayworth is a member.

"This has been a great January for the solar industry," Hamer said. "First we learned that a first-ever solar electric system has been installed on White House grounds, and now Congressman Hayworth has renewed his fight to expand the use of clean energy on homes coast to coast. We look forward to energizing our hundreds of member companies to urge their Congressmen to support the Hayworth bill."

SEIA is the national trade organization representing solar electric and solar thermal manufacturers, component suppliers, and distributors.

UCS LAUNCHES CLEAN ENERGY NETWORK
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking participants in EnergyNet, a new electronic network aimed at advancing clean energy solutions. EnergyNet is a free resource offered by UCS that provides access to reports, fact sheets, testimony, presentations, and educational materials on renewable energy issues. "All of this information is backed by rigorous scientific and technical analysis," according to UCS.

Join EnergyNet. 

SOLAR STOCK TANKS PROTECT PASTURE LAND AND HISTORY
A stone's throw from the historic Oregon Trail, rancher Rob Hellyer is pioneering new water supplies for livestock with the help of modern alternative energy technology and High Plains Power, Inc. 

Located near Lander, Wyo., the segment of the famous westward route known as South Pass is a wide, level gap in the Rocky Mountains that allowed wagons to cross the Continental Divide. The landscape today looks much as it did 160 years ago, miles away from civilization-and power lines.

Solar Tanks

BIODIESEL BEATS THE COLD
Coldest Spots in the Country Succeed with Biodiesel Even at Subzero Temperatures
Jefferson City, MO – Cold weather isn't stopping biodiesel users from depending on the cleaner burning fuel in the winter. From vehicles at the Canadian border to Colorado ski towns to airport snowplows and school buses, biodiesel is proving its reliability even when the temperature plummets.

Biodiesel is an American-made fuel that can be produced from any fat or vegetable oil, such as soybean oil. "Concerns that biodiesel can't perform or flow well in adverse weather are based on myths," according to Kelly Strebig, a research engineer for the University of Minnesota Center for Diesel Research at Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Strebig and other researchers have verified that a B2, a blend of 2 percent biodiesel and 98 percent petroleum diesel has no measurable difference in cold flow properties than standard diesel. He says higher blends of biodiesel, such as B20, can be treated with standard flow-improvers - the same as most diesel fuel is treated in cold weather. The Center for Diesel Research also just completed studies of new additives that lowered the gel point of B20 to 50 degrees below zero.

"Many people aren't aware that cold flow improvers are already in most diesel during the winter," Strebig said. "The same procedures and products that keep diesel from gelling are typically good for biodiesel too. Many of these cold-flow improvers only cost 3/4 cent to 11/2 cents per gallon, and you only need them during the few coldest months of the year."

Known as the "Icebox of the Nation," International Falls, Minnesota is a good place to test the cold-weather reliability of any fuel. International Falls is home to Voyageurs National Park, which has used B20 for three years and has experienced no problems with it even though the B20 is stored in unheated above-ground tanks. B20-powered vehicles have started at 28 degrees below zero with only a common fuel block and fuel filter heater. For more details on Voyageurs use of biodiesel in cold weather along with profiles on Yellowstone National Park; the Town of Breckenridge Colorado; Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri; and Medford, New Jersey School District.

Cold Weather Success Stories

"We aren't surprised at reports like these because biodiesel is such a well-tested fuel, both in the laboratory and in the real world," said National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Executive Director Joe Jobe. "For many years, Europeans have used biodiesel year-round and in cold locations like the Swiss Alps. Likewise, the United States can depend on American-made biodiesel."

Biodiesel has similar horsepower, torque and BTU content compared to petroleum diesel. It offers excellent lubricity and higher cetane than diesel fuel. Biodiesel is registered with the EPA as a fuel and fuel additive. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a new comprehensive technical report of biodiesel emissions data that shows that B20 can reduce emissions of total unburned hydrocarbons by 20 percent when compared to petroleum diesel. The report also verified a 12 percent reduction of both carbon monoxide and particulate matter with B20.

Learn more about biodiesel by visiting http://www.biodiesel.org. Fact sheets on biodiesel and cold weather are at Biodiesel Fact Sheets.

OREGON SENATOR SEEKS EXTENSION
OF WIND PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT
Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) has introduced a bill (S. 207) to extend the wind production tax credit to January 2014.

Smith's measure follows news of solid gains for wind energy in 2002 even in the face of an overall retrenchment in the broader energy industry.

The American Wind Energy Association reported last week that total installed wind electric generating capacity expanded by nearly 10percent during the year, with 410 megawatts (MW) of new equipment going into service (enough to meet the annual needs of approximately 120,000 average American homes). At year's end, AWEA said, wind plants in 27 states across the country totaled 4,685 MW, enough to serve more than 1.3 million households.

Although the new additions made 2002 the fourth best year of all time, AWEA executive director Randall Swisher said, the total was down sharply from 2001, when a record 1,696 MW were installed. The lower total, he said, "underlines the vital importance of having a stable energy policy environment in which a new industry can grow in a healthy fashion."

Central to the industry's agenda in 2003, Swisher said, will be a proposed multi-year extension of the existing federal wind energy production tax credit (PTC), which is currently scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2003. "Congress has allowed the PTC to expire twice before renewing it - in 1999 and 2001 - and each time the impact on our industry has been devastating," Swisher said.

An extension of the credit was included in both the House and Senate versions of last year's energy bill, which died when Congress could not reach final agreement before adjourning in December.

WIND FINANCE WEBSITE LETS USERS
CALCULATE TRUE PROJECT COSTS
A wind energy power project is an electricity generation investment that produces electricity at an average cost of electricity that is based on technology, location and financial assumptions. A website operated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory allows users to calculate online the cost of electricity generated by a wind system.

The website lets you create a new project on screen (or modify an existing project) by entering values for numerous assumptions step-by-step until enough information has been entered to calculate the project cost.

Projects added or modified are stored for your convenience and are available to you the next time you log in.

The website is the work of NREL's e-Analysis team, a multidisciplinary collection of people who develop "dynamic, state-of-the-art, Internet-based renewable energy analysis applications."

Wind Energy Finance

NATIONAL LABORATORY SEEKING
SOLAR DECATHLON PARTICIPANTS
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has announced that the Solar Decathlon RFP is available. The Solar Decathlon is an intercollegiate competition among student teams that will design, build, and operate solar-powered houses. The competition is open exclusively to colleges, universities and other post-secondary educational institutions.

NREL's Current Solicitations

Look for: Solar Decathlon Request for Proposal 2005 -RAD-3-33613.

---

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"The world is not to be put in order, the world is order. It is for us to put ourselves in unison with this order." – Henry Miller

Back to the top

February 2003

"You didn't come into this world. You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here." – Alan Watts

IN MONTANA...
Senate OKs USB Extension; SB 77 Moves to House
Park Electric Accepts Second Grid-tied Wind System
MDU Resources to Purchase California Wind Generation Facility
Sustainability Fair 2003 to Feature Alternative Energy
Under the Big Sky Greening Conference Set June 11-13
NorthWestern Seeking Wind Proposals
DEQ Lists Renewable Energy Tax Incentives for 2002 Tax Year
Track Energy Bills in the 2003 Montana Legislature

OTHER NEWS...
WSU to Host Net Energy Homes Conference
Mountain States Appliance Report 2001 Released
Harvesting Clean Energy Conference Set for Early February
Wind Power in Utah Not Just a Lot of Hot Air

IN MONTANA...

SENATE OKs USB EXTENSION; SB 77 MOVES TO HOUSE
Extension of Montana's Universal System Benefits cleared another hurdle this week with the Montana Senate approving a bill that would extend the program through December 2005.

Senate Bill 77 passed the Senate Monday on a unanimous vote after winning approval in the Energy and Telecommunication Committee. Sen. Royal Johnson (R-Billings), who is chairman of the committee, sponsored the bill. The Legislature's Transition Advisory Committee had requested the measure.

The committee rejected a motion by Bozeman Democrat, Sen. Emily Stonington, to extend USB through 2013.

Montana established universal system benefits programs to ensure continued funding of and new expenditures for energy conservation, renewable resource projects and applications, and low-income energy assistance during the transition period and into the future.

Beginning Jan. 1, 1999, 2.4 percent of each utility's annual retail sales revenue in Montana for the calendar year ending December 31, 1995, was established as the initial funding level for universal system benefits programs.

Senate Bill 77

PARK ELECTRIC ACCEPTS SECOND GRID-TIED WIND SYSTEM
Independent Power Systems of Bozeman (http://www.solarwindmontana.com/) recently installed a 10-kilowatt Bergey wind turbine at the BBAR Ranch in Tom Minor Basin near Livingston. The installation is the second metered system on Park Electric Cooperative's electric grid. The unit supplements power to a ranch house, barn and water heating units that are all on the same meter. Independent Power plans to retrofit the heaters with bubblers to use power more efficiently. The turbine was mounted on a lattice tower. 

MDU RESOURCES TO PURCHASE CALIFORNIA WIND GENERATION FACILITY
BISMARCK, ND – (12/20/02) MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU) announced that its Centennial Power, Inc. subsidiary had entered into an agreement to purchase the 66.6-megawatt Mountain View wind powered electric generation facility, from San Gorgonio Power Corporation, an affiliate of PG&E National Energy Group for $102.5 million cash, subject to certain closing adjustments. The acquisition is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including receipt of regulatory approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Justice under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Anti-Trust Improvement Act. Financial closing is expected to occur in early 2003. The project meets stated economic and financial objectives of MDU Resources for growth via acquisitions and is expected to be accretive to earnings. 

The Mountain View project is located in the San Gorgonio Pass, northwest of Palm Springs, Calif., one of the nation's prime wind energy development areas. The facilities consist of 111 Mitsubishi MWT-600 wind turbines and began commercial operation in September 2001. The project sells all of its output under a long-term contract with the California Department of Water Resources. SeaWest Wind Power, Inc. will continue to operate the facilities. 

"This project is an ideal one for us to become involved with since it supplies power to the California market under contract and has a reliable earnings stream that is unaffected by economic cycles," said Paul Gatzemeier, Centennial Power's vice president and general manager. "In addition, this project is environmentally sound, gives us more expertise in wind generation and diversifies our generation assets."

The information in this release includes certain forward-looking statements, including statements by the vice president and general manager of Centennial Power, Inc. and a statement that the acquisition meets the stated economic and financial objectives of MDU Resources for growth via acquisitions, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although the company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include operation of plant facilities, present or prospective generation, market demand for energy from plants or facilities, federal and California governmental policies and the ability to effectively integrate acquired operations. For further discussion, refer to MDU Resources' most recent Form 10-Q at Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis – Safe Harbor for Forward-looking Statements. MDU Resources Group, Inc. provides energy, value-added natural resource products and related services that are essential to our country's energy, transportation and communication infrastructure. MDU Resources includes electric and natural gas utilities, a natural gas pipeline, utility services, natural gas and oil production, construction materials and mining, and energy services. For more information about MDU Resources, see the company's Web site at www.mdu.com or contact the investor relations department at [email protected].

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., PG&E National Energy Group, Inc. develops, builds, owns and operates electric generating and natural gas pipeline facilities and provides energy trading, marketing and risk-management services. PG&E National Energy Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG).

Contacts: Warren L. Robinson – Executive Vice President, 
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (701) 222-7991 or 
Cathi Christopherson – VP, Corporate Communications (701) 222-7959
Sandra McDonough, (503) 833-4601
or Megan Frey (503) 833-4603 – PG&E National Energy Group

MDU News

http://www.mdu.com/corp-news.html

SUSTAINABILITY FAIR 2003 TO FEATURE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Sustainability Fair 2003 will be July 12, 2003, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Depot Rotary Park in downtown Livingston, Montana. More than 70 vendors will showcase sustainable goods and services available in our region, and many will host workshops. Crews will construct an on-site "Sustainable Office" that will showcase the latest innovations in sustainable building materials and alternative energy features available to homeowners.

Because 3,000 or more attendees are expected, it's an excellent venue for vendors of 'green' products. The Fair is sponsored by the Corporation for the Northern Rockies, a Livingston-based sustainable economic development nonprofit that serves Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. There will be day-long music and children's programs. Admission is $2/adults or $1/with one can of food, seniors and children free. Bring the family and learn how you can make sustainable choices in your everyday life. For more information, vendors or attendees, contact CNR at [email protected], 406.222.0730 or visit CNR's website at www.northrock.org. 

UNDER THE BIG SKY GREENING CONFERENCE SET JUNE 11-13
Yellowstone National Park officials announced the third "greening" conference in six years to be held June 11-13, 2003 at Big Sky. The park has joined with two Montana grassroots organizations to help sponsor the conference. Ethanol Producers And Consumers (EPAC) and Headwaters Cooperative Recycling Project (HCRP) will co-host the event. "The park prides itself in being a National Leader in the areas of sustainability and environmental conservation through such partnerships," a spokesman said. 

The conference will focus on the expanded production and use of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel; regional recycling and composting opportunities; a variety of pollution prevention topics, and the latest technologies in environmental stewardship. Other conference highlights include an alternatively fueled vehicle display focusing on future modes of transportation, as well as a wide variety of vendor and sponsor exhibits. Additional major sponsors include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the State of Montana, and Unilever Cooperation. The three-day event will culminate with the dedication of a recently constructed regional composting facility located near West Yellowstone, followed by an interpretive tour to Old Faithful using alternatively fueled vehicles. For more information, contact: 

Shirley Ball, Executive Director of EPAC –  406-785-3722
Kathy Jackson, Executive Director of HCRP – 406-431-1247
Jim Evanoff, Management Assistant, Yellowstone National Park – 406-344-2311

Conference Brochure
http://peakstoprairies.org/greening/

NORTHWESTERN SEEKING WIND PROPOSALS
Lands Energy Consulting of Seattle has announced the NorthWestern Energy solicitation for wind generation. Responses to the 21-page request for wind-power proposals are due Feb. 14. NorthWestern is asking for proposals for 10 years and 20 years. Potential generators may bid on projects of different sizes. The minimum requirement is 10 megawatts. NorthWestern encourages companies to bid in increments of 25 megawatt blocks. NorthWestern Energy Wind Generation RFP http://www.landsenergy.com/htmls/windrfp.html

DEQ LISTS RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX INCENTIVES FOR 2002 TAX YEAR
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has compiled a list of all incentives – tax and otherwise – that Montana offers for renewable energy development. Some are for individuals only; some are for businesses only; many are for both. Not all the non-tax incentives on the list are fully funded at this time; however, since they're on the books, they're on the list. The incentives apply to most kinds of renewable energy. Ethanol and alternative fuels are in a separate section. 

Tax Incentives

http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.asp

TRACK ENERGY BILLS IN THE 2003 MONTANA LEGISLATURE

You can track energy bills in the 2003 Montana Legislature Green Power Preference List http://laws.leg.state.mt.us/pls/laws03/law0203w$.startup). Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Preference List Searching." The user name to log on is "Montanagreenpower"; the password is "montanagreen."   

OTHER NEWS ...

WSU TO HOST NET ENERGY HOMES CONFERENCE
Builders, developers, architects, and utility staff will learn about integrating existing and cutting-edge technologies to design net energy homes at a conference set for May 6-8 at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash. "Net Energy Conservation" hopes to move conservation and solar power into the marketplace by designing homes that produce more than they consume. Net energy home design is an affordable goal for the first time. A combination of new technologies and new legislation make it possible! net energy homes conference Net energy, it's a simple formula: energy in < energy out. The conference will offer small classroom presentations by the Northwest's leading residential energy and green building experts. Attendees will come away with skills, contacts, and the opportunity for Net Energy Home Specialist certification. Look for more information soon at: http://capps.wsu.edu/netenergy, or call WSU Conferences and Professional Programs: 253-445-4575. 

WSU Conferences and Professional Programs 
2333 7612 Pioneer Way E
Puyallup, WA 98371-4998

MOUNTAIN STATES APPLIANCE REPORT 2001 RELEASED
Households in the Mountain States consumed 0.58 quadrillion Btu of energy in 1997 (the most recent year for which data are available), according to an Energy Information Administration regional energy profile. That consumption accounted for about 6 percent of the nationwide total of 10.2 quadrillion Btu. About 30 percent of Mountain household energy was used to operate appliances (including refrigerators) and to run electric air-conditioning. That share is about the same as share for the United States as a whole (31 percent). 

Mountain States

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/reps/appli/mountain.html

HARVESTING CLEAN ENERGY CONFERENCE TO PROMOTE
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY
BOISE – As the Northwest faces new challenges to its economic health and its energy supplies, the region¹s premier rural clean energy conference has joined forces with Idaho¹s most important agricultural event to offer rural Northwest communities the opportunity to learn how energy and agriculture can work together to bring about rural economic development. The 3rd Annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference and the Idaho Ag Summit will be held jointly February 10 & 11 in Boise, Idaho (www.harvestcleanenergy.org). Organizers are calling the event an ideal opportunity for people involved in the agriculture and energy sectors of government, industry, farming, and economic development to find the tools they need to get profitable clean energy projects built in rural Northwest communities. This is the first time ever the two leading industry events have combined their efforts to allow their constituents to gain a practical and in-depth understanding of how agriculture and energy opportunities intertwine and can produce new revenue streams.

"The conference provides the Northwest agricultural community, not just in Idaho but also across the Northwest, with the opportunity to see and discover first-hand how they can enhance their economic vitality through clean energy power production technologies and techniques," said Brad Hoaglun, organizer of the Idaho Ag Summit. "This joint conference is designed for to meet the changing economic needs of farmers, ranchers, agriculture and rural leaders, tribes, and elected officials across the Northwest," added Rhys Roth, from Climate Solutions in Olympia, WA, one of the organizers of the Harvesting Clean Energy conference. A wide range of issues will be examined in special workshops including wind power, biofuels and anaerobic digesters. Another key part of the conference will address on-farm energy. Organizers say on-farm energy involves the process of producing power for on-site use such as wind for irrigation power, solar for stock watering, on-farm biogas and geothermal heat for greenhouses and aquaculture. A trade show will feature the latest technologies and practical, hands-on information about agriculture-based energy production. Registration for the event is now open. For more information about the program and registration visit www.harvestcleanenergy.org, or contact: 

• Diane Gasaway, Northwest Cooperative Development Center at 360-943-4241, email at [email protected]; or
• Brad Hoaglun, Ag Summit at (208) 888-0988, email at [email protected].

WIND POWER IN UTAH NOT JUST A LOT OF HOT AIR
The Salt Lake Tribune reports in a copyright story about Utahns working with the Utah Energy Office to learn whether wind can be turned into a crop. "Wind is a fact of life in this rural Box Elder County community (Collinston), a nuisance no one can pull, poison or pray out of existence. But Lorin and Sherry Bingham and their grown children have begun to look at wind another way," writes reporter Kristen Moulton. 

http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jan/01052003/utah/17499.asp

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Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please. – Mark Twain

January 2003

Time is a created thing. To say "I don't have time" is like saying "I don't want to." – Lao-Tzu

IN MONTANA...
Whitehall Wind Power Plan in Limbo
Tribal Utility Customers Heed Conservation Message
State Leaders Form Coalition to Explore Hydrogen Potential
Yellowstone Provides Test for Biodiesel Vehicles
Montana Wind Map Now On Line

OTHER NEWS...
Energy from the Big Yellow Orb–Here Comes the Sun
BPA Report Details Impacts of 'Intermittent Resources'
Windmills Safer Than Thought
Colorado to Host Wind Energy, Power Markets Conference
EIA Issues Reports on Home Energy Use
Idaho Considering Biodiesel Plant
Paper Describes New and Pending Bioenergy Production Incentives"
Need Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information?

IN MONTANA...

WHITEHALL WIND POWER PLAN IN LIMBO
Lee Newspaper Bureau Chief Charles Johnson reports in a copyrighted story in The Montana Standard that the Montana Public Service Commission approved a contract for a major wind project in Jefferson County, "but set the price for the electricity so low the wind-power developer said it isn't realistic to build the $65 million project at that rate."

On a 3-2 vote, the PSC approved an order in the application of Whitehall Wind LLC, an affiliate of Navitas Energy Inc. of Minneapolis, to be an independent power producer for NorthWestern Energy. Under the designation, NorthWestern Energy would be required to buy electricity from Whitehall Wind, but at a short-term rate of $10 per megawatt hour, which is about one-third of what Navitas Energy had sought.

http://www.mtstandard.com/rednews/2002/12/19/build/newslocal/lnews2.html

CUSTOMERS HEED CONSERVATION MESSAGE
Char-Koosta News 
PABLO – Reservation residents care about conserving electricity and it shows–to the tune of $1 million in credit to their power bills over the last 12 months. That was one of the highlights shared last Thursday at Mission Valley Power's annual meeting by general manager Ralph Goode. The 29,475,650 kilowatt hours saved by customers from Elmo to Evaro and Hot Springs is equivalent to a month's worth of power for more than 14,000 homes, he explained.

The utility also posted another record year of new hook-ups, he said, with 438, which was second only to fiscal year 1994's 504. The meeting also included a presentation about "green power" – solar and wind power – from C.T. Beede of the Bonneville Power Administration, and public recognition to Rod's Harvest Foods in St. Ignatius and Salish Kootenai College in Pablo for incorporating "Super Good Cents" conservation measures in the remodeling and construction of their buildings.

The large audience assembled in the utility's Pablo warehouse was also treated to a dinner catered by the staff of SKC's Three Wolves Cafeteria, given thank-you gifts for attending, and entered into a drawing for gifts ranging from flashlights to tool sets and credits toward future power bills. The kids in the audience weren't left out: They were invited to have identification cards made up, complete with photos and fingerprints – although technical problems ended up making it a two-day process. MVP is a federally owned electrical transmission utility operated by the Salish and Kootenai Tribes under a management contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs negotiated in 1988.

Implementing policy for the power company is a utility board currently made up of chairman Floyd Nicolai (Arlee), vice-chair Cynthia Foster (Hot Springs), Gene Pitts (Dixon), Lisa Shourds (Ronan), and Gordon Fyant (Polson). Customers are represented by Consumer Council members chairman Drew Hendrickson (Arlee), vice-chair Phyllis Houle (Ronan), Vicki Oberlander (Hot Springs), Lissa Peel (Polson), Denise Fyant (Arlee), Guy Bateman (St. Ignatius), and Art Fyant (Arlee). Copies of the MVP annual report, and conservation advice, may be obtained by calling 675 7900 or 883-7900. MVP also maintains a website at www.missionvalleypower.org.

STATE COALITION TO EXPLORE HYDROGEN POTENTIAL
A coalition of state political and educational leaders could put Montana at the front of the hydrogen energy revolution, creating jobs and revenues while developing an environmentally friendly source of power. The goal of the Montana Futures Coalition is to create a statewide production system for hydrogen and related products, beginning with the creation of the Montana Energy Products Network and establishment of an "H2 Futures Park" at the University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula.

Spearheading the effort is COT Dean R. Paul Williamson, who presented the plan last summer during a joint meeting of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and the House Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Williamson envisions H2 Futures Park as a hydrogen-powered campus centered on education, research and development of hydrogen technologies.

"Montana is uniquely situated at a critical point in time to become a key hydrogen energy producer," Williamson said. "No other state has all the natural resources needed to meet the hydrogen challenge. We have a great opportunity to establish a strong and viable hydrogen-driven economy."

Hydrogen has tremendous growth potential, Williamson believes. Many states and nations have begun to invest in the development of hydrogen, which is a clean and economically sound alternative to fossil fuels. Ultimately, he said, H2 Futures Park would establish Montana as a leader in the production of hydrogen energy and technologies, fostering statewide economic growth.

"Keys to our success must include leadership, innovation, collaboration, proactive education and the creation of funding streams," he said. "New thinking and new skills will pave the way for extensive business and job development."

H2 Futures: http://www.cte.umt.edu/MTFutures/

For more information, contact: R. Paul Williamson, dean, College of Technology, 243-7851.

YELLOWSTONE PROVIDES TEST FOR BIODIESEL VEHICLES
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality spearheaded a project to demonstrate biodiesel use in Yellowstone National Park. With visitation increasing yearly, there is a need for more efficient transportation, such as buses, and reduced pollution, odors, and smoke caused by tourism transportation. Biodiesel is any plant or animal fat that processed with an alcohol to make the methyl or ethyl esters of the oil useable in current production diesel engines. Yellowstone offered the opportunity to demonstrate this low emission, biodegradable fuel in an environmentally sensitive and extremely cold area. Such areas may prove to be a near-term niche market for this and similar bio-based fuels. Locally produced rapeseed ethyl ester (REE) could be part of the remedy to reduce pollution generated by diesel-powered vehicles in Yellowstone.

Biodiesel demonstration.

http://www.deq.state.mt.us/ppa/p2/bioenergy/truck_in_the_park_biodiesel_demo.asp

MONTANA WIND MAP NOW ON LINE
The Montana wind power map accessible through the Energize Montana website shows areas that are predicted to have high wind speeds and therefore high amounts of wind power. The map is best used to identify high potential areas for wind prospecting than for siting turbines. The map also identifies state lands that show a high potential. The data set on wind power was provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the map was prepared by Montana's Natural Resources Information System (NRIS). The map is a 2.3 MB .pdf file.

Energize Montana–Wind Map

OTHER NEWS ...

ENERGY FROM THE BIG YELLOW ORB: HERE COMES THE SUN
Mark Ohrenschall reports on the Northwest Solar Summit in the latest issue of Con.Web. 

In these darkest days of Northwest winter, Con.WEB brings you some sunshine–in the form of a special section on solar energy.

The special section looks at the solar industry's future and its generalized growth, particularly the rise in grid-connected applications; some solar technology trends; discussions on solar barriers and solutions; a look at Chelan County PUD's homegrown green power program, fostering a market between local customers and local solar and other renewable energy producers; a regionally available solar water-heating program from Bonneville Power Administration, via Eugene Water & Electric Board; summaries of some Northwest utilities' solar activities; and brief descriptions of some other solar programs and resources, from the Northwest and beyond.

Big Yellow Orb

Con.WEB is a monthly newsletter and information resource on Pacific Northwest energy conservation and renewable energy. It is produced by Energy NewsData, a Seattle- and San Francisco-based energy information services and publishing company. NewsData also publishes the Northwest energy industry newsletter Clearing Up, along with California Energy Markets and NW Fishletter. The Enernet Web site, a guide to the Western North American energy industry, is another NewsData information product.

BPA REPORT DETAILS IMPACTS OF 'INTERMITTENT RESOURCES'
The Bonneville Power Administration has released its first study on the impacts of intermittent resources–specifically wind generation–on the BPA hydro-thermal system. This preliminary study (dated September 2002, 47 pages) is based on only four months of operating wind plant and system load data. This study is an early analysis by the author and does not reflect any policy or marketing position by BPA. BPA is conducting a internal study using a full year of operating data to determine the long-term impacts of integrating wind power into BPA's control area.

WINDMILLS SAFER THAN THOUGHT
Windmills aren't that bad for birds, according to a new study just completed for BPA. In fact, with the notable exception of Altamont Pass in California, wind farms in the United States kill zero to very few birds. The reason, the study suggests, is that wind turbine developers have learned how to design wind farms to avoid attracting birds (larger slower-moving blades and tubular rather than lattice towers). And they've learned how to site turbines away from places where birds are abundant. Potential impacts on birds are often cited as a primary concern in environmental reviews of proposed wind farms. Data in the new study says windows of buildings and cats kill more birds than windmills. The new study can help evaluate the need for detailed bird use studies at proposed wind farm sites.

Birds and Bats

COLORADO TO HOST WIND ENERGY
AND POWER MARKETS CONFERENCE
Approximately 3,000 MW of wind capacity will be added in the U.S. over the next five years. The Department of Energy's Wind Powering America Initiative seeks to provide 5 percent of the nation's electricity with wind by 2020. According to the American Wind Energy Association, current growth suggests that wind could account for 6 percent of U.S. generation with 100,000 MW of installed capacity by 2020. However, in spite of all of the progress that has been made, there are still significant policy, transmission, and market challenges. The Wind Energy & Power Markets Conference, January 27-28, in Westminster, Colo., will focus on these issues.

Complete Conference Brochure

EIA ISSUES REPORTS ON HOME ENERGY USE
The Energy Information Administration has recently published two reports on home energy use. The Effect of Income on Appliances in U.S. Households views how people live and shows that the factors, which cause the most differences in home lifestyle, including energy use are: geographic location, socioeconomics, and household income. It looks at the relationships of these factors to home appliance ownership, based on information from the 2001 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, conducted by the Energy Information Administration.

Appliances 

Cooking Trends in the United States: Are We Really Becoming a Fast Food Country? indicates that Americans spend less time in the kitchen cooking now than they did in the 1990's. It demonstrates that in 1993 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) Americans were indeed cooking more than in the 2001 RECS. Identifiable differences are shown between the two survey years. The RECS is conducted by the Energy Information Administration.

Cooking

IDAHO CONSIDERING BIODIESEL PLANT
Idaho Statesman reporter Ken Dey notes in a copyrighted story that State of Idaho officials, local officials and private investors are exploring the possibility of building a plant that would take used cooking oil and convert it into biodiesel. "It´s not quite french fry fuel, but it's awfully close," Dey says. Officials heard a biodiesel consultant tell them that the secret to success is to create a network of customers in advance so that a biodiesel plant will have a solid customer base when it opens. Biodiesel is a fuel based on vegetable oil or animal fat that can be safely used in most diesel-powered vehicles to replace petroleum- based fuels. 

http://www.idahostatesman.com/Business/story.asp?ID=27922

CONFERENCE PAPER DESCRIBES NEW AND PROPOSED
FEDERAL INCENTIVES FOR BIOENERGY PRODUCTION
Jeremy Ames, policy associate at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute in Washington, D.C., has written a paper titled: New and Proposed Federal Incentives for Bioenergy Production. The paper was delivered at the Bioenergy 2002 Conference in September in Boise, Idaho.

According to Ames, the Farm Security and Rural Development Act of 2002 (H.R. 2646/P.L. 107-171), signed into law May 2002, is the first U.S Farm Bill to contain an energy title (Title IX). Title IX creates several new incentives for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to produce electricity, chemicals, fuels, and other co-products from biomass. In addition, the House of Representatives and the Senate have each passed comprehensive energy bills (H.R. 4/S. 517), which must be reconciled in a conference committee before Congress adjourns. Both bills would renew the production tax credit for biopower and expand it to include open-loop biomass. The Senate bill would create national requirements for the production of renewable electricity and biofuels. The paper examines these new a proposed incentives, and how their implementation and success could impact the future of bioenergy production in the United States.

New and Proposed Federal Incentives for Bioenergy Production

NEED ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INFORMATION?
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse provides fact sheets, brochures, videos and publications on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse
• P.O. Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116
• Phone between 7am-4pm CT, Monday-Friday. 1-800-363-3732 or for the hearing impaired call 1-800-273-2957 8am-6pm.
• Fax 1-703-893-0400
• Internet: http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/
  The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network or EREN is a gateway to energy efficiency and renewable energy information sources.
• Internet: www.eren.doe.gov

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Knowledge is the small part of ignorance that we arrange and classify. – Ambrose Bierce