CitiesGoGreen - February 2009 - (Page 9) Iowa: Energy Independent by 2025 In Motion Iowa is taking an aggressive track toward becoming energy independent. The state’s Office of Energy Independence (OEI) “sets the strategic direction for Iowa’s new energy future by identifying goals to achieve energy independence by 2025.” As Roya Stanley, director of the program notes, “There is no status quo.” Its 2009 plan (pdf) addresses several fronts: The Green Government Initiative, energy efficiency as the first priority of utilities, adopting Smart Growth principles, weatherization programs, biomass development, solar research, distributed energy generation, and much more. The innovative Power Fund, created and coordinated with the OEI, is an investment mechanism. It provided $29 million for projects last year in 2008, generating $180 million in matching funds, and expects much more activity in 2009. Green Tops for Landfills Cut Methane Atmospheric release of methane from landfills is a problem. Traditional compacted clay caps may crack in arid weather, allowing water passage and thus the methane generation they were meant to prevent. Research at the Central Queensland University (CQU), published in the International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, suggests that phytocapping can save costs and reduce methane emissions by four to five times. Applying a 1400mm thick layer of soil and thick vegetation atop a landfill lets the soil hold the water while the plants “biopump” it back into the atmosphere, thus keeping it out of the landfill. The best plant species to use vary with the climate, and soil thickness is critical, but phytocapping may be an attractive way to reduce methane production while also Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath, CQU providing wildlife habitat and phytocapping researcher. corridors near urban areas. San José Charges Ahead San José, California took a step into the future by installing three curb-side electric vehicle charging stations in January. Manufacturer Coulomb Technologies has more installations planned, and intends to sell units to cities and parking lot operators. Unlike gasoline, purchased as needed and paid for on the spot, this system offers subscriptions to users. At $50 a month ($600 a year), the most expensive plan allows unlimited charging. Filling up with gas once a week for a year, at $2.00 a gallon (to pick a conservative number), with a 13 gallon tank, would be about $1352—more than double the cost of unlimited electrons. Of course, charging stations are far from common, but everything has to start somewhere, and with that kind of cost savings they may get a green light from consumers. Nationwide Town Hall — April 18 This April 18, every congressional district in the US will have a gathering, each one largely organized by young people, to focus on our national energy future. In these 435 meetings citizens will learn about the issues of energy efficiency, about clean energy possibilities, and about regionally appropriate clean energy alternatives. One aim is to provide opportunities to become politically empowered and engaged, such as through discussing these issues directly with elected representatives. Local, state and national elected officials are invited to participate, as are members of the business community. Another aim is to broaden the conversation and bring in individuals and groups who do not normally see themselves as concerned with energy efficiency or climate change. Local government representatives can become part of the local district team and contribute to making events as rich, informative, and impactful as possible. The national nonprofit sponsor and coordinating organization is Portland, Oregon-based Focus the Nation, www.focusthenation.org. 9 Salinas, California Mayor Dennis Donohue encouraging participation in the Nationwide Town Hall. 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