Global Warming News Briefs

Conference Sheds Light on What Works in Fighting Global Warming

In January, we took part in a gathering of environmental activists and luminaries specifically focused on the question of "What Works" to motivate civic and political leaders and the general public in halting global warming. As part of a "J-term" class leading up to the conference, students from Middlebury College (which hosted the conference) worked with Cool Planet to interview representatives of the business community about levels of corporate climate change awareness, and the business community’s motivation and needs in undertaking effective climate action. The students then synthesized what they learned to present to those assembled at the three day event, which featured networking and dialoguing opportunities galore. Read more about the project, conference, outcomes and follow-up at the What Works website.

Cool Planet Submits Statement in Support of Cape Wind

During the public comment period, Clean Air-Cool Planet submitted this testimony in support of the offshore wind project in the works on Cape Cod. The Army Corps of Engineers recently released their required environmental impact statement for the proposed wind farm, projected to supply the equivalent of nearly three-quarters of Cape Cod’s electric needs when completed.

Planned Boston Wind Turbine to Give I-93 Commuters a New View

Thanks to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), folks traveling to and from the South Shore and Cape Cod will have something different to see. The Brotherhood is installing a wind turbine to help supply the power for their Local 103 Advanced Training Center – which already sports a solar panel installation. The project, funded partially by a grant from the Renewable Energy Trust of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, "will…be used for educational purposes. It will remove 184,139 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air per year," according to the IBEW's website.

Maine Green Power Connection Named a "Green Power Leader" by the EPA

Thanks to its work in developing the state’s market for renewable energy, Maine Green Power Connection has received a Green Power Leadership Award from the EPA. The award cites how MeGPC’s educational and market support initiatives have pushed Maine green electricity sales to over 50,000,000 kWh per year.

SmartPower Gets Even Smarter About its Work in the Northeast

SmartPower, a self-described "nationwide, non-profit marketing campaign that is leading the effort to promote clean energy" with initiatives that include a "20% by 2010" campaign for green energy, recently brought on a New England Regional Director, Connecticut “citizen activist” Bob Wall. SmartPower is collaborating with the state of Pennsylvania to develop and implement a marketing plan for clean energy in the state, and is working on initiatives with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and others to make a big push for continued action in Connecticut. Cool Planet looks forward to continuing to work with SmartPower, and Mr. Wall, in furthering regional climate leadership!