Greetings,
Apocalyptic weather events all over the world this summer are awakening millions to the reality of climate change. Destructive and deadly floods strike northern Europe and China. Massive wildfires send plumes of smoke across the nation. The sky hangs soupy with sickening pollution. An ocean pattern affecting global climate appears to be breaking down.
I tried to escape for a few days by going to Steamboat Springs and the normally scenic town was overrun with giant trucks - detoured from the Interstate highway closed due to mudslides from last-year's burn scars. There is truly no escape. The latest United Nations climate report issues a dire warning for humanity that time is quickly running out.
But hopefully these disasters will spur action at the national and international level.
In this month's newsletter, we look at the status of Washington's work on clean energy initiatives and how you can help.
This fall, we are planning several ways to connect in person for fun and education, and we hope to see you in person!
|
|
Driving Electric Vehicle Progress
A rapid transition to electric vehicles is a key initiative of the Administration because of the vast potential to drive down fossil fuel emissions. On August 5, President Biden announced a goal of 50 percent electric vehicle sales by 2030. To drive adoption, the administration is proposing incentives to help consumers buy electric vehicles, ramping up a nationwide system of charging stations and offering help for auto companies to retool.
As of August 1, Colorado had just under 40,000 EVs on the road, or 7 per 1,000 people, according to the state's EV dashboard.
Biden also this month called on automakers to raise gas mileage and cut tailpipe pollution, but climate activists were quick to criticize the proposals as too modest.
In Colorado, a variety of tax credits may be available for buying or leasing an electric vehicle. Drive Electric Colorado maintains a current list here
The Colorado Energy Office has information on electric vehicles, including charging station grants here.
Interested in a loan for an electric vehicle? The Clean Energy Federal Credit Union may be able to help with a low-interest loan here
|
|
|
|
Congress Debating Infrastructure
The long-awaited infrastructure bill is under debate in Congress and the latest version has less clean energy funding than advocates had hoped.
The compromise bipartisan measure has half of what President Biden sought to develop electric vehicle charging stations across the country - $7.5 billion. The bill also includes $7.5 billion for electric buses and ferries.
To modernize the electric grid, the bill allots $73 billion to allow transmission and distribution of more renewables around the nation.
The bill also includes an array of climate resilience measures, $39 billion for public transit, $66 billion for rail and $21 billion to clean up pollution.
What's Next for Federal Policy on Climate
Several key policies were left out of the bipartisan compromise expected to clear the Senate, including a national Clean Electricity Standard, which would require utilities to use a certain percentage of renewable energy such as solar and wind. Colorado's renewable standard, passed by voters in 2004, was a key catalyst to the growth of the renewable energy industry. While it was originally opposed by Xcel Energy, the state's biggest utility supported later efforts to increase the renewable percentage.
The national Clean Electricity Standard, and other climate policies, are expected in a separate funding bill Democrats are planning to introduce.
With members of Congress planning to head home on summer break much of August, this is an ideal time to contact your representatives and let them know that addressing climate change in a serious way can't wait any longer.
|
|
|
|
In-Person Metro Denver Home Tour Returns October 2nd! |
We are delighted to invite you to visit some of the most energy and water- wise homes in metro Denver on Saturday October 2.
A dozen homes will be open for visitors showcasing technologies including solar electricity from PV panels, solar heat from thermal panels, air source and ground source heat pumps, smart ways to use and save water, and state-of-the-art efficiency measures.
Registration is now open - please let us know that you plan to join us by registering here
Want to volunteer on October 2?
In the meantime, you can learn how to save money on your energy and water bills by visiting the 16 locations on the virtual Metro Denver Green Homes Tour.
|
|
Join Our Community and Take Action! |
Solar CitiSuns are people who want to join together to help transform the energy landscape by advocating for solar energy and other clean energy sources for the future. It is free, quick and easy to sign up! By joining our community, you can keep informed and join others in taking action.
Please follow our Facebook Page, and share this email with your friends and colleagues, and on social media using the links below. We are stronger together!
|
|
CELEBRATE THE EQUINOX
September 14, 6:30-8:30 pm
Catch up with fellow Solar CitiSuns on a spectacular outside Denver deck and enjoy food and drinks
Hear from key state leaders on the progress Colorado is making on clean energy
Other Upcoming Events
Metro Denver CRES: Thur. Aug 19, 6 pm
Mapping Inequality: the Relationships between Redlining and Climate Justice
Metro Denver Green Home Tour Lecture: Wed. September 22, 7-8 pm
Gardening for Birds, Kate Hogan, Denver Audubon
American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St, Golden, CO 80401, Conference Room A
Northern Colorado CRES: Tue. Aug 24, 7 pm
Platte River Power Authority Renewable Energy Update
COSSA Topgolf Networking Event: Aug 26, 12 pm-4pm
The event is sold out, but select sponsorships are available. Contact Jason Henderson at jhenderson@COSSA.co if you are interested.
Metro Denver Green Home Tour Lecture: Thursday, September 30, 7-8 pm
Natural Nights, Rick Angell and Linda Kahananui, Colorado Chapter, International Dark-Sky Association
Where: Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO 80401
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Stories We Think You'll Want to Read
|
|
Energy Tips: From Cheap to Steep |
|
Polluting the Air Less While Driving
1) CHEAP
The best way to pollute less is to drive less: combine trips, carpool, work from home, ride a bike instead. In your car, be gentle on the pedal, watch your speed, keep your tires properly inflated, use cruise control, fill up in the morning and replace the air filter regularly.
2) MEDIUM
Hybrid and energy-efficient cars are available in all vehicle types. Cars that get better than average gas mileage emit less pollution.
3) STEEP
Electric cars that run on a battery rather than an internal combustion engine emit no harmful fumes. Incentives are available ( see above) to lessen the cost. Switching to an electric car is one of the most impactful things individuals can do to lessen greenhouse gas pollution.
|
|
DONATE to Help Support Our Work!
Produced for New Energy Colorado by Rebecca Cantwell
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
