Hot discussion stirs in the new energy economy

Renewable geothermal energy was a steamy topic in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Friday, Nov. 16. Joani Matranga, western regional representative for Gov. Bill Ritter’s Energy Office, visited Town Hall to explore harnessing geothermal energy. Conversations between The Town of Pagosa Springs officials and Matranga dealt with renewable energy and a future biomass recycling center.

“It is a great project (the town geothermal heat system); it is one of the few geothermal operations in the state,” Matranga said. Reducing energy consumption in residential construction, in schools and in public buildings is a key goal in Colorado’s Climate Action Plan. Gov. Ritter’s office released the plan the same week that Matranga visited Pagosa Springs, Colo. Ritter’s message in the plan calls for adopting strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 20 percent by 2020 and shares in a commitment with other states and nations to greatly reduce emissions by 2050. The plan refers to The New Energy Economy in Colorado. Ritter will establish partnerships with companies and businesses to develop The New Energy Economy, Matranga said.

Regulation of the geothermal water rights is being considered by both local and state governments. The Town of Pagosa Springs could form a geothermal user district to allow people with water rights to mitigate issues, said Mark Garcia, town manager. Matranga will continue to research strategies for Pagosa Springs,Colo. to harness geothermal heat. To read more visit: www.pagosasun.com/inside.htm