Sensible Communicator

Rooftop cools building interior

2009-08-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Colorado Springs, Colo. -- From a bird's eye view the roof of the 21st Space Wing headquarters building grows in a multitude of colorful shades. Sedum plants populating the roof are part of a GreenGrid roof case study, which has drawn Department of Defense-wide interest.

"Plant coverage acts as an insulator. We should be at 100 percent coverage by next summer," said Phil Chase, 21st Civil Engineering Squadron, Asset Management Flight, pollution prevention, solid waste and hazardous materials program manager. "You think you are on an Air Force Base, but you are at a plant nursery on a roof."

Chase and others are charged with managing the progress of rooftop. In the picture above Chase monitors the sedum plants on the rooftop.

Energy reduction inside the building is estimated at 7 percent, according to a 2009 Comprehensive Green Roof Study draft report. The report was created by Tetra Tech Engineering and Architecture Services, and the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency. The report indicates approximately 169 percent savings in a return on investment to include roof replacement and energy savings throughout a 40-year period.

"The study is a one-year period, which is not long enough to assess the actual life cycle of the roof and its advantages," said Randy Hawke, facilities excellence architect for the 21st Space Wing.

The green roof is also reducing storm water runoff, improving air quality, and extending the life of the roof. The plants thrive mainly in rocks, so the roof appears as a flowery desert environment with no insects. Although sedum was selected for its drought tolerance, the plants are watered through a drip system that is turned on by a meter when it detects prolonged dry periods.

The general life cycle of such an analysis project is five years, and another study is being pursued for a more accurate assessment of results. By summer 2010 the plants should become self-sustaining. Although used mainly in Europe, green roofs are gaining worldwide attention.

Officials in Toronto, Canada are considering regulations that may require all buildings to have green roofs. Several Air Force bases such as the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base are also considering installing green roofs.

Festival grooms bloomers, harvests crops

2009-05-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

Colorado Springs, Colo. - Cotton pickin of the free floating algerian in the air was the least of concerns at the 20th Annual Bluegrass on the River festival at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo Sunday.

Bluegrass is similar to planting a garden – you can leave it for a while and nothing changes, except the flowers, said Pete Wernick of Flexigrass, pictured to the right. Wernick originally graced the dock at the festival 15 years prior, planting pickin seeds in youths such as The Hartman’s, a Loveland-based sibling band that tours across Colorado.

In 1989, bluegrass musicians were slim pickings in the Pueblo area, so the festival was initiated to cultivate and nourish musicians.

“At least four bands grew up here. My son is 28 and he grew-up here,” said Tom Thornburg, founder of the festival and Fireweed mandolin player. You have friends that you only see once a year here.”

Thornburg tutored the Ackermans sister to play the mandolin. The Ackermans, another sibling band that played the festival, perform nationally. He founded the festival based on the framework of concerts at the Nature Center in Winfield, Kan. involving multiple stages.

“It was the flavor of it. We started the weekend out of nothing,” he said. “This is probably our best year. It sure felt nice all weekend – real steady.”

About $20,000 in net growth was generated in 2009. Proceeds of the all volunteer festival contribute to the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo programs.

“The amount of synergy this year has been amazing. We will keep getting better and better,” said Jay Zarr, president of the Board of the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo.

Finders and Youngberg, a two-couple band pictured above, were also among about 30 bands that performed at the festival.

Artists create peak performance

2009-05-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Several eclectic artists will converge for a grassroots performance at The Showcase at Studio Bee in the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Thursday

Mango Fan Django along with George Whitesell and his All Stars will take the stage in the relaxed atmosphere.

“Mango Fan Django has delivered Colorado fans a twist to gypsy jazz since 1998 - whether hot club jazz a la Django Reinhardt, American swing tunes or island calypso and reggae,” said a spokesperson for the The Pikes Peak Center in a press release.

With a 45 year history, George Whitesell performs as a solo artist, in duos, andin groups. His present band, George Whitesell and His All Stars place Jill Watkins in the limelight. Watkins has brought local energetic performances to the area for 10 years. George and his wife, Amy, produce concerts locally under, A Music Company Inc.
As part of the ongoing free showcase series the artists are Colorado grown from El Paso and Teller counties. Artists have produced at least one album and write their own music.

The concert begins at 6 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Center at 190 S. Cascade Ave. Picture above is Mango Fan Django curtisy of the Pikes Peak Center. For more information visit: www.pikespeakcenter.com/showcaseatstudiobee.

Space symposium tackles CO2

2009-04-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

by Thea Skinner

Colorado Springs, Colo. - An all for one and one for all approach to climate change echoed during the 25th Annual Space Symposium at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. April 1. Our World in the Next Space Age – Addressing Climate Change Through Space session concerned partnering across platforms while using the role of space systems in carbon emission analysis and mitigation.

“The critical element is to build consensus through analysis,” said Damon Wells, senior policy analyst in the Executive Office of the President.

Monitoring through land, water and air sensors or satellites provides understanding of drought patterns along with people and specie patterns.

“We all know CO2 recognizes no boundaries and climate change respects no nation’s sovranty, so treaties and intergovernmental cooperation is critical. The proposed United States lead GEOSS, Global Earth Observing System of Systems has enormous potential. I do not see enough drive and there is lack of coordination between countries.” said Dr. Alexis C. Livanos, Northrop Grumman Corporation vice president and chief technology officer.

Ecosystem monitoring through such systems as GEOSS, will drive establishment of laws concerning a carbon emissions, CO2, thresholds.

“Two billion people and one half of our species of the planet depend on the tropical forests to survive. These tropical forests zones are carbon sinks,” he said. At present, “Data from the tropics is collected from a biologist that hand counts species and from a space-based global view leaving a gap in the ecosystem monitoring essential to future mitigation efforts.”

As part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, Strategic Satellite Plan, transition teams are being formed to address climate change through avenues such as solar, wind and ocean color vision.

“Ultimately we (NOAA) are looking for our most robust and flexible measurements to make climate data records available, said Abby Harper, United States Department of Commerce NOAA deputy assistant administrator for Systems Satellite and Information Service. “NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is meeting the needs of carbon scientists.”

We have the opportunity to serve new and interconnected sectors, she said.

Through the administration’s Operational Earth Observing System, eight study contracts have gone to companies and grant partnerships are available in several industries and sectors, Harper said.

Studio sounds emanate at Colorado center

2009-02-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

by Thea Skinner

Colorado Springs, Colo. - Local artists picked, strummed, and belted lyrics during the intimate Showcase at Studio Bee at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Feb. 19. The theme of the evening centered on relationships and nature, as artists’ lyrics focused on natural elements such as the wind that carries us through struggles.

Having completed their second album, Grass it Up (direct right picture) started the evening line-up. With about a four year foundation performing on various circuits including Colorado mountain towns, the bluegrass band seeks to heighten their playing field.

Ultimately we want to get into playing collaboratively with the likes of other bluegrass artists such as David Grisman and Jerry Douglas, said David Jeffery, mandolin and guitar player.

“We are always looking for new material,” he said.

The ongoing concert series and venue on Thursday evenings, provides a relaxed atmosphere after a day of work.

“It is awesome that we get to have people sit and listen,” said Shannon Carr.

Emerging artist, Kelly Feeley (direct right picture) followed-up the band with her deep and passionate lyrics surrounding co-creation and self renewal. Her Ani DiFranco inspired solo genre echoed and vibrated amongst the walls. Freely performed steadfastly on stage playing a song dedicated to her father, whom passed in early 2009.

Feeley has played for 15 years and composed for about eight years, said Melanie Coleman, Feeley’s friend who traveled several hours from outside Colorado Springs, Colo.

“She takes what life gives her and throws it into a song,” Coleman said. “I think the show is awesome. It is a change for budding musicians to grow.”

Feeley plans to move to Austin, Texas to cultivate a newfound relationship with the founder of GoGirls Productions and continue her music career.

Webcast sheds spotlight on cap and trade program

2009-02-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

A sneak peak at the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Work Plan occurs Tuesday during a pre-release online webcast for public critique. The U.S. and Canadian initiative created the document detailing recommendations for the WCI Regional Cap and Trade Program.

The critique is the final step toward the official release of the document on Wednesday. The document details cost-benefit scenarios of an implemented cap and trade system.

The report is “highly critical of a major greenhouse gas emissions plan recently proposed by several Western governors as part of the Western Climate Initiative,” said Jim Sims, president of Western Business Roundtable in a press release. “This study unveils a new analysis that shows how the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change predicts a temperature benefit from the WCI Cap and trade plan of only one-ten-thousandth of one degree celsius over a century of operation. This benefits analysis, based entirely on IPCC science, may have a significant impact on the cost-benefit debate on climate plans soon to be launched in the U.S. Congress.”

The webcast begins at 3 p.m. Mountain time. To register and for more information visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/864605951.

Professors present new administration with policy agenda

2009-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

As U.S. President Elect Barak Obama will hear several proposals after the Jan. 20 inauguration including …And Communication for all: a Communication Policy Agenda for the New Administration. The agenda, created by U.S. professors, aims to push toward a move from business models to democracy.

The agenda addresses focus areas such as frameworks, wireless and cable industries, broadband access, infrastructure and content media. The agenda was presented during a discussion panel at the National Communication Association 94th Annual Convention Nov. 22, 2008.

“In the 21st century there is a theme – a policy of universal service through broadband, said Jorge Schement, Rutgers University professor of Communication; Library and Information Science at the Dean's Office and Information Technology during the convention.

Schement discussed social challenges to the United States as an information society, and suggested an underlying social contract be implemented. Libraries and newspapers are closing, and if no effective media exists then no effective democracy exists, he said.

Nancy Kranich, spokesperson for the American Library Association suggested a library e-transit government e-service model based on the 1996 Universal Service E-rate Program that improved access to information. The program advocates for wide-spread broadband access.

“If you take access for granted the issue goes from affordability to value,” she said.

Kathryn Montgomery professor at the American University Communication Division, discussed Digital Marketing Ecosystem platforms that lead to behavioral profiling of youth in media culture. Platforms include engagement, peer-to-peer, personalization, ubiquitous connectivity and immersion.

At the November 2008 convention, panel participants sought to appeal the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC accesses rules every four years. In the picture above Earnest Wilson, professor at the University of California Amburg School talks as Schement listens during the panel discussion at the convention at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, Calif. in November 2008. The panel was sponsored by the Partnership for Progress on the Digital Divide.

Conference highlights endorsement memo for incoming administration

2008-12-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

Government personnel merged with private and public sector representatives at the annual Southern Colorado Sustainable Communities Conference for nine concurrent discussion panels at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. Nov. 20-21.

“We need a new grid system – that is a national goal. That is tantamount to going to the moon. The new administration and other commentators are saying we need to regrid the country to allow the redistribution of renewable energy,” said White House Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, Joe Cascio during the first military sustainability session.

Cascio addressed the 2007 Executive Order 13423. The EO calls for three percent energy conservation and two percent water conservation per year over seven years. The numbers equate to 30 percent energy reduction and 20 percent reduction in water by 2015, Casio said.

“Where is the baseline?” he said. “Most of you do not have meters. You don’t know how much you are consuming. You don’t know where to start. On the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) scorecards we are asking every agency to report on how they are reducing three percent a year. The people in headquarters are reporting to OMB that they are actually reducing, every year, three percent. Where are they getting the numbers?”

Cascio and Mike Cain, director of the Army Environmental Policy Institute participated in a working group the day prior. Casio and Cain will present an endorsement memo based on the 2004 Army Strategy for the Environment: Sustain the Mission, Secure the Future document for the incoming Barack Obama presidential administration chief of staff and secretary of the Army to sign.

“It all starts locally- environment, politics, and all other good movements, Cain said.

On another local front, the conference came on the heels of the Financing Renewable Energy Conference held in Washington, D.C. Nov. 13-14. For information about energy solutions for Colorado visit http://www.copirg.org/

Western slope Buddhist retreat completes temple

2008-10-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Having completed construction of a community building in 2005, Tara Mandala Retreat in Pagosa Springs, Colo. is near completion of a new Secret Treasury Temple in October. The temple, along with other buildings on the retreat land use solar power.

The temple design originated as a vision in a dream belonging to Tsultrim Allione, founder of the retreat and one of the few first American women ordained a Tibetan nun. She created the retreat area to fcreate an emerging sacred feminine presence. The vision is made reality as a three-dimensional mandala with three levels, each smaller than the last. The first level represents the Nirmanakaya, meaning enlightened body, for teachings and ceremonies. Four life size Tara, female Buddha of compassion, statues will call the temple home. The second level is Sambhogakaya, meaning enlightened speech, will contain a library with rooms for translation and teacher-student discussion. The third level, Dharmakaya, means enlightened mind, is a circular and small space for gatherings. Balconies surround the second and third levels.

Although the temple is expected for completion in October, the center does not have the employees or volunteers to adequately staff the new temple, according to retreat staff.

Staff incorporated sustainability into land restoration on the 600 acres of land including five ponds, planting of hundreds of native trees and shrubs, soil building and the reseeding of native grasses. Retreat staff collect local herbs, creating herbal medicines and body care products, in which the proceeds support Tara Mandala. For more information visit: http://www.taramandala.org/.

Joint effort aids Huston hurricane relief

2008-09-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

As the power and water outage in Huston, TX continues due to Hurricane Ike, essential necessities were provided through a collaboration of city officials and the local entertainment industry Friday and Saturday at Sunnyside Multi-Service Center at 4605 Wilmington Street.

“With over a million still without power, the only beef in Houston is in the MREs,” said Nancy Byron, music publicist in a press release.

Radio station staff such as 97.9 The Box, 93.3 KPTY, Majic 102.1, and Praise 92.1 relayed the message as to where relief items and assistance could be found and helped with distribution. The Federal Emergency Management Agency along with city officials, local music industry representatives and local sports industry representatives created points of distribution. Water, ice, and military meals ready to eat, food, batteries, baby formula, diapers, toiletries and gas cards were distributed.

The Amobi Okoye Foundation also assisted with the effort. The foundation is dedicated to instilling the value of hard work, determination and a good character in young African Americans.

Rappers such as Chamillionaire and Trae Tha Truth and his ABN Gang worked with city officials in the hot sun. Other musicians and entities that volunteered their time include the Houston Rockets Ron Artest, Rafer Alston, the Monica Lamb Foundation, and Kroger supermarket chain.

Colorado grown band performs at Obama's grassroots Democratic National Convention

2008-08-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Numerous musicians will perform at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. August 24-28. Music artists such as Ani DiFranco, Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder and Yonder Mountain String Band will perform. The band, from Nederland, Colo., will grace the stage the final day at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium.

Their performance will open for Democratic hopeful Barack Obama's acceptance speech for the nomination for Democratic candidate for president of the United States. Obama is cultivating a grassroots campaign similar to musician platforms that will perform at the convention.

An anticipated 75,000 people are expected to attend the acceptance event, which was moved to INVESCO Field at Obama's request, according to a Madison House Publicity press release. The convention is the first to be held in Denver, Colo. in one hundred years.

World music takes at Earthly tone at CC

2008-07-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Caji and Salome performed in Colorado Springs bringing their Brazilian flare to the Colorado College stage July 18. The duo combines bossa nova and samba soundscapes with a humanitarian passion. Portugal, Cuba, South America, Cabo Verda and France came alive during the performance of the World Music Series of Pikes Peak Library District.

Despite a slight language barrier, the crowd soon became comfortable and after a brief intermission and mingling with band members, attendees began dancing in the isles and grooving near the stage. Caji, Carlos Eduardo Andrade Santos, provided a monologue background context introducing each song, a description necessary to feel the tone of each piece. Caji was a farm in the state of Bahia, where he began playing keyboard and guitar.

He created his first album, "Caji da Bahia" in 2004. He worked for an organizationthat provided emergency relief throughout Brazil, his country of origin. Caji spoke of revolutionary times during the 1960s in his country and of the pull that each generation feels to create their own voice. In his native accent, Caji remarked several times to freedom and described that humanity may be served better by understanding that we are sharing the same space on Earth.

After numerous original songs, the group covered tracks by the likes of Pink Floyd and Bob Marley. Fittingly, Caji’s dreadlocks and guitar in hand was reminiscent of Bob Marley. The group has visited the city previously, and Caji pointed to the beauty the city has to offer. He commented that Coloradans and other generous people have been very hospitable during their travels by opening their homes to the group. For more information visit http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/cajisalome.

Bush turns down emissions limit, maintains bottom line

2008-07-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Despite a push from the Supreme Court and senior federal officials, President George W. Bush declined the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation to lower the greenhouse gas emissions limit July 10. The move places the issue on the table for the next U.S. president that takes office.

Dismissing the recommendations of top climate experts and international scientists, he cited claims that a lower emissions limit will crush the U.S. economy. The EPA reversed a prior decision that found the present greenhouse gas emission level is a threat to human health and welfare, by publicizing an almost 600 page document. The EPA, instead, will seek additional public comments on the posed threat, despite an order from the Supreme Court requiring the EPA to decide.

Officials said a few senior White House officials were denying the EPA to state that global warming poses harm to humans, as the action will create widespread regulatory requirements under the Clean Air Act. Such action leads to increased costs for utilities, automakers and other economic stakeholders, according to the EPA.

EPA officials, on record with anonymity, said that White House officials directed the agency to alter numbers with the goal of diverting the "social cost of carbon," a regulatory term that indicates the bottom line burden of greenhouse gas emissions.
Bush appointees also barred the EPA from submitting a Technical Support Document on Benefits of Reducing GHG Emissions as part of the agency’s decision, according to EPA officials.

If the administration used the same amount of time fighting global warming as it spends on censoring global warming documents, the Earth would be in better condition, said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Markey’s staff reviewed a Dec. 5 EPA document in which his office remarked as unjustifiable.

Bluegrass Band springs into Colorado Springs

2008-07-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Spring Creek Bluegrass Band lifted spirits at America The Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs, Colo. July 9. The concert brought approximately 4,000 people, the larest crowd of the concert serries, to the outside stage, said Annie De George, director of Marketing Services for Classic Companies, a co-sponsor. The concert is part of the seventh season of the Getting’ Down, Downtown Summer Concert Series occurring every Wednesday during the summer.

Band members: Chris Elliott, banjo, Jessica Smith, upright bass, Taylor Sims, guitar, Alex Johnstone, mandolin and fiddle brought original award winning tunes to the front range. The band’s Sleeping like a Baby song received ample air time on the 91.5 FM KRCC radio station before their arrival. The band, hailing from Lyons, Colo., played the 2007 festival circuit at Telluride and RockyGrass, where they championed band competitions. Their High up in the Mountains song received the Vox Populi award for Best Americana Song, nominated via Internet in the 2007 Independent Music Awards.

According to the Colorado Bluegrass Society, “Spring Creek Bluegrass Band is another of the fresh, young bands garnering fans right and left around Colorado. They describe their music as rural, …That just means that, while their roots are firmly planted in the tradition of yesterday's rural American music … they are also able to explore new musical possibilities to fit the cosmic sense of tomorrow. Classic tunes, as well as fresh originals bring their shows alive. This young group sings in three and four part harmony and features fine instrumentals.”

Guitarist Sims said, Spring Creek are continuing the festival circuit with another Colorado Springs, Colo. performance at the Fiddles, Viddles and Vino, a Southern Colorado Bluegrass and Culinary Arts Festival at Rockledge Ranch near Garden of the Gods on August 23. For more information visit www.fiddlesvittlesandvino.com or www.springcreekbluegrassband.com.

Geothermal energy sought in CO mountains

2008-07-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

One more triumph on the renewable energy front is amongst Coloradans. Mt. Princeton Geothermal LLC personnel seek to use technology to access geothermal resources in the area. In May personnel held a generating electric power with geothermal heat meeting in Chaffee County – one of many emerging in the state’s mountain communities.
Fred Henderson III, is a Chaffee County property owner and chief scientist for the company that desires to build a facility to help generate the power. Surface water is pumped to the surface and used to heat fluid that powers a turbine. The geothermal water is returned into the ground.
"The size and scope of the facility depends on the reservoir of hot water we find," Henderson said. "We are thinking a 10 megawatt facility is a reasonable objective."
Colorado School of Mines students are assisting Henderson in surveying the geothermal potential around Mt. Princeton. Raser Technologies, of Provo, Utah, uses technology developed by UTC power, a subsidiary of United Technologies. Raser Technologies may provide the technology necessary to create the facility. Mount Princeton Hot Springs is partnering in the venture and may install the units of technology. Funding for the facility is undetermined.
The move comes one month after Denver was proclaimed a Solar America City by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DOE also awarded gave a grant of $200,000 to the capital city to push adoption of solar energy technologies. Similarly, the Colorado Renewable Energy Society held the Colorado Renewable Energy Conference in Pueblo in June, and will hold their month meeting July 24 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden. The topic is Choosing Renewable Energy Investments. For more information visit: http://www.cres-energy.org/

Green apple graces the big apple, parks nationwide

2008-04-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Eight environmental music festivals convened in the U.S. Sunday at landmark parks during green week celebrations to gear-up for Earth Day. The interactive and simultaneous festivals conclude on Earth Day 2008, Tuesday, April 22 at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The collaborative efforts of Earth Day Network, the nonprofit organization that founded the original Earth Day in 1970, and Green Apple Festival created the event. Native Energy, an offset leader, aided in the carbon neutral events.

"We're combining music with compelling speech to raise awareness of the problem of global warming and inspire people to action," said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network in a press release. “Earth Day 2008 will bring major talent and leaders together to empower people to become environmentally active." According to Green Apple Festival Founder and Executive Producer, Peter Shapiro, "Artists from every genre have raised their hands to participate in America's largest Earth Day celebration, spread out across the country in public parks. We owe endless thanks to the artists and their teams who care enough to underscore the urgency and message of this mission."

The festivals occurred in Central Park in New York City, N.Y.,Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill., Bicentennial Park in Miami, Fla., City Park in Denver, Colo., Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Calif., and the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, Calif. For additional information visit: http://www.earthday.net/ and http://www.greenapplefestival.com/. For artist line-up information visit: madisonhousepublicity.com.

Lake County water contamination continues; BOCC ridicules CDPHE

2008-04-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Residents of Colorado’s Lake County are turning to boiling tap water to protect their health. The culprit is a mine pool of contaminated water that has plagued the community for more then a month.

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) responded declaring the county a State of Emergency on February 13, 2008. In an April 1, 2008 letter to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, the BOCC ridiculed the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for a lack of involvement in the solution. The letter states, “CDPHE continues to drag its feet claiming no authority, no funding and no interest in any additional liability” along with “excuses for not even having completed a basic analysis.” According to the letter, CDPHE only agreed to assist with drilling efforts at the Canterbury Tunnel, that contributes clean water to the rising mine pool. The letter pleas to Gov. Ritter stating: “…you personally signed the emergency declaration…If you turn your back at this crucial moment and the Lake County public water supply and the Arkansas River suffers damage, it will be on your leadership watch. You have taken the position of the "environmental governor," for which we applaud you. We now ask that you live up to it…”

The “combined agency response” is proving a key factor to solving the groundwater contamination issue, as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have started pumping operations to remove the contamination. However, the solution remains unresolved until the CDPHE involvement is rectified.

Revealing the power of renewable energy

2008-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

The power of nature’s renewable resources offers a the ability to become energy independent. In the wake of winter electrical outages in the four corners area, renewable resources may give the power back to the people.

“We the people are going to be the leaders, so follow us,” said Doug Large, owner of Arrowhead Solar Products in Pagosa Springs, Colo. “It is a real, viable resource.” Large mapped rivers in New Mexico and Utah for a surveying company in Breckenridge, and assisted with hydroelectric river water collection systems in Idaho.

In December 2007 President George W. Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6). The bill requires more energy efficient buildings, including clean government buildings by 2030. However, the bill repealed incentives that pushed for national utilities to produce a portion of their electric power with renewable sources and was stripped of subsidies for renewable energy sources that would be paid through increased taxes on oil companies.
About three years ago, Colorado’s Amendment 37 received voter approval, and requires utilities to obtain 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.

Solar systems heat water and air through active or passive systems. In an active solar water system, panels are used to heat water in a 220-gallon water storage tank. Passive systems use a variety of types of mass to capture heat and then heat surrounding air. Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, such as the panels located in Pagosa Springs, Colo. in the picture above, are active. Silicon wafers convert sunlight directly into electricity. A solar or PV cell consists of semiconducting material that absorbs the sunlight.

“Their efficiency is 15 to 20 percent on a solar module,” Large said.

Solar panels combined with wind turbines are another form of active energy system. The nation’s fifth largest wind farm, in Lamar, provides electricity with this type of system. “It produced more than expected,” Large said.

Geothermal resources are also a viable resource. “Costwise I am not a big fan, unless a geothermal system is in place,” Large said.

The potential of renewable energy affords Coloradans the opportunity to participate in the new energy economy, and keep the lights on during a snowstorm.

Hindu chaplain graces Colorado State Senate

2008-02-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

The Colorado State Senate was opened with a Hindu prayer for the first time in the mile high city of Denver Tuesday, Jan. 30.

“This is a great day for Colorado and a historic day of honor for us,” said Rajan Zed, a prominent Hindu chaplain and Indo-American leader reciting the prayer.

As the senate and audience members stood with their heads bowed, Zed recited the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable representing the universe, and ended with “Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,” in which he translated as “Peace, Peace, Peace be unto all.” Zed read from Rig-Veda, considered the oldest scripture of the world in use, dated from around 1,500 BCE (besides from Brahadaranyakopnishad, Taittiriya Upanishad, and Bhagavad-Gita meaning song of the lord).

Reading from Taittiriya Upanishad, he prayed, “May we work together with great vigor, may our study be enlightening.” Citing from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged the senators to “Fulfill all your duties - action is better than inaction.” Zed presented a copy of Srimad Bhagawad-Gita to Peter Groff, president of the Colorado Senate.

The picture above includes: Rajan Zed (fourth from left) with Andrew Romanoff, Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives (third from left) and leaders of the Hindu community of Colorado.

Zed has also recited Hindu prayers in openings at a United States Senate session in Washington DC; at California, Nevada and New Mexico State Senates; and at a Nevada State Assembly.

Compassion resonates in the four corners

2008-01-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

As the new year approached, Charlotte Rotterdam, co- director of Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center spoke to the four immeasurables in Buddhist teachings at the Universalist Fellowship in Pagosa Springs, Colo.

The four immeasurables or states of mind are: loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. With loving kindness “We begin loving kindness with ourselves, which means accepting us for who we are. What every one is trying to do is find happiness,” Rotterdam said. Compassion for those who are less fortunate is the second immeasurable. “Compassion is the cornerstone of many religions,” Rotterdam said. “The way our life force expresses itself is through compassion. Compassion is beyond limits and bounds. When we are truly open we release the armor of ourselves. We let go of agendas,” she said. “We hold within ourselves the clarity that allows suffering to transform.”

The third immeasurable is sympathetic joy. “We can actually follow someone else’s joy or happiness. Do not become elated or ride on someone else’s happiness,” she said. “Dwell happily in the present moment.” She discussed equanimity, the fourth immeasurable, which is maintaining composure or a balanced equilibrium, sometimes while under tension or strain. Equanimity is “a sense of looking over the mountain and letting go — non-attachment,” Rotterdam said. “Equanimity calls us to wake up to what is going on in order to be useful. We release the idea of self. We are in some ways a dynamic being,” she said, motioning her hands cohesively, back and fourth.

In a question and answer session, Rotterdam placed emphasis on “finding the gap of awareness on how to react. If we open the gap to all our scripts, that natural compassion will be there,” she said.

Addressing an attendee's concern about attachment, she emphasized the relationship in terms of having an image associated with another image, such as pairing tea and chocolate.

“I have one question. What teas are best with chocolate?,” said Ed Funk, member of the Unitarian Service Committee. Another audience member exclaimed, “She knew what we were thinking, she is special.” Telepathy is not Rotterdam’s forte, but her connection with the human quality of compassion was evident.

Music amongst the mountains hits high note

2007-12-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

The southwest slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado is home to many eclectic musicians. Several such musicians, guitarist Pete Kartsounes (back) and saxophonist Bob Hemenger (front), graced the Whistle Pig, Karas House Nov. 18 in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Kartsounes and Karas family members worked at nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area, a high alpine resort. The friendship built and the music began to flourish.

Several years past since the duo performed together in the small town, as Kartsounes left the mountains for the republic of Boulder, Colo. Kartsounes admits he escaped small town bureaucracy for progressive city life. Kartsounes performed his Everytime song, which he composed in 2000 while on Wolf Creek Pass. As 2007 comes to a close, Kartsounes is supporting his new Out of Nowhere album.

Hemenger’s music forte accumulated with 25 years of experience playing in many rhythm and blues, rock, funk and jazz bands. This summer the Pagosan local and Rio Jazz member mentored children at a music camp in Nashville, Tenn. at the request of Victor Wooten of Bella Fleck and the Flecktones. He was also invited to perform at the Four Corners Folk Festival and Indie Fest, staple concerts in Colorado.

Hot discussion stirs in the new energy economy

2007-12-01T23:06:00.000-08:00

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

Colorado and Utah Farmers Supply Biodiesal Plant

2007-11-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

A biodiesal plant is under construction in Weber Industrial Park outside Dove Creek, in Utah's Dolores County. The project’s annual production goal is to generate $5 million gallons. The plant converts oil seed crops grown by farmers into biodiesel and food oil. Fourty-one farmers from Alamosa, Colo to Prince, Utah are contracted to grow almost 11,000 acres of crops.
San Juan Biodiesel General Manger Jeff Berman will present the project details and phases at the noon Cortez Business Club meeting on Nov. 7 at the Elks Club on Highway 145 in Utah.

Wastewater Used in Biomass Recycling Turns Useful

2007-10-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Oct. 18, the Town of Pagosa Springs Council Sanitation General Improvement District in Pagosa Springs, Colo., voted to move forward with creation of a new wastewater treatment plant, designed by Briliam Engineering.

In addition to the plant, a biomass recycle center that will create a bio-recycled product from the plant’s solid waste is envisioned at a later date. The recycled product may be used as a fertalizer in farmlands.

Council members considered options for waste management, for either a solid stream or a liquid stream of waste. Sludge is a by-product of the liquid waste. The plant will thicken the waste product allowing for its use in other applications at the biomass plant. Otherwise, reducing the volume of liquid waste is done by trucking it off site.

“Under both scenarios there is an outdoor sludge basin with an odor management layered tank,” said Dahm. “Bio-recycling is typically done off site. There are fewer options with the liquid or softer sludge. Costs are high for hauling liquid.”

Phil Starks, Pagosa Springs Sanitation District director, commented on the hauling of solids. “Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) produces two, 20-yard containers a week. I believe there are eighty-percent solids going to the landfill,” he said.

A future biomass recycling center would combine PAWSD solid waste and the solid waste from the wastewater treatment plant with wood products to create a compost. Nearby Durango, Colo. is also seeking alternatives to convert waste or energy expended from a localized wastewater plant. To read more visit: http://www.pagosasun.com/inside.htm

Colorado Communities Scramble to Comply with Federal Requirements

2007-10-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

A public forum was held Oct. 4 at the Pagosa Springs Community Center in Pagosa Springs, Colo. to discuss local resources and efforts to combat climate change.

The discussions took place in order to comply with a federal government requirement that every Colorado municipality adopt and enforce new energy codes by 2008. Mayor Ross Aragon signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Initiative Agreement and the town council endorsed it.

“We will be more active in 2008,” said Mark Garcia, town manager. “We will buy green energy for all our facilities, which is a commitment in the 2008 budget.” Talks centered on incentives for recycling, utilizing geothermal and solar heat, creating a bio-recycling center and tax-based credits.

“This will take a lot of training for our staff,” said Tamra Allen, of the town planning department. “There will be a level of documentation that people are not used to.” Allen’s recent master’s thesis endeavor concerned sustainable government. “Telluride and Boulder may be at the forefront of the initiative. We are looking at adopting this and creating our own plan,” she said.

“I think a project we can look at is a recycling project. We should have more education,” Mayor Aragon said. The local waste management franchise agreement is up for renewal. “We will focus on recycling,” for the agreement, Garcia said. “We can regulate what businesses do in town. They contend it is not profitable in town (to recycle).” Additionally, Garcia mentioned the possible acquisition of recycling equipment.

“Breckenridge and Telluride are going through plans and have made incentives to cut their emissions by half,” said Allen. “Telluride is reducing the size of their vehicles.”

Discussions also focused on the energy policies of states and cities that are driving policy changes. “California has a thirty-percent state tax credit and a thirty-percent federal credit for solar use, with a high level of energy independence, focusing on clean and reusable energy,” Allen said. “Boulder is creating their own carbon tax.”

It was noted that economist Ariel Bergman might be used to assess the community’s emissions status. He previously studied the solid waste situation in the area. To read more visit: www.pagosasun.com/inside.htm