AECP concluded its fifth annual Green Living and Energy Expo on December 4, 2004 at the Roanoke Civic Center . The two- day event enjoyed record attendance, a steady flow of interested and diverse people, and the largest number of exhibits that we have ever had. Senior citizens from RSVP and AARP were in attendance as well as public school classes, home schoolers, and Brownie and Girl Scout troops from all over the Roanoke Valley . Close to 1,000 people walked through the doors to enjoy the many interactive and informative demonstrations and exhibits.
The Expo also involved standing room only sessions on green building, wind energy in Virginia , the Virginia Tech Solar Decathlon House, and a history of renewable energy. HUD conducted a class for realtors on energy efficient mortgages and attendees were also able to enjoy the House of Pressure with Anthony Cox. There were several alternative fueled vehicles on display including a Honda Civic hybrid, a Toyota Prius hybrid, an all electric GEO Tracker, and a hydrogen powered hybrid electric Ford Explorer.
Thanks to all AECP members who exhibited, attended, and who helped to plan, set-up, and implement this successful event. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and most importantly you have contributed to an endeavor that will better educate people about the need to live in a more sustainable society.
EPA WARNS 22 STATES ABOUT AIR SOOT CONTENT
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned 22 states that air quality in many of their counties is unhealthy because of tons of microscopic soot from power plants, diesel burning trucks, cars, and factories. This fine particulate matter is responsible for thousands of pre-mature deaths in America and is directly related to the dramatic rise in asthma related illness.
In 1997 the EPA issued new air quality standards for fine particulate matter only to have it challenged by industry. The legal fight went to the Supreme Court and eventually the EPA prevailed. But the agency has yet to implement the tougher standard. Experts in environmental enforcement, prominent environmental groups, and several members of Congress have charged that the EPA – under the current administration – is lax in enforcement of emission standards and is going easy on polluters.
SHORT EXPLANATION OF OIL PROBLEM
Fred Gross, Weatherization Coordinator with People, Inc. sent in the following explanation of our current oil problem:
A lot of folks can’t understand how we came to have an oil shortage in America. Well, there’s a very simple answer…..Nobody bothered to check the oil. We just didn’t know that we were getting low. The reason for that is purely geographical. All our oil is in Alaska, Texas, California, and Oklahoma. All our dipsticks are in Washington, DC.
AECP CLOSE TO WIND FUNDS GOAL
AECP in partnership with the Jacksonville Center has almost reached its fundraising goals towards purchasing a wind generation system. AECP received a partial grant from the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative to purchase a small wind system that will be installed at the AECP office in Floyd, VA. The wind system will generate electricity as well as serving as a teaching tool for people interested in small residential wind generation systems. The total cost including installation for the 1Kw system is about $7,000. AECP is about $600 short of the amount needed to match the 33% partial grant allocation.
AVERAGE SIZE OF NEW HOME INCREASES
According to the National Home Builders Association the average size of the American home has increased from 1500 square feet in 1970 to 2300 square feet in 2003. This increase in size also means an increase in electricity demand because these larger homes are also equipped with more appliances, more hot water use, and more energy using electronics and other amenities. Even though homes are more energy efficient – the increase in electricity use has increased the demand and is causing prices to rise nationwide. In just five years the estimated average home budget for energy has increased from $6,000 annually to $9,000. This increased demand due to larger and more luxuriously layered housing is causing prices to rise for everyone, even those less fortunate whose homes are far from luxurious and who struggle to pay their monthly utility bills.
ENERGY TIP
Check out www.sbrd.org for info on green products and services.