(Photo above | Pixabay)
Leadership Counts in a Changing World
Come experience the benefits of being one of Central Oregon’s change-makers. The clean energy transformation is underway and government, individuals and businesses have much to gain by participation. Research by the Carbon Disclosure Project, or CDP shows that sustainable businesses do better financially. On July 13 at Aspen Hall, Shevlin Park in Bend, 350Deschutes, a local nonprofit, will convene 26 speakers and three keynotes at the GoCleanEnergy.ORG conference to highlight their success stories and practices for participants to model in creating their own projects.
No one will be left behind in this transformation that is driven by innovation. New solar rules will include low to moderate income individuals as participants in Community Solar projects. Although rules are currently being developed, they are headed in the direction of giving bill credits to these communities. Evan Ramsey of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation will provide an overview of the Community Solar rules, along with ideas for how projects might come together for building owners, nonprofits, faith communities, investors and community participants.
Incentives and tax credits still exist to cover part of the costs of a solar installation. They pertain to both individuals and businesses, who will learn the creative financing available. Both Elemental Energy and Sunlight Solar will present valuable information. Mike Tucker, A GREEN designation Realtor, will discuss how solar impacts value and how an increasing number of buyers are indicating a desire for high performance homes. Mike Lillesand, from CLEAResult, will discuss how builders can meet this need and maintain profitability.
The opportunities to plug in, don’t quit there. Electric vehicles are also increasingly being deployed throughout Oregon. From individual cars to small business, larger business and government fleets. They will provide cheaper commuting costs for consumers, and have additional advantages for storage in the energy mix. Forth Mobility will discuss how in addition to the tax credits available for new cars, there will be cash rebates available for low to moderate income individuals. Oregon legislators have moved in the direction of making clean transportation more accessible to all people. Participants in the conference will learn about the plans for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Central Oregon, and throughout the State of Oregon.
Alternative fuels will also play a role in reducing maintenance costs and minimizing health risks and pollution from diesel soot particulate. This applies to anyone who uses diesel equipment, whether it be landscaping equipment, to generators, to larger trucks. GoBio Community Fuels will discuss their lower carbon content fuels that are available locally or for delivery in Central Oregon. These fuels are “drop in” meaning that they can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel in any diesel engine.
