The DCNR, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, will sponsor the 19th annual environmental issues conference, "Going Greener: Renewable Energy Realities" on March 12 at Shippensburg University.

Climbing energy prices and the growing awareness of climate change are focusing renewed attention on the importance of renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels. While the technologies involved range from age-old to semiconductors, the bottom line is to create energy in a sustainable, cost-effective way that minimizes or eliminates dependence on finite fuels.

Many plans using renewable systems and resources already exist and are functional. However, these are not mainstream, even though they may be successful on a small scale. Current efforts at the local level might include expanding and incorporating such systems into the mainstream energy grid. Some regions have realized the potential of designing small systems to supply the energy needs of community industries and homes, thus reducing dependence on the national grid while reaping financial returns for excess energy production.

This conference will highlight a selection of existing and potential programs and processes within Pennsylvania that envision a future where oil dependency and energy consumption, as well as associated pollution and political ramifications, will be significantly reduced.

Opening speaker will be Greg Pahl, a Vermont-based journalist and author of five books who has been involved in renewable energy issues for more than 25 years. His presentation, "Community Supported Renewable Energy," will provide an overview of this exciting and rapidly growing new movement. A time-tested and highly successful strategy in Europe, community or cooperative ownership of local renewable energy projects is finally gaining momentum in North America.

This is an idea whose time has definitely come, especially in light of the increasing price volatility in the fossil fuel markets, concerns about energy supplies, ongoing controversy about commercial-scale wind farms in some locations, and growing alarm about global warming.

Topics covered will include examples of successful initiatives, the many advantages of community-based energy, as well as some of the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving greater community control of energy resources. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

Pahl is a founding member of the Vermont Biofuels Association and the Addison County Relocalization Network, and is active with that group’s energy committee. His latest book, The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions to a Global Crisis, was published in February 2007 by Chelsea Green Publishing Co.

Concurrent conference sessions will highlight energy initiatives in Pennsylvania, including wind, solar, biofuels, hydropower and geothermal applications, as well as legislative endeavors.

The early registration fee of $35 will include lunch, breaks, and registration materials. Full-time students may register for $20.

For registration information, contact Kings Gap at 717-486-3799 or send e-mail to: kingsgapsp@state.pa.us .

1/25/2008