PBS's NOW - Save Energy, Save Money, Save the Planet

Would this approach work for Shawnee? Click on the link below and watch the 30-minute NOW segment, "Save Energy, Save Money, Save the Planet." www.pbs.org/now/shows/413/index.html

NOW looks at a city-wide plan in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to make all its buildings more energy efficient. Up to 80 percent of emissions in many urban cities comes from buildings. Cambridge hopes that this unprecedented effort to green its buildings will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent in just five years, the equivalent of taking 33,000 cars off the road. If every major city in America took the same approach, it would have a significant impact on the carbon footprint of the United States —and it would generate tens of millions of new "green" jobs.

Oklahoma Sustainability Network Conference 2008

The AQUAhoman: A Newsletter about Water Initiatives from the Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute

What's New With Water in Oklahoma?

• Legislative Update on Water Issues. You'll find our very own HB2702 written by Rep. Kris Steele included. For the text of this bill, visit http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/HB2702_HFLR.RTF
• Details on Water-related Research Projects Funded in FY2008-09
• Upcoming Events!

Visit http://environ.okstate.edu/owrri/aquahoman.asp to read the entire issue.

Oklahoma WinCharger - The Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative

Check out the latest issue of Oklahoma's Alternative Energy Newletter!

1. Renewable Energy Education and Awareness in Oklahoma
2. Yarbrough Public School Board Approves Purchase of Wind Turbine
3. 2008 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program Announced
4. Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 Passes Senate
5. 3TIER Releases Global Wind Map

And More at http://www.seic.okstate.edu/owpi/OkWinCharger/WinCharger/latestIssue.pdf!

OG&E Grants for Teachers!

OG&E offers grants to K-12 public school teachers for up to $1000! The grants are designed to fund innovative math, science and reading projects. This is a great opportunity for teachers interested in developing sustainability-focused projects with their students. The deadline for submission is May 30, 2008. For more information and the application documents, visit http://www.oge.com/. Please share this with the educators you know!

Local Company Reuses and Recycles E-Waste Everyday!

Go Computers located at 6 West Main Street is reusing and recycling computers, cellphones, televisions, VCR's and other e-waste everyday at their downtown facility. Chris Odneal and his partners are new members of Sustainable Shawnee and are keen to reduce the amount of electronic waste going to the landfill. For more information on what can be reused, contact Chris at chris.odneal@gocs.biz, by phone at 405.214.6090 or visit www.gocs.biz.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AS THE FIRST FUEL

Maryland Legislation Taps Energy Efficiency As the 'First Fuel'
Maryland's legislators gave final approval this week to two landmark energy bills that together aim to reduce the state's energy consumption by 15% by 2015. The legislation, proposed by Governor Martin O'Malley, sets the stage for Maryland to become a leader in capturing the benefits of energy efficiency.

"Maryland's policies now recognize energy efficiency as the 'first fuel' for meeting its future energy needs," said Steven Nadel, Executive Director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

A study released in February by ACEEE evaluated a suite of energy efficiency policies for Maryland and found that more than enough energy efficiency resources exist in the state to meet Governor O'Malley's ambitious 15 by '15 goal, and confirmed that reducing electricity consumption is the quickest, cheapest, and cleanest way for policymakers to bring consumer bills down and keep the lights on in the state.

For the complete article visit: http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/15776

EPA TO MAKE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR CLEAN DIESEL EFFORTS!

The Blue Skyways Collaborative is pleased to inform you that for fiscal year 2008, Congress appropriated funds for the first time under the Energy Policy Act to help reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award grants to assist eligible entities in conducting diesel emission reduction efforts that improve air quality and protect public health. For fiscal year 2008, the amount of funding available for clean diesel efforts nationally is about $49 million. This funding replaces and combines Clean School Bus and National Clean Diesel Campaign [NCDC] funding EPA has made available in previous years.

Funds will be awarded under a Federal Clean Diesel Program, a State Program, an Emerging Technologies Program and a Clean Diesel Financing program. Under the Federal Clean Diesel program, Blue Skyways is anticipated to receive and announce a funding competition for about $4-4.5 million.

Visit the blue skyways website, www.blueskyways.org, for information on these clean diesel programs, anticipated program funding timelines and expected funding amounts. Opportunities for apply for the new funding are expected to be formally announced in mid-March, so please begin to consider project proposals ASAP!

Eligible entities are regional, state, local, tribal or port agencies with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality; and nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that operate diesel fleets; or has as its principle purpose the promotion of transportation or air quality.

For more information, documents and legislation, visit the Blue Skyways website at: www.blueskyways.org. Questions? Contact Gloria Vaughn, Outreach Subcommittee, 214-665-7535 vaughn.gloria@epa.gov.

Oklahoma Sustainability Network Conference 2008

OG&E Custom Energy Report

Wondering how much electricity you could be saving?

Visit http://www.oge.com/about-us/pe/energy-efficiency-programs.asp , complete a short survey about your energy usage and recieve a custom savings report by email or mail in a week's time. Don't waste another kw/hour! Take the energy savings test today!