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    Energy @ Duluth Greens

  • Duluth Area Green Party - Energy Proposal & Policy

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    Energy Proposals

    Below are the current Energy Proposals of the Duluth Greens. We welcome input of fellow Greens or other energy-concerned invididuals. These proposals are not the only solutions or all the solutions but they are ideas for a start, locally. Our hope is to have a messagebase to take comment, here, eventualy. Until then we can be reached via the Duluth Greens contact-info page

    DAGP Energy/Peak Oil Issue Based Campaign: Proposals (approved by Duluth Greens on May 17, 2006)

    1) Renewable Energy Ordinance:
    Using Hermantown’s Ordinance For Renewable Energy as an example, work to develop a similar ordinance for the City of Duluth. Review and possibly support St. Louis County Commissioner Energy Policy.

    2) Steam Plant repairs:
    Support funding for the repairs at the (downtown) Steam Plant. Currently over 25% of the steam is lost and could be recaptured through repairs. Extending the heating district could be done to recoup the costs. Create a set-aside fund for future conversion to a renewable and less polluting energy source. The Duluth Area Green Party considers this initiative to be vital enough to deserve local legislators’ support and a bonding priority.

    3) As was done with the living wage ordinance we propose that any business that receives public assistance must develop and/or redevelop using the LEED standard of Green Building.

    4) Weatherization:
    Nationally, 60% of all homes are not insulated to the best level given that Duluth has an increasingly older housing stock that number is certainly much higher. The focus of government funding should be dedicated to an initial investment in weatherization. AEOA provides new heating systems to replace for those who need them but due to budget constraints they are not replacing them with the highest efficiency products. We should be investing in the best technologies not the least expensive in order to save money and energy in the long run.

    5) New Heating Districts:
    Plan new heating districts. The Natural Step illustrates how this has been vital to reducing Sweden’s reliance on fossil fuels.

    6) Duluth to Twin Cities Rail:
    We support mass transit and therefore we support the development of the Duluth to Minneapolis rail corridor, including the introduction of passenger rail.

    7) DTA on Biodiesel
    Support the conversion of DTA buses to bio-diesel, with efforts every year to raise the standard. (note: the DTA currently - 2006 - uses a fuel blend that includes biodiesel, per state mandate)

    8) Buy Green Power:
    Promote the Buy Green Power Campaign. Work with Minnesota Power to reduce the additional minimum monthly charge of $2.50.

    9) Encourage local fuel providers offer bio-diesel fuel, which can be utilized in home heating systems as well as vehicles.

    10.) Relocalization Committee:
    The Duluth Greens will take the lead on creating a "Relocalization Committee" consisting of members from across the Duluth Area community. The committee's purpose would be: 1. to educate citizens, businesses and local-government about Energy Depletion, Peak Oil and the need for Relocalization. 2.  to strongly encourage citizens, businesses and local-government to implement actions to prepare for serious near-term energy realities.
    (possible models:)
    Willits (California) Economic LocaLization Project
    Kinsale Energy Descent Action Plan

    **To learn more about Energy Depletion, take this link to the Duluth Greens "Energy Depletion statement", 5/17/2006**

    Comments are welcome. contact us via the Duluth Greens contact-info page