Generating Renewable Energy on Public Lands Encouraged

Source: ENS 11/29/2001 via WAPA News

Calling it a "noble" mission, Interior Department Secrectary Gale Norton said the Bush Administration is seeking to increase the generation of renewable energy on public lands. Speaking at a "roll-up-our-sleeves" conference entitled "Opportunities to Expand Renewable Energy on Public Lands" Wednesday at the Interior Department headquarters in Washington, Norton said the use of public lands for solar, geothermal and wind power is necessary. "Our shared mission is both simple and noble," she told about 200 government officials, renewable energy business people and environmentalists. "We must explore ways to better capture the sun's light, the sky's winds, the land's bounty, and the earth's heat to provide energy security for America's families."

The Department of Energy cohosted the working session and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham will join Norton in making recommendations to the president and vice president about ways to increase renewable energy production on public lands. "Today we seek the best ideas for reducing delays and bottlenecks in producing renewable energy."

Panels on renewable energy technologies were chaired by leaders in the fields of geothermal, wind, solar, biomass and hydropower energy. Norton said the Interior Department produces approximately 40 percent of the nation's geothermal energy. Renewable energy is already in use for Interior Department operations. More than 600 solar powered facilities, 40 solar hot water systems, 30 wind turbines, 15 geothermal heating and cooling systems, and 6 wind farms are generating electricity. Each year the department uses 200,000 gallons of biofuels in vehicle and marine fleets and operates 1,200 alternative fuel vehicles.