SUSTAINABLE RESILIENT LONGMONT - NEWS

Sustainable Resilient Longmont Applauds PRPA Plan to Close the Rawhide Coal Plant

6/17/2020

June 17, 2020- Today, Sustainable Resilient Longmont (SRL) applauds the Platte River Power Authority’s recent announcement of their plan to close the Rawhide coal plant by 2030. According to the announcement, this will mean closing the plant 16 years ahead of schedule. This is good news for the region, which continues to suffer from poor air pollution. The EPA has deemed the Northern Front Range an ozone non-compliance area. Nitrous oxides are one of the main precursors for the formation of ground-source ozone, and PRPA’s Rawhide coal-fired power plant is the largest single point emitter of nitrous oxides in Larimer County.
“After working on this issue for more than three years, it’s gratifying to see PRPA make this huge step forward to transition away from fossil fuels to a clean energy future,” said SRL Board Chair Abby Driscoll.
“In 2017, SRL started a campaign to move Longmont to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. In 2018, the City Council voted to support this goal. It is very exciting to hear that PRPA is now moving closer to this goal by closing Rawhide. Longmont’s future and the health of future generations are at stake. We must continue to transition away from fossil fuels to protect our air, our health and our environment,” said SRL Board Member Karen Dike.
“PRPA’s announcement that they will retire the Rawhide coal plant by 2030 honors the will of their stakeholders to move toward 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. It’s encouraging to see our regional utility moving in this direction - I’m hopeful that PRPA will continue to push for forward-thinking and innovative solutions to achieve our goal,” - said SRL Board Member Luc Nadeau.

Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy Calls on PRPA to Implement 100% Renewable Energy in the Integrated Resource Plan

6/9/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2020
Media Contacts:
Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont (720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org
Kevin Cross, Fort Collins Sustainability Group (970) 443-1560 jkevin87@comcast.net
Nick Francis, Fort Collins Partners in Climate Action (970) 426-6359 nickfrancis1896@yahoo.com
Gordon MacAlpine, Estes Valley Clean Energy Coalition (970) 342-4668 gmacalpi@trinity.edu
Dick Mallot, Renewables Now Loveland (970) 682-0374 dickmallot@comcast.net
Sarah Snead, Sierra Club Beyond Coal (443) 974-6291, sarah.snead@sierraclub.org

June 9, 2020- Today, Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy released the attached white paper calling on the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) to Implement 100% renewable energy in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This document outlines compelling data points and central arguments for strengthening PRPA’s commitment to renewable energy in the IRP.

"2030 is a long ways away. That's still a decade longer of fossil fuel pollution in our communities. PRPA should be doing everything it can to transition off of coal and gas in a way that either meets or exceeds city commitments to 100% clean energy by 2030." said Sarah Snead, Organizing Representative, Sierra Club Beyond Coal.

“We cannot wait another five years for PRPA to aggressively pursue a transition away from fossil fuels. The time is now to get serious about how local communities can move towards a future where households, cities and towns are powered by clean energy. It’s what is best for our economy, our environment, and the health and prosperity of future generations. The point is that PRPA can do better when it comes to strategic planning with the planet in mind,” said Abby Driscoll of Sustainable Resilient Longmont.

“In late 2018, the PRPA board set a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. In early 2020, PRPA staff seems to have concluded that achieving 100% renewable electricity cannot be done reliably or cost effectively, using a combination of incomplete and faulty assumptions in its IRP analysis. Given that we’re facing a climate emergency, this is unacceptable. PRPA staff needs to try harder to achieve the goal set by its board and owner communities,” said Kevin Cross with the Fort Collins Sustainability Group.

Northern Colorado Partners for Clean Energy (NCP4CE) is a coalition of organizations in the four municipalities that own the Platte River Power Authority (PRPA). We have a shared goal of transitioning PRPA to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. NCP4CE is a committee of the Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate, but retains autonomy with regard to its work with the PRPA and all local initiatives. The member organizations of the NCP4CE are: 350 Northern Colorado, Colorado Renewable Energy Society, Colorado Sierra Club, Community for Sustainable Energy, EnergyShouldBe.org, Environment Colorado, Estes Valley Clean Energy Coalition, Fort Collins Sustainability Group, Renewables Now Loveland, Sustainable Resilient Longmont, Transition Fort Collins. For more information please visit https://colivableclimate.org/about-2/

Read the White Paper here

Sustainable Resilient Longmont to hold Earth Day webinar with local youth

4/17/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2020
Media Contact: Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont
(720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org

Longmont, CO April 17, 2020--- On April 22, Sustainable Resilient Longmont will hold a live event with local youth for Earth Day. Moderated by Marlow Baines of Earth Guardians, this event will feature a live panel discussion with St. Vrain Valley high school students about the challenging opportunities we face with climate change in our community. Topics will include climate change, fossil fuels, what community members can do to make a positive impact, and youth panel participants’ vision for the future.

“The youth represent what matters most about the work we do day in and day out. One of our core programs is youth environmental education and I am so pleased that we are able to engage local youth in this important conversation about climate change, resiliency, and what community members can do to make a positive impact. Since the annual Longmont Earth Day Celebration had to be canceled, we are excited about the opportunity to offer online programming to the community to come together, learn and engage,” said Sustainable Resilient Longmont Board Chair Abby Driscoll.

Marlow Baines, Co-Youth Director of Earth Guardians and panel moderator, said: “The youth of my generation are rising. We do not want to leave our children to solve our problems, as previous generations have left us the problems we face now. Our time is now. Youth have the power to act and be a part of the change we wish to see in the world. That is why I’m inspired to be moderating this live panel discussion with local youth on Earth Day. Working together, we can make a lasting impact on the most important issues facing our community: fighting climate change.”

“I am very excited and honored to be a part of this panel. In these uncertain times, we have such a unique opportunity for self-reflection and contemplation. We can distinguish what is truly important to us and what we hold dear. As the Earth begins to heal without our presence, many are realizing the significance of our actions and the necessity of a solution. This panel is an amazing way to express these feelings and give a platform to the voices that will be carrying the burdens of generations. Covid-19 is blind to race, age, and location, and therefore has united the world in a way that has never been seen before. I hope that as we meet behind our screens, we can recognize this opportunity for togetherness and apply it to environmentalism. This is our world and we are all in it together,” said Silver Creek High School Junior and panelist Allie Hummer.

Moderated by:

Marlow Baines, Earth Guardians

Speakers:

Ashwini Shrestha- Skyline High School
Maya Beauvineau - Niwot High School
Allie Hummer - Silver Creek High School
Megan Neufeld - Silver Creek High School

WHAT: Youth Voices on Climate Action: Earth Day Webinar
WHEN: Earth Day April 22 12:00- 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94720430376
If you are not able to join us live, the recording will be available on the SRL Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SustainableResilientLongmont
There will be a live Q&A and questions can be submitted in advance to info@srlongmont.org

Renewable Energy Podcast #2

4/6/2020

Check out our second podcast!

Media Advisory: What is in our air? The Path to Clean Air in Longmont

1/9/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2020
Media Contacts:
Lynette McClain, Longmont Sunrise Movement (303) 681-7722    lynette.mcclain@gmail.com
Karen Dike, Sustainable Resilient Longmont    (720) 363-7119    karenkdike@gmail.com

What: What is in our air? The Path to Clean Air in Longmont
Longmont Sunrise Movement and Sustainable Resilient Longmont are co-hosting an event focused on air quality. The following three speakers will present a panel discussion, providing air quality data and details on the actions being taken to improve our air.

Senator Mike Foote, Colorado State Legislature
Rep. Joe Salazar, Executive Director, Colorado Rising
Dr. Detlev Helmig, Research Professor, Institute of Alpine and Arctic Research (INSTAAR) at The University of Colorado-Boulder

Ozone and other air pollutants in Boulder County have been linked to oil and gas development. Boulder County and much of the Front Range has been designated by EPA as a “serious nonattainment area” for ozone levels. Ground-level ozone can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, chest discomfort and shortness of breath; long term exposure can cause increased asthma attacks and heart disease. Benzene -- a pollutant found in burning fossil fuels -- can lead to leukemia. A 2017 study found an elevated health risk -- an eight-fold increased cancer risk -- for residents within 500 feet of an oil and gas facility. Air emissions have been found to damage health up to 2000 feet from wells.
Where: Sunset Middle School Cafeteria, 1300 South Sunset Street, Longmont
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The Sunrise Movement is a national group of young people and their allies working to educate and engage the public about climate change and a democratic way to address it. The Sunrise Movement was formed in 2018. You can find out more about them and their upcoming events at: at https://www.sunrisemovement.org. The Longmont Sunrise Movement formed initially in response to a national call to action, but recently formulated a city climate emergency resolution, which was adopted by the Longmont City Council in October of 2019. They are currently forming interest groups to advocate for local climate emergency actions. The event is posted at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2533153443587587/

Sustainable Resilient Longmont collaborates with the Longmont community to cultivate a sustainable and thriving city. As the hub for education, advocacy and action, they support the three pillars of sustainability: environmental protection, responsible economic growth and social equity. More information can be found at www.srlongmont.org

Renewable Energy Podcast

12/12/2019

Our inaugural episode featuring an interview with Karen Dike, chairperson of Ready for 100. Karen discusses issues related to Longmont's transition to 100% renewable energy and answers some questions about our electrical grid, the future of energy and its impact on our health and the health of the planet.
Check it out HERE

Congressman Joe Neguse to Keynote Longmont Sustainability Awards

10/21/2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2019
Media Contact: Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont
(720) 491-9065 abby@srlongmont.org

Longmont, CO October 21, 2019--- This Saturday, October 26th, United States Congressman Joe Neguse will speak at the 2019 Longmont Sustainability Awards. The event will be held 6:00- 9:00 p.m. at the Oskar Blues Oak Room. Congressman Neguse (Colorado Congressional District 2) will provide an update on climate change and sustainability policy efforts at the state and national level.

"Climate change is an existential threat facing our society. In Colorado, we have already experienced the impacts of the climate crisis on our lands, our farms and in our communities. That's why working on climate change is one of my biggest priorities. The power of the grassroots to bring community voices to the table in the fight against climate change is essential. I applaud Sustainable Resilient Longmont for their work to transition Longmont and the region to 100% renewable energy and I am looking forward to being part of their annual event." said Mr. Neguse.

Sustainable Resilient Longmont is pleased to announce this year's award recipients in four categories:

Volunteers of the Year: Trista Rucks and Aron Arnold
Youth Environmental Stewardship: Coral Buchalter
Community Sustainability Leadership: Shari Malloy
Public Servant of the Year: Mike Foote

State Senator Mike Foote, recipient of the Public Servant of the Year Award (District 17) added “I’m proud of the work we were able to accomplish last year in the legislature to give local communities a voice standing up to the oil and gas industry. Sustainable Resilient Longmont is playing an important role fighting to move us away from fossil fuels and I am honored to accept this award.”

The event, which is Sustainable Resilient Longmont’s annual fundraiser, will feature a silent auction and live music by the Billy Shaddox Band of Lyons. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased until Friday at 5:00 p.m. at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-longmont-sustainability-awards-tickets-72841281233

“This is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the positive work being done at the local level to make Longmont more sustainable as we grow. It’s essential that we work as hard as possible to transition Longmont to a clean energy economy, reduce waste and educate youth about environmental preservation. I’m excited about the opportunity to honor local leaders working to make Longmont more sustainable now and for future generations ,” said Abby Driscoll, Sustainable Resilient Longmont Board Chair.

Oskar Blues is sponsoring food for the event and Avery Brewing and St. Vrain Cidery are providing beverages. The Green Solution is also an event sponsor. Sustainable Resilient Longmont has more than thirty silent auction sponsors. For the full list of event details, including sponsors, please visit: http://www.srlongmont.org/events.html.

Sustainable Resilient Longmont Praises Adoption of Climate Emergency Resolution

10/10/2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2019
Media Contact: Karen Dike, Sustainable Resilient Longmont
(720) 363-7119 karenkdike@gmail.com

Longmont, CO October 10, 2019--- On Tuesday, the Longmont City Council voted unanimously in favor of a Climate Emergency Resolution. Sustainable Resilient Longmont fully supports the passage of this measure, which recognizes the “impact of global warming and the need to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions earlier than 2030 to hold atmospheric warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the most 12 catastrophic impact of climate change” and further “declares a state of climate emergency and that the global climate crisis poses a serious, urgent, and pressing threat to the well-being of Longmont, its inhabitants, economy, and environment.”

“If we are to make a difference, we need to step forward boldly with courageous actions. Longmont did this when passing the renewable energy resolution for electric generation. We can be the leaders again. Realism combined with common sense and vision will drive us toward actions that will drive down our greenhouse gas emissions, putting us on a path, along with other cities, to help avert the worst of climate change,” said Sustainable Resilient Longmont Board Member Karen Dike.
A coalition of community members led the initial push for Longmont to adopt a Climate Emergency measure. “The City Council has demonstrated they are dedicated to moving quickly to address climate change. The Sunrise Movement is looking forward to being involved in the working group that will convene and to working proactively to involve the grassroots,” said the group’s leader, Lynette McClain.
For the full text of the Resolution please click here.

Longmont Takes Part in National Drive Electric Week with theLongmont Electric Vehicle Fair

9/8/2019

For Immediate Release
September 9, 2019
Media Contacts: Abby Driscoll, abby@srlongmont.org, (720) 491-9065
Karen Dike karenkdike@gmail.com, (720) 363-7119

Longmont Takes Part in National Drive Electric Week with the Longmont Electric Vehicle Fair

WHAT: Sustainable Resilient Longmont is organizing Longmont’s first Electric Vehicle Fair to highlight the clean-air benefits and cost-savings of electric cars, as part of National Drive Electric Week. Four local auto dealerships including Valley Nissan, King GM, Gebhardt BMW and Green-Eyed Motors, will be displaying their latest EV models and offering test drives. Individual EV owners will have their vehicles on display, and be on hand to answer questions. Speakers include:

Joel Levin, Executive Director, Plug In America
Shoshana Lew, Director, Colorado Department of Transportation
Mike Foote, Colorado State Senate
Elise Jones, Boulder County Commissioner
Brian Bagley, Longmont Mayor
Steve Szabo, EV Owner

This family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, and kids activities, including a solar bubble machine and free face painting. Longmont’s event is one of more than 280 across the country celebrating EV ownership.
In addition to the EV Fair, members of Sustainable Resilient Longmont will also be present at Longmont City Council on Tuesday September 10th where Mayor Brian Bagley will be signing a Mayoral Proclamation declaring September 14-22 National Drive Electric Week in Longmont.

WHEN: Sunday, September 15, 2019. 11 am - 3 pm.

WHERE: Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont (North Parking Lot; same location as Saturday Farmers Markets)

VISUALS: EV Parade at 11:30 a.m. Speakers at 11:00, 12:15 and 1:30 p.m. Full program schedule can be found at http://www.srlongmont.org/renewable-energy.html More than ten local businesses and nonprofit vendors, and kids activities including a solar bubble machine. Individual owners will have on display Electric Miles Driven.

WHO: Sustainable Resilient Longmont is organizing the Longmont Electric Vehicle Fair along with the support of a coalition of local groups, including: Save Our St Vrain Creek, Citizens Climate Lobby-Longmont Chapter, Longmont Public Forum and Longmont Leads with Love. Boulder County Sustainability, EcoMark Solar, Gebhardt BMW, the Platte River Power Authority are local sponsors. Business vendors include Namaste Solar. The City of Longmont Sustainability Program, and Colorado Renewable Energy Society- Boulder County are nonprofit/government vendors. Plug In America, the Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association are national organizers. The Nissan LEAF® is the exclusive national automotive sponsor.

For a complete list of National Drive Electric Week events, visit: driveelectricweek.org
For more information about Longmont Drive Electric Week, visit: http://www.srlongmont.org/renewable-energy.html

Sustainable Resilient Longmont Hires Program Coordinator

7/17/2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2019
Media Contact: Abby Driscoll, Board Chair
(720) 491-9065 or abby@srlongmont.org

Longmont, CO July 17, 2019--- Sustainable Resilient Longmont is pleased to announce the hiring of Rachel Zelaya for the Program Coordinator position. This is the organization’s first paid staff position. Rachel has been a resident of Longmont for five years. Originally from New Hampshire, she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a Masters in Classics and Teaching Latin from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She was also an Agricultural Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa.

Growing up close to nature instilled a love for the environment in Rachel as a young person, that she has carried into her adult life. She brings experience working with nonprofits and running her own small business in Longmont, and is excited about Longmont’s potential to lead the way towards a sustainable future for the next generation.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Rachel on board to help propel Sustainable Resilient Longmont into the future,” said Board Chair Abby Driscoll. “Her experience working with nonprofits, and her knowledge and commitment to sustainability are a perfect fit with the Program Coordinator’s role organizing our events and communications activities,” Driscoll added.