Interesting article over at Fox News about how the U.S. Armed forces are moving to alternative clean energies. Thanks to RKTowner for sending the link in for this.

Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada is powered by the largest solar-power array in the Americas — saving the government an estimated $1 million a year.

Dyess, Minot, and Fairchild Air Force bases purchase 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources of energy.

Airmen and their families have been using biomass fuel at Hill Air Force Base in Utah since 2004, thanks to a 1.3 megawatt landfill gas project. In other words, they are creating gas from the air base’s trash. Complete story at foxnews.com.

Info on Nellis’ solar system.

Story on Hill Air Force Base’s biomass power generation.

Funding is being sought for supporting and training what will be the workforce of tomorrow’s green economy. Along with cleaning up the environment what is particularly interesting about this movement is making climate change relevant to youth who were otherwise marginalized in the conversation of climate change. With the proper perspective and emphasis on job-generation, better health, career opportunities, along with improving the environment an often disadvantaged or at least disinterested youth can be engaged in this conversation while reintroducing the pride and respect that is due to those laborers who get things done in this economy.

GREEN JOBS: What is a green job? And how much is the U.S. government willing to spend to create them? We speak with attorney and social activist Van Jones, who jump started a training program to teach inner-city youth in the San Francisco area how to install solar panels. Last year he persuaded House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to sign onto a plan to authorize $125 million dollars to train up to 30,000 people for green jobs. From NPR’s Here and Now

Green for All

It’s only going to provide a fraction of the power the convention center uses, but I suppose it’s a start. It sounds like the panels they are going to use are less efficient and more expensive, I wonder if more traditional panels would have been a better idea?

The simple idea that gave us stickers and budget floor tiles will help power the Phoenix Convention Center.

In early April, crews will install peel-and-stick solar panels on roughly a third of the West Building’s 2-acre roof.

The panels will help supply power to the building, which was completed in 2006. How much of a dent that will put in its power consumption is unknown, but the amount is probably a small fraction of what the building will use, city officials say.

The important thing, says Councilman Greg Stanton, is that the panels are a groundbreaking effort for Phoenix.

Full Article at azcentral.com

More than a hundred Pinal County residents, developers and officials will tackle “The Greening of Pinal County” at the Biosphere 2 in Oracle from April 23 to 25.”The theme was chosen because in Pinal County with the rapid growth all around us,” said Karl Peterson, director of Pinal County Town Hall. “We want to conserve for future generations.”For the past 20 years, Pinal County Town Hall delegates have gathered annually to discuss and collaborate on how to deal with critical issues facing the county.All Pinal County residents are invited to the Town Hall. There is usually space for about 130 delegates per town hall meeting, so sign up early.When: April 23 to 25.Where: Biosphere 2, 32540 Biosphere Road, Oracle.

Cost: $195, $115 for students; on-site registration $215, $125 for students.

Accommodations: Biosphere 2 has reserved rooms for those attending the event. The special conference room rate is $63 a night plus tax. To reserve a room, call 520-838-6154 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More: For a brochure or to register, visit www.co.pinal.az.us/pcth.

Full Article at azcentral.com

While down in Oracle don’t forget to fill up on biodiesel at Fourth Dimension Fuels.

This last Friday’s topic on NPR’s Talk of the Nation Science Friday focus’ on the potential of solar to power the country. Topics covered include the solar thermal plant that is planned near Gila Bend. Guests include Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Head over to NPR and listen online. click here