the future is NOW - New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
the future is NOW - New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
the future is NOW - New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
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N e w M e x i c o W I L D — T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E N E W M E X I C O W I L D E R N E S S A L L I A N C E<strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>NOW</strong>Alternative Energy: no more oily excuses“It <strong>is</strong> victory, victory at all costs, victoryin spite of all terror, victory, howeverlong and hard <strong>the</strong> road may be; forwithout victory, <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> no survival.”–Winston Churchill— Why Nuclear Power <strong>is</strong>n’t <strong>the</strong>“Quick Fix” for Global Warming— 3 Easy Ways to SAVE THE WORLDNEW MEXICO WILDERNESS ALLIANCEUNVEILS NEW WEBSITE SOON. VISIT US:www.nmwild.org<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 1
s t e p h e n c a p r a , e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o rNotes from <strong>the</strong>Executive DirectorBy Stephen CapraFor some time now, <strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>has wanted to do a special <strong>is</strong>sue devoted to energy <strong>is</strong>sues,especially from <strong>the</strong> perspective of promoting alternativeenergy sources and energy efficiency. However, moving intoour new energy efficient, green office space was <strong>the</strong> drivingforce behind th<strong>is</strong> newsletter. We now literally put our moneywhere our mouth <strong>is</strong>. Our new space <strong>is</strong> a marvelous improvementover our former space-full of light, fresh air, color andgreen building materials. Although <strong>the</strong> building itself <strong>is</strong> stillnot complete, it reflects <strong>the</strong> best ideas of energy efficiency,urban infill building, <strong>the</strong> use of recycled and natural materials,and water conservation. What it says clearly <strong>is</strong> that wehave <strong>the</strong> technology now-today-to make <strong>the</strong> earth and ourcommunities better and allow average citizens to save moneyand enjoy a better quality of life.new mexicoWILD!WINTER 2006For <strong>the</strong> past seven years <strong>the</strong> Bush Admin<strong>is</strong>tration and <strong>the</strong>Republican-led Congress have squandered <strong>the</strong>ir chance tomake America less dependent on foreign oil and energy selfsufficient.They have run energy development in Americamuch like Detroit has built cars, inefficiently, ignoring <strong>the</strong>obvious, fighting change, and showing little innovation. Therelentless lobbying efforts of big oil, coal and <strong>the</strong> nuclearindustries have successfully pushed an agenda that doeslittle to improve <strong>the</strong> quality of life for most Americans butdoes wonders for <strong>the</strong>se industries’ bottom line. These energymonopolies have also launched a massive media campaignthat has confused most Americans and influenced publicpolicy, while we continue to pay dearly to stay warm anddrive our cars. The results for our public lands have beenpredictable. Across <strong>the</strong> West vast tracts of wildlands havebeen destroyed in <strong>the</strong> pursuit of oil. Otero Mesa and <strong>the</strong>Arctic Refuge remain on <strong>the</strong> block as <strong>the</strong> energy <strong>is</strong>sue inAmerica continues to be d<strong>is</strong>torted. But we now have a chancefor change.Our current energy situation <strong>is</strong> surpr<strong>is</strong>ing on many levels.President Bush came to <strong>the</strong> White House with strong credentialson wind power. In a recent <strong>New</strong> York Times editorial,Thomas Friedman points out that in mid-1996, <strong>the</strong>nGovernor Bush pushed for wind power. But, after somepolling by <strong>the</strong> Texas Utility Comm<strong>is</strong>sion, <strong>the</strong>y d<strong>is</strong>coveredthat people were willing to pay more for wind power. Theycontents4 Victory in <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal5 Otero Mesa Update6 Nuclear Power Not <strong>the</strong> Answer8 Governor Richardson’s Plans9 Dona Ana County Update10 Energy Solutions12 21st Century Automobiles14 NYC Environmental<strong>is</strong>t15 <strong>New</strong> NMWA Office Green16 Hike!17 Oil Industry Giveaway18 Running With <strong>the</strong> Wind19 Battling Military Fuel Waste20 Sponsors23 UNM Wild23 Join us!24 Three Ways to SAVE THE WORLD<strong>the</strong>n created <strong>the</strong> Texas Renewable Portfolio Mandate, whichstipulated that Texas Power Companies had to produce 2,000new megawatts of electricity from renewables, mostly wind,by 2009. Almost overnight a dozen new companies jumpedinto <strong>the</strong> Texas market and <strong>the</strong> goal was reached in 2005. Yetsomehow, <strong>the</strong> President ignored h<strong>is</strong> own success and sold outto h<strong>is</strong> friends at Exxon-Mobil.With <strong>the</strong> Democrats now in charge, have no fear <strong>the</strong> oiland gas industry will push hard and contribute strongly tomaintain <strong>the</strong>ir foothold on power. But <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> an interestingdynamic at play. If <strong>the</strong> Democrats can ignore <strong>the</strong> dollartemptation, <strong>the</strong>y can push a powerful new energy agenda.Also, given President Bush’s new reality in Iraq and h<strong>is</strong> currentpolling numbers, he may be far more willing to push agreen agenda when it comes to America’s “energy independence”.Think legacy. The question <strong>is</strong>: what will th<strong>is</strong> newenergy policy look like and will it truly be good for averageAmericans?There are many possibilities out <strong>the</strong>re, and again, industrywill push <strong>the</strong>ir agenda. Some green washing <strong>is</strong> clearly suspect,clean coal, hummm. Ethanols for cars, nice idea, but <strong>the</strong>results so far are lacking. The oil and gas industry will continueto tell us that alternatives, while nice, are 20-30 yearsaway. We must tell <strong>the</strong>m clearly- <strong>the</strong> subsidies are over, nomore government money to destroy our land and water.However, <strong>the</strong>re are some exciting prospects for alternativeenergy. I asked my friend Ben Luce at <strong>the</strong> Coalition for CleanAffordable Energy in Santa Fe to help create a solid l<strong>is</strong>t. TheCoalition <strong>is</strong> doing <strong>the</strong> serious legwork to push for alternativesand changing policy on energy. They are doing greatwork and I was very happy to have <strong>the</strong>ir support for th<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>sue. Here are some of h<strong>is</strong> thoughts, along with a few of myown ideas:·A major investment in solar power researchand development. (Sounds like a nice fit forSandia National Lab).·Long-term tax subsidies for building andbuying plug-in hybrid cars. Now that’s a taxPage 2 WINTER 2006continued next page
eak for <strong>the</strong> average person!·Mandating real fuel efficiency standardsfor all new cars, incrementallyincreasing into <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.·A goal of protecting 25 millionacres of wilderness in <strong>the</strong> West in<strong>the</strong> next five years.·The creation of a renewableenergy standard for every state in<strong>the</strong> Union and incentives for havinghigher standards. Nationally <strong>the</strong>standard should be at least 30% by2025 and really much higher.·The creation of a program (like <strong>the</strong>Apollo Space Program) that chal-lenges American ingenuity and ourNational Labs to create real alternativesin less than 10 years and fullyfund it.·An energy wasting tax for Hummersand o<strong>the</strong>r vehicles that clearlyhave no business on <strong>the</strong> road. Let’sput that money in a fund for <strong>the</strong>development of more fuel-efficientvehicles.·Tax credits and rebates to homeownerswho make <strong>the</strong>ir homesmore energy efficient.·More Tax Credits for purchasingenergy-star appliances.<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> Coalition forClean Affordable EnergyAdvocating for policies that support clean renewableenergy and energy efficiency since 1997. Join<strong>the</strong> Clean Energy Network today (online) to receiveemail alerts on clean energy policy developmentsin <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>. Help us move <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>forward to a clean energy <strong>future</strong>!Past campaigns of <strong>the</strong> CCAE include: NM RenewableEnergy Standard, Production Tax Credits forWind Power, Solar Tax Credits for Homeownersand Businesses, Clean Energy Revenue Bonds forSchools, Net-Metering, Energy Efficiency Programs,Green Power Programs, and Environmental Creditpurchase programs for d<strong>is</strong>tributed solar power.www.NMCCAE.org·Lifting <strong>the</strong> current 60,000-vehicle-per-manufacturerlimit on taxincentives for advanced technologyvehicles.·Real incentives for renewables.Extend <strong>the</strong> Production Tax creditsand Solar Tax credits for at least tenmore years.·National DC (Direct Current)transm<strong>is</strong>sion grid with preferentialaccess for renewables like wind,solar, geo<strong>the</strong>rmal, and biomass.·Establ<strong>is</strong>hment of one or moresolar power generation systems, orparks, in <strong>the</strong> southwest.·Mandating tax incentives andcredits for development of alternativefuel pumps, infrastructure, gasstations and bio-fuel refineries.As we think about <strong>the</strong> potential incentivesfor renewable energy, we should also beginto think about d<strong>is</strong>incentives. For instance,charge more taxes on <strong>the</strong> oil and gas industryfor drilling on our public lands and offshore.Also, tax <strong>the</strong> oil and gas industry a certainpercentage of <strong>the</strong>ir high profits and use thatto fund alternative energy research. Penalizecoal companies through heavier regulationand taxes for mountain top removal. Stop <strong>the</strong>tax write-off for company vehicles that getless than 30 miles to a gallon. Charge developersmore for building housing that lackssufficient insulation, wastes water or installsnon-energy star appliances.In <strong>the</strong> end, we need real leadership. We needa v<strong>is</strong>ion for making our country energy selfsufficient.We need to make that America’sreal priority. The Democrats and th<strong>is</strong> presidenthave a unique opportunity to get it right,but it will take all of us to make sure <strong>the</strong>y arenot sidetracked by big oil.Clean, affordable energy should be availableto all Americans, and for that matter,citizens of <strong>the</strong> world. Perhaps nothing will domore to ensure that our public lands remainwild and that wildlife can thrive than a saneenergy policy for our planet. The thirst foroil <strong>is</strong> causing war on a global scale, from <strong>the</strong>Middle-East to Africa. Beautiful parts of <strong>the</strong>Rocky Mountains, Canada, and even easternand sou<strong>the</strong>rn Russia are being destroyedto feed our addiction. Wildlife in all <strong>the</strong>secountries <strong>is</strong> under assault. Why continue th<strong>is</strong>madness when we have <strong>the</strong> ability to change?Why continue to rely on fossil fuels as <strong>the</strong>polar ice caps melt and polar bears decline?The warning signs are everywhere and yet<strong>the</strong> political will continues to lag far behind.It’s past time for change.But <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> a glimmer of hope. Our governorremains a leader on <strong>the</strong>se <strong>is</strong>sues and hasblazed a new path to energy enlightenmentfor <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>. O<strong>the</strong>rs are following h<strong>is</strong> lead.Al Gore has awakened a sleeping nation to<strong>the</strong> realities of global warming and now <strong>the</strong>Democrats will take control of congress. Nomore excuses: it’s sink or swim. The time <strong>is</strong>now and I am betting that positive change onenergy will come. We must remain resoluteor our wildest public lands will continue tobe under assault. It will take many voices toforce real change. Let’s get started!Main Office505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697nmwa@nmwild.org • www.nmwild.orgP.O. Box 25464Albuquerque, NM 87125Las Cruces Field Office275 N. Downtown MallLas Cruces, NM 88001505/527-9962M<strong>is</strong>sion StatementThe <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> <strong>is</strong>dedicated to <strong>the</strong> protection, restoration,and continued enjoyment of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’swildlands and <strong>Wilderness</strong> areas.NMWA StaffLas Cruces OfficeJeff Steinborn, Sou<strong>the</strong>rn NM DirectorNathan Small, <strong>Wilderness</strong> Protection CoordinatorSanta Fe OfficeDavid Ehrman, Outreach CoordinatorAlbuquerque OfficeStephen Capra, Executive DirectorTripp Killin, Associate DirectorNathan <strong>New</strong>comer, Grassroots OrganizerT<strong>is</strong>ha Broska, Membership CoordinatorRoxanne Pacheco, Finance ManagerMichael Scialdone, Director of <strong>Wilderness</strong> ProtectionTr<strong>is</strong>ha London, Membership & Grassroots Ass<strong>is</strong>tantBoard of DirectorsWes Leonard, El Paso, TX (Chair)Dave Parsons, Albuquerque, NM (Vice Chair)Tom Mouck, Albuquerque, NM (Treasurer)Todd Hotchk<strong>is</strong>s, Albuquerque, NM (Secretary)Glen Banks, Placitas, NMPam Eaton, Denver, CODave Foreman, Albuquerque, NMBob Howard, Santa Fe, NMArturo Sandoval, Albuquerque, NMTodd Schulke, Silver City, NMBob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NMRick Wiedenmann, Carlsbad, NM<strong>New</strong>sletter StaffT<strong>is</strong>ha Broska, Managing EditorJoe Adair, Design EditorJames Broska, Copy EditorBecky Noland, Copy EditorWhat <strong>is</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong>?The <strong>Wilderness</strong> Act of 1964establ<strong>is</strong>hed <strong>the</strong> National<strong>Wilderness</strong> Preservation Systemto preserve <strong>the</strong> last remainingwildlands in America. The<strong>Wilderness</strong> Act, as federal policy,secures “an enduring resourceof wilderness” for <strong>the</strong> people.<strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>is</strong> defined as an areathat has primarily been affectedby <strong>the</strong> forces of nature with <strong>the</strong>imprint of humans substantiallyunnoticeable. It <strong>is</strong> an area thatoffers outstanding opportunityfor solitude or a primitive orunconfined type of recreation,and an area that containsecological, geological, or o<strong>the</strong>rfeatures of scientific, educational,scenic, or h<strong>is</strong>torical value.Please v<strong>is</strong>it us atnmWILD.org<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 3
Page 4 WINTER 2006Victory In Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>Valle Vidal Permanently Protected From Oil and Gas DevelopmentBy Jim O’Donnell,Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for <strong>the</strong> Valle VidalVidal by withdrawing <strong>the</strong> area from mineralleasing. It reads:We won.On <strong>the</strong> morning of November 17, 2006, weawoke to find <strong>the</strong> high mountain meadows,grassy slopes, phenomenal v<strong>is</strong>tas and sustainableeconomic opportunities affordedus by <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal permanently protectedfrom oil and gas development by an act ofCongress.Environmental and community victoriesare few and far between <strong>the</strong>se days. It hasbeen particularly tough <strong>the</strong> past six yearsas a right wing juggernaught has viciouslyattacked our land, air, water, economy anddemocracy. But we now have something tocelebrate.Representative Tom Udall’s Valle Vidal ProtectionAct of 2005 will protect <strong>the</strong> Valle“…<strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal Unit of <strong>the</strong> CarsonNational Forest in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>, whichcons<strong>is</strong>ts of 101,794 acres and <strong>is</strong> identifiedas Management Area 21 in <strong>the</strong> land andresource management plan for <strong>the</strong> CarsonNational Forest, <strong>is</strong> hereby withdrawnfrom (1) all forms of entry, appropriation,and d<strong>is</strong>posal under <strong>the</strong> public land laws;(2) location, entry, and patent under <strong>the</strong>mining laws; and (3) operation of <strong>the</strong> mineralleasing and geo-<strong>the</strong>rmal leasing lawsand mineral materials laws.”It <strong>is</strong> a very simple law. The Act does notaffect <strong>the</strong> management of <strong>the</strong> area in anyo<strong>the</strong>r way. As we have said over <strong>the</strong> pastseveral years, <strong>the</strong> Forest Service has donea generally outstanding job at restoringand managing <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal over <strong>the</strong> pasttwenty years. While challenges do remain,<strong>the</strong>y should be allowed to continue thatexcellent work without <strong>the</strong> threat of oil andgas development hanging over <strong>the</strong>ir heads.The battle over <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal has highlightedyet more failings in our decrepitnational energy policy. Communities suchas ours should not be asked to needlesslysacrifice our most important landscapes(not to mention our water and air) to afailed oil and gas oligarchy. Th<strong>is</strong> battle hasdemonstrated <strong>the</strong> need for a comprehensiveand responsible national energy policy thatpromotes aggressive development of cleanenergy resources and energy conservation.Such development would rapidly reduce <strong>the</strong>economic pressure to drill for natural gas<strong>the</strong>reby slowing <strong>the</strong> rush on public landssuch as <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal, Otero Mesa and <strong>the</strong>Roan Plateau in Colorado. Such a policywould likew<strong>is</strong>e reduce air and water pollution,protect our recreation-based economiesand move our nation a step closer toenergy independence.The fossil fuel industry <strong>is</strong> standing in <strong>the</strong>way of our nation’s “can do” spirit and abilityto solve th<strong>is</strong> pressing energy problem.It’s time <strong>the</strong>y move on and cease workingagainst <strong>the</strong> better interests of our nation.Not Done Yet...We are not done yet. Our community stillmust work through <strong>the</strong> Forest Serviceamendment process to determine how <strong>the</strong>Valle Vidal will be managed into <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.The Coalition for <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal will remainintimately involved in th<strong>is</strong> process. We wantto make sure that <strong>the</strong> values accorded <strong>the</strong>Valle Vidal throughout th<strong>is</strong> process serve as<strong>the</strong> foundation for <strong>the</strong> Forest Service’s managementplan. These values include:- <strong>the</strong> restoration and protectionof <strong>the</strong> waters and watersheds of<strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal as <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> lifebloodof <strong>the</strong> land’s wildlife and ourcommunities;- maintaining <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal asa vital resource to a sustainable<strong>future</strong> for nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’srural and agricultural communities;- assuring that <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidalcontinues to provide unique recreationaland sporting opportunitiesfor families, hunters, anglers, boyscouts, and o<strong>the</strong>r outdoor enthusiasts;- guaranteeing <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal willcontinue to provide a home forabundant wildlife populations, andthat <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal be managedfor <strong>the</strong> benefit of The People – allof <strong>the</strong> people.It <strong>is</strong> important that <strong>the</strong> people of nor<strong>the</strong>rn<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> remain involved in th<strong>is</strong> process.The Forest Service will release its draftenvironmental impact statement (DEIS) for<strong>the</strong> area in early 2007. At that time you willhave <strong>the</strong> opportunity to comment on thatdocument and to tell <strong>the</strong> Forest Service howyou would like to see <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal managed.Please be sure to v<strong>is</strong>it our website(www.vallevidal.org) at that time for informationon how and where to submit yourcomments to <strong>the</strong> Forest Service.Finally, THANK YOU. Without <strong>the</strong>incredible help and support of <strong>the</strong> people ofTaos and Colfax Counties, and <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>as a whole, <strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal would not be protected.Pat yourself on <strong>the</strong> back. You are <strong>the</strong>reason for th<strong>is</strong> amazing victory.On To Otero Mesa!
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 5Otero Mesa Updatewhere we standBy Nathan <strong>New</strong>comerThere <strong>is</strong> a lot of talk among environmentalgroups that campaigns must have a stronglegal component in order to win. While th<strong>is</strong>may be true, it <strong>is</strong> even more important tohave a strong grassroots foundation. Whenit comes to protecting Otero Mesa, <strong>the</strong>setwo ideas alone cannot produce a winnableoutcome. We are witness to that fact today.In order for us to preserve <strong>the</strong> “Serengeti of<strong>the</strong> Southwest”, we need strong leadershipon <strong>the</strong> part of our congressional delegation.Th<strong>is</strong> includes Representatives Wilson(R-NM), Udall (D-NM) and more specificallySenator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM).ronmental analys<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> merely piecemeal—applying only to individual parcels up forlease—ra<strong>the</strong>r than landscape-wide.In a move that <strong>is</strong> both shocking, but alsorevealing, <strong>the</strong> BLM <strong>is</strong> also appealing <strong>the</strong>court’s dec<strong>is</strong>ion. Even though <strong>the</strong> BLM hasbeen given <strong>the</strong> go-ahead to move forwardwith <strong>the</strong>ir shortsighted oil and gas richagenda, <strong>the</strong>y are fighting <strong>the</strong> court’s dec<strong>is</strong>ionbecause <strong>the</strong>y do not want to spend <strong>the</strong>resources necessary to safeguard th<strong>is</strong> wildlandscape. The main focus of <strong>the</strong> BLM’schallenge to <strong>the</strong> court’s dec<strong>is</strong>ion <strong>is</strong> that<strong>the</strong>y do not want to perform NEPA analys<strong>is</strong>at <strong>the</strong> leasing stage. They would prefer toperform NEPA at <strong>the</strong> APD stage.As <strong>the</strong> incoming chairman of <strong>the</strong> SenateEnergy & Natural Resources Committee,Sen. Bingaman has an important opportunityto lead our country on energy policy.Where th<strong>is</strong> leadership must begin <strong>is</strong> in h<strong>is</strong>own backyard, where <strong>the</strong> Bush Admin<strong>is</strong>tration,Bureau of Land Management (BLM),and oil and gas industry are wreakinghavoc.In late September, 2006, <strong>the</strong> US D<strong>is</strong>trictCourt for <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> recognized<strong>the</strong> importance of protecting OteroMesa. The court’s dec<strong>is</strong>ion validated <strong>the</strong>arguments made by <strong>the</strong> State of <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong> and conservation groups that <strong>the</strong>BLM must thoroughly analyze <strong>the</strong> impactsof oil and gas development prior to leasing.However, <strong>the</strong> Coalition for Otero Mesa hasappealed <strong>the</strong> court’s dec<strong>is</strong>ion because <strong>the</strong>courts requirements for thorough envi-NEPA, or <strong>the</strong> NationalEnvironmental Policy Act,requires governmentalagencies to analyze howdevelopment will impact<strong>the</strong> environment, and provides<strong>the</strong> public with <strong>the</strong>opportunity to comment.An APD <strong>is</strong> an Applicationfor Permit to Drill. BLMclaims that it <strong>is</strong> easier for<strong>the</strong>m to conduct NEPA at<strong>the</strong> APD phase and thatit can be done properly.However, <strong>the</strong> agency’s trackrecord on performing thoroughNEPA analys<strong>is</strong> at <strong>the</strong>APD stage <strong>is</strong> utterly abysmal.The entire purpose ofNEPA <strong>is</strong> to act as a warningsign that says “Hey, beforemoving forward we bettermake sure th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>n’t goingto have drastic impacts.”Yet, once an APD <strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>sued,<strong>the</strong> oil and gas companyhas a legal right to proceedwith that permit, regardlessof whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> agencyobjects.Th<strong>is</strong> reasoning speaks volumes about<strong>the</strong> BLM’s unwillingness to protect OteroMesa’s grasslands, abundant wildlife, orfresh water aquifer and <strong>is</strong> why it <strong>is</strong> imperativethat federal leg<strong>is</strong>lation be introducedand passed through Congress.Though a National Conservation Area <strong>is</strong>our ultimate goal of permanently protectingOtero Mesa, it seems apparent that wecannot get th<strong>is</strong> type of leg<strong>is</strong>lation passedquickly enough to stop oil and gas drilling.In <strong>the</strong>ory, <strong>the</strong> oil and gas industry couldbegin putting new wells into Otero Mesa byFebruary 2007. Yet <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong><strong>is</strong> still strongly committed to preservingth<strong>is</strong> ecological jewel and will continue tofight any attempts by <strong>the</strong> oil companies.While <strong>the</strong> state’s strong leadership <strong>is</strong> help-ing to hold <strong>the</strong> line and will bring aboutmore opportunities for <strong>the</strong> protection ofOtero Mesa, we must keep our focus on <strong>the</strong>congressional delegation to quickly introduceleg<strong>is</strong>lation in 2007.Beginning next year, we will steer our strategyin a somewhat new direction, one thatworks to build consensus amongst our delegation,while still holding <strong>the</strong> line on permanentlyprotecting Otero Mesa from oiland gas development. It <strong>is</strong> imperative thatSenator Bingaman become a strong leaderand be willing to stand up for <strong>the</strong> preservationof <strong>the</strong> largest and wildest grasslandleft on public lands in America.CALL TO ACTIONSign up for <strong>the</strong> Otero Mesa l<strong>is</strong>tserve atwww.oteromesa.org. Sign <strong>the</strong> petitionto Senator Bingaman at http://ga1.org/campaign/oteromesa_petition.
Page 6 WINTER 2006Nuclear Power:Why it’s not <strong>the</strong> AnswerBy Stephen Capra and Ben LuceAs global warming becomes <strong>the</strong> hottesttopic on <strong>the</strong> environmental radar, andenergy use continues to soar, <strong>the</strong> resurgenceof <strong>the</strong> nuclear power industry hastaken center stage. Many, including environmental<strong>is</strong>ts,say that nuclear power <strong>is</strong><strong>the</strong> key to our energy <strong>future</strong> and limitingglobal warming. Never<strong>the</strong>less, before wejump to conclusions, let’s take a closerlook at <strong>the</strong> new wave of nuclear powerplants so strongly advocated by many incongress, a handful of conservation<strong>is</strong>ts,and much of <strong>the</strong> well-meaning generalpublic.Th<strong>is</strong> will help us to better understand<strong>the</strong> potential impact of nuclearpower plants on America’s, and for thatmatter, <strong>the</strong> world’s energy <strong>future</strong>.After Three Mile Island, <strong>the</strong> nuclearindustry was on <strong>the</strong> ropes. <strong>New</strong> constructionfell, and <strong>the</strong> combination of constantcost overruns and nightmar<strong>is</strong>h publicitystopped <strong>the</strong> industry dead in its tracks.Or so it appeared. Even <strong>the</strong>n, industryworked hard to maintain a foothold, lobbyingcongress and placing advert<strong>is</strong>ementsin National Geographic magazinein an effort to clean up <strong>the</strong>ir image.Then <strong>the</strong> Chernobyl accident occurred inRussia, seemingly sealing <strong>the</strong> fate of <strong>the</strong>industry. However, as sometimes happensin life, <strong>the</strong>y were given ano<strong>the</strong>r chance,and thus we have <strong>the</strong> Nuclear Industry,Act II.The Money PitFor more than 50 years, <strong>the</strong> nuclear industryhas been heavily subsidized by yourfederal tax dollars to a tune of $66 billion(for research and development alone), andyet today no construction can occur withoutmassive federal subsidies. In addition,in 2005 congress renewed<strong>the</strong> Price-Anderson NuclearIndustries Indemnity Act,which covers all non-militarynuclear facilities constructedin <strong>the</strong> United States before2026. The act establ<strong>is</strong>hes a nofault insurance-type systemin which <strong>the</strong> first $10 billion<strong>is</strong> industry funded, but anyclaims above that figure shouldan accident occur, would be paidby <strong>the</strong> federal government. SandiaLaboratory calculated in 2004 that <strong>the</strong>cost of a serious nuclear plant accidentwould likely run $600 billion or more.In <strong>the</strong> 2005 Energy Bill, according to<strong>the</strong> non-profit group Public Citizen, <strong>the</strong>nuclear industry was <strong>the</strong> clear winnerraking in more than $12 billion in subsidies.Th<strong>is</strong> included tax credits foreach kilowatt-hour of nuclear generatedenergy produced from new reactorsduring <strong>the</strong> first eight years of operation,which will cost <strong>the</strong> US Treasury more than$5.7 billion in lost revenue. The bill alsoauthorized a $2 billion “r<strong>is</strong>k insurance” topay industry for any delays in constructionof new power plants. To compare,<strong>the</strong> oil and gas industry received about $6billion in subsidies, while <strong>the</strong> coal industrygot $9 billion. However, it <strong>is</strong> clear thatit <strong>is</strong>n’t solely building nuclear plants thatrequires subsidies, but also keeping <strong>the</strong>min operation. In <strong>the</strong> end, pages could bewritten about <strong>the</strong> loan guarantees, moniesfor R&D, as well as <strong>the</strong> travesty known as<strong>the</strong> Advanced Hydrogen Reactor Co-GenerationProject for <strong>the</strong> nuclear industry.Mining, refining and <strong>the</strong>realities of global warmingAno<strong>the</strong>r aspect of nuclear power rarelyd<strong>is</strong>cussed <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> uranium needed to generatepower. The supplies of high-gradeuranium (ores that contain about 0.1%U-235, as opposed to 0.01% or less) arein relatively short supply. Today, nuclearpower generates about 20% of power in<strong>the</strong> United States. Worldwide, nuclearpower supplies less than 6.5% of totalpower, according to an MIT study. Thetotal world energy supply, converted intoelectrical power units, <strong>is</strong> about 12.8 trillionwatts (about 13,000 gigawatts). Totalworld nuclear power capacity <strong>is</strong> about 370gigawatts, coming from 442 reactors.Many have argued that nuclear power<strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> key to stopping global warmingbecause nuclear power does not generatecarbon dioxides and it slows <strong>the</strong> consumptionof fossil fuels. Never<strong>the</strong>less,<strong>the</strong>re are some serious problems withth<strong>is</strong> hypo<strong>the</strong>s<strong>is</strong>. First, <strong>the</strong> cost of nuclearpower <strong>is</strong> simply not viable or sustainable.Second, any major expansion of nuclearpower would require a complementarydevelopment of uranium mining. Th<strong>is</strong>would quickly deplete <strong>the</strong> supply of highgradeores, in turn causing tremendouspressure to mine uranium wherever itcould be found. Th<strong>is</strong> could lead to potentiallyd<strong>is</strong>astrous environmental impactsfrom in-situ leach mining (a.k.a. pumpinghighly toxic solutions in <strong>the</strong> groundto force out uranium-rich solutions). Th<strong>is</strong>type of mining presents a major threat tovarious aquifers, including those in <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong>.Already<strong>the</strong>re havebeen proposals tomine Mt. Taylor. Todayin <strong>the</strong> Navajo Nation more than1,000 abandoned uranium mines dot <strong>the</strong>landscape, leaving a trail of po<strong>is</strong>onouswaste across <strong>the</strong> reservation. Companiesseeing a modern day uranium rush arestaking claims to <strong>the</strong> boundaries of <strong>the</strong>reservation. Mark Pelizza, vice-presidentof Uranium Resources Inc. (URI) calls<strong>the</strong> Navajo Nation, “<strong>the</strong> Saudi Arabia ofUranium”. With uranium prices eclipsing$62.50 a pound, people are pushingfor access to lands across <strong>the</strong> West. URIwill start mining in Church Rock in 2008.If <strong>the</strong>y convince regulators that <strong>the</strong> work<strong>is</strong> environmentally sound, <strong>the</strong>y will alsobegin mining in Crownpoint.The Navajo Nation <strong>is</strong> saying “no” to suchefforts. Last year it passed a ban onmining or processing uranium in “NavajoIndian Country” a term designed to safeguard<strong>the</strong> reservation and neighboringcommunities. But despite th<strong>is</strong> ban, <strong>the</strong>uranium companies continued to pushfor access, forcing tribal President Shirleyto sign an executive order that instructedall tribal employees to “avoid any communicationwith uranium company employees.”However, <strong>the</strong> Navajo Nation remainspoor and <strong>the</strong> uranium companies arebanking on that to shift perception <strong>the</strong>irway and gain access. They continue topush <strong>the</strong>ir agenda with lobbying effortsin Washington to increase accessibilitywhile keeping uranium prices sky-high.From <strong>the</strong> Navajo perspective, no drillingcan occur when <strong>the</strong>re remains so muchcontamination from old drilling and nofunds to clean it up. Across <strong>the</strong> West, inareas where drilling has occurred, aquifer
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 7contamination continues to plague <strong>the</strong>area. The Navajo continue to fight: protesting,educating <strong>the</strong>ir people and goingto Washington.An increase in nuclear power of <strong>the</strong> scalerequired to significantly slow globalwarming (10,000+ plants), coupled with<strong>the</strong> small supply of high-grade ores,would also create intense pressure to fullyincorporate “reprocessing” of spent fuelrods, by which a large amount of unusedfuel can be accessed. Spent fuel rods containabout 1% plutonium, however, andin <strong>the</strong> wrong hands can be used to make<strong>the</strong>rmo-nuclear weapons if <strong>the</strong> reactor <strong>is</strong>run in such a way to produce plutonium-239 instead of o<strong>the</strong>r plutonium <strong>is</strong>otopes.A large and expanding nuclear industrywould inevitably lead to many, manynations having unbridled access to plutoniumat plants around <strong>the</strong> world. Th<strong>is</strong>would create an unbelievable potentialfor weapons proliferation, far beyond anythingwe have seen. Developing a powersource that seconds as a serious terror<strong>is</strong>ttarget or a weapons cache does not seemin our country’s best interest. Proponentscontinue to claim that <strong>the</strong> US and itsallies will be able to control <strong>the</strong> supplyand reprocessing of fuel rods, so that <strong>the</strong>plutonium produced would only be usedto produce more power. Meanwhile, Iranand North Korea are snubbing US effortsto control nuclear fuels and many morecountries around <strong>the</strong> world that have <strong>the</strong>expert<strong>is</strong>e to build reactors and weaponsare currently moving toward productionwithout any obligation to <strong>the</strong>US and its allies.In terms of globalwarming, it <strong>is</strong> truethat nuclear power<strong>is</strong> a cleanersource of energythan coal firedplants or evennatural gas,because nukesdon’t producecarbon dioxide(if you ignore<strong>the</strong> mining). Butto have a tangibleimpact on globalwarming it wouldrequire a major constructionundertaking. In order tod<strong>is</strong>place fossil fuels worldwide, wewould need to construct 10,000-30,000new nuclear power plants to produce <strong>the</strong>needed 12.8 trillion watts of world energy.Remember, today <strong>the</strong>re are slightly morethan 400 ex<strong>is</strong>ting plants. While many canargue that it’s a positive step to get morenuclear power online to reduce greenhouse gases, if we refocus our energy priorities,we can obtain <strong>the</strong> same resultsby conserving and using alternativeenergy sources.D<strong>is</strong>posalLet’s take a look at that messy problemof d<strong>is</strong>posing of radioactivewaste produced by nuclear powerplants. According to a recent articlein National Geographic, currently in<strong>the</strong> US <strong>the</strong>re are more than 52,000tons of spent radioactive fuel fromour nation’s commercial and defensenuclear reactors. There are also morethan 91 million gallons of high-levelwaste left over from plutonium processing,scores of tons of plutonium,more than half a million tons ofdepleted uranium, millions of cubicfeet of contaminated tools, metalscraps, clothing, oils, solvents ando<strong>the</strong>r wastes. In addition, <strong>the</strong>re aremore than 265 million tons of tailingsfrom milling uranium ore. Thegovernment’s solution <strong>is</strong> to transportsome of <strong>the</strong> low-level waste to <strong>the</strong> WIPPfacility just east of Carlsbad. But <strong>the</strong> moreambitious proposal <strong>is</strong> to build a repositoryat Yucca Mountain in Nevada.Yucca Mountain <strong>is</strong> located only 80 milesnorthwest of Las Vegas. It <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> only USsite currently proposed to store morethan 77,000 tons of high-level radioactivewaste from US weapons sites andcommercial nuclear reactors. The nuclearindustry has thus far succeeded, thanks toa very aggressivelobbyingefforttooverturnNevada’sveto of <strong>the</strong> Yucca Mountain proposal in2002. Yet to date, numerous scientific,economic and policy problems continueto plague <strong>the</strong> Yucca Mountain project.The proposed dump faces an uncertain<strong>future</strong> in upcoming regulatory, leg<strong>is</strong>lativeand legal processes. Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> wastepile continues to grow at ex<strong>is</strong>ting nuclearpower plants and <strong>the</strong> security of <strong>the</strong>seplants remains questionable.On June 9, 2004, according to <strong>the</strong> nonprofitPublic Citizen, <strong>the</strong> Nuclear EnergyInstitute (NEI), an industry-lobbyinggroup and trade association, hired <strong>the</strong>Wackenhut Corporation, a private securityfirm, to manage and provide personnelfor “force-on-force” mock terror<strong>is</strong>tattack exerc<strong>is</strong>es at all 103 nuclear plantsin <strong>the</strong> US. These important tests aredesigned to ensure <strong>the</strong> safety and integrityof our nuclear power infrastructurefrom terror<strong>is</strong>ts. But <strong>the</strong> tests <strong>the</strong>mselveshave been comprom<strong>is</strong>ed by a clear conflictof interest; Wackenhut, <strong>the</strong> companyconducting <strong>the</strong> tests, also provides <strong>the</strong>security guards at more than halfof <strong>the</strong> nuclear plants in America.There was a strong motivationfor Wackenhut-employed “pretendterror<strong>is</strong>ts” to go soft whensimulating an attack, and to let <strong>the</strong>Wackenhut-employed plant guardswin. If <strong>the</strong> pretend terror<strong>is</strong>ts hadmounted an aggressive attack thatactually breached security, Wackenhutcould have lost <strong>the</strong>ir lucrativecontracts. Many public interest groupshave protested th<strong>is</strong> obvious conflict, butth<strong>is</strong> mock drill once again points to a concentratedeffort to ease <strong>the</strong> public’s mindabout security without really performing<strong>the</strong> necessary diligence.The FutureStarting with our new congress, it <strong>is</strong>essential that we begin to seriously fundclean alternative energy sources. We donot need nuclear power to fight globalwarming, nor do we need it to supply ourgrowing energy demands. We have vastrenewable energy sources, especially windand solar energy, which dwarf <strong>the</strong> potentialof nuclear power. Energy efficiency <strong>is</strong>also <strong>the</strong> key to our energy <strong>future</strong>. However,it begins with an Apollo-like investmentin alternative energy. Let’s put $12 billionor so into solar research and developmentevery year for <strong>the</strong> next ten years. Let’s alsoput serious money into energy efficiencyand designing automobiles that get 200-300 miles per gallon.Renewable energy <strong>is</strong> now growing withoutserious government support at a rateof 30-40% per year, in virtually all sectors.In Germany, <strong>the</strong> focus has moved fromnuclear to alternative development. Theseenergy sources are developing without <strong>the</strong>threat of terror<strong>is</strong>ts, contamination, wasted<strong>is</strong>posal <strong>is</strong>sues and are also helping tomake communities more self-sufficient.They are also creating long-term employmentfor people across <strong>the</strong> country. Willalternatives be enough to stop globalwarming? The jury <strong>is</strong> still out. But it willclearly be alternative energy sources thatmake America cleaner and less dependenton Middle-Eastern oil and politics, whilecreating energy that does not threatenglobal stability. Much like electric cars,<strong>the</strong>re are special interests that do not wantpower generation that <strong>is</strong> not centralizedand full of government subsidies.Once again, it’s time to infuse some sanityinto <strong>the</strong> energy debate. Perhaps with anew congress we can turn a page…onethat for <strong>the</strong> first time makes energy developmentand production compatible withclear air, water and stronger communities.
Page 8 WINTER 2006Governor Bill Richardson Proposes Far-ReachingActions on Energy and Environmental IssuesRenewable Fuels, GreenBuildings and Climate ChangePart of Leg<strong>is</strong>lative ProposalsIn late October, Governor Bill Richardsonannounced h<strong>is</strong> leg<strong>is</strong>lative agendafor clean energy and a clean environment.The Governor’s agenda, designedto invest in <strong>the</strong> tax incentives, biofuelsand green buildings, will continue tomake <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>the</strong> nation’s CleanEnergy State. It includes a $23 millioninvestment in energy efficiency andgreen buildings, a recurring investment($9.6 million th<strong>is</strong> year) for land,wildlife, and clean energy projects, and$3 million in tax incentives for biofuels,energy efficient appliances and renewableenergy manufacturers.Governor Richardson’s agenda includesincreasing <strong>the</strong> funding available forpublic school facilities by four percentto help build green public schools across<strong>the</strong> state. School projects that achieve aminimum rating of “LEED Silver”and can show a 50 percent increase inenergy efficiency will be eligible for th<strong>is</strong>funding. Governor Richardson will alsopropose a tax cut for certified EnergyStar appliances. On efficient large applianceslike refrigerators, clo<strong>the</strong>s washers,d<strong>is</strong>hwashers and water heaters, <strong>the</strong>governor will propose a one month taxholiday for <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> consumers. Hewill also seek an income tax credit forpurchasers of Energy Star Certified centralheating and cooling systems.To help break our addiction to foreignoil, keep our air clean and create jobs,Governor Richardson proposed taxcredits for <strong>the</strong> use and d<strong>is</strong>tribution ofbiofuels like biodiesel. Under <strong>the</strong> Governor’sproposal, biodiesel d<strong>is</strong>tributorswill receive a six cent per gallon taxcredit for every gallon of B5 biodieselblend delivered beginning in 2007, andbiodiesel facilities will beeligible for a one time taxcredit of 30% of <strong>the</strong> costof equipment and installationto allow for <strong>the</strong>sale of biodiesel blendedfuels. He also announcedbiofuel standards thatwill mean by 2012, fivepercent of every gallon ofdiesel sold in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>will come from agriculturalsources, and a 20percent biodiesel standardby 2020. Th<strong>is</strong> planwill save <strong>the</strong> equivalentof half-a-million barrelsof oil per year by 2012,r<strong>is</strong>ing to 2.2 million barrelsof oil saved annuallyby 2020.To continue <strong>the</strong> progress<strong>the</strong> Richardson Admin<strong>is</strong>trationhas made onaddressing global climate change –becoming <strong>the</strong> first state to join <strong>the</strong> ChicagoClimate Exchange and mandatingsome of <strong>the</strong> toughest greenhouse gasem<strong>is</strong>sion reduction goals in <strong>the</strong> nation– Governor Richardson said that hewill seek regulations through <strong>the</strong> StateEnvironmental Improvement Boardto dramatically reduce <strong>the</strong> greenhousegas em<strong>is</strong>sions of new cars and truckssold in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> by approximately22% by 2012 and 30% by 2016. Th<strong>is</strong> willkeep an estimated 10.5 million metrictons of carbon dioxide pollution frombeing released into <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s air.Eleven states including <strong>New</strong> York andCalifornia have adopted similar standards.The Governor also announced that hewill increase <strong>the</strong> percentage of electricity<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> utilities are required togenerate from renewable sources (<strong>the</strong>Renewable Portfolio Standard or RPS)to 15% by 2015, and work with our utilitypartners in <strong>the</strong> state to achieve 25%by 2020. The state’s current RPS, signedinto law by Governor Richardson, mandatesthat 5% of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s electricitycome from renewable sources by2006, increasing to 10% by 2011.Governor Richardson will also work toestabl<strong>is</strong>h a Renewable Energy Transm<strong>is</strong>sionAuthority here in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>to both develop our clean resourcesand help market it to o<strong>the</strong>r states. Andhe will propose tax credits for renewableenergy factories like Advent Solar,which plans to create as many as 1,000jobs in Albuquerque.Finally, Governor Richardson will proposea land conservation fund with aportion of <strong>the</strong> proceeds from <strong>the</strong> ex<strong>is</strong>tingOil Conservation Tax –about $9.6million th<strong>is</strong> year. Th<strong>is</strong> funding willsupport land, wildlife, and clean energyprojects, such as help ranchers diversifyinto wind energy production, fund localcommunities looking to create trailsand provide a resource for hunters andanglers who want to protect wildlifehabitat. A $10 million investment tocreate an Energy Innovation Fund -- modeled on <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s successfulWater Innovation Fund -- will go a longway toward developing new technologiesand effective clean energy projects.“It’s a big agenda, but I believe energyindependence and climate change aretwo <strong>is</strong>sues that require big, bold thinking,”said Governor Richardson. “Wehave made tremendous progress in <strong>the</strong>last four years and I am very proud ofwhat we have accompl<strong>is</strong>hed -- <strong>the</strong> Governor,<strong>the</strong> leg<strong>is</strong>lature and <strong>the</strong> environmentalcommunity -- working toge<strong>the</strong>r.Th<strong>is</strong> agenda will see that th<strong>is</strong> progresscontinues.”special thanks to <strong>the</strong> following who helped to make our2006 wilderness conference a success:Hildegard Adams, Nancy Murray, Chuck Houston, Carol Chamberland, Phil Carter,Leah Vermont, William Stone, Jan Bartelstone, Ruth Tatter, Michelle Chr<strong>is</strong>man,Sandra Place, Amy Stein, Anthony Howell, David Muench, Roger Kaye, Dave Foreman,Michael Soule, Michael Robinson, Dave Parsons, Dutch Salmon, Arturo Sandoval,Subhankar Banerjee, Nancy Morton, Chr<strong>is</strong>tianne Hinks, Ken Madsen & Erik DuMont
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 9DOÑA ANA COUNTY UPDATEAs writer Wallace Stegner said, “We simplyneed that wild country available to us…itcan be a means of reassuring ourselves ofour sanity as creatures, a part of <strong>the</strong> geographyof hope”. In Doña Ana County, 2006inspired many who hope for lasting wildernessprotection and a <strong>future</strong> full of secureopen, natural public lands.2006—A RecapBuoyed by <strong>the</strong> late 2005 v<strong>is</strong>it of former InteriorSecretary Bruce Babbitt, <strong>the</strong> campaignwas off and running at <strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong> Year.Resolutions passed by Las Cruces, Doña AnaCounty, Mesilla, Hatch, and Sunland Parkin January and February 2006 uniformlysupported designating wilderness in BroadCanyon and <strong>the</strong> East Potrillo Mountains, inaddition to Doña Ana County’s eight current<strong>Wilderness</strong> Study Areas (WSA’s). Theyalso called for a large National ConservationArea (NCA) to protect <strong>the</strong> Organ Mountainsand East Mesa. The resolutions reflect what<strong>is</strong> known as <strong>the</strong> “Citizen’s <strong>Wilderness</strong> &National Conservation Area Proposal”.Th<strong>is</strong> unprecedented show of support seguedinto summer, with a telev<strong>is</strong>ion commercialshowcasing diverse wilderness supporters—everybodyfrom a husband and wifehunting team to <strong>the</strong> owner of one of LasCruces’s most well known furniture stores,Ashley Furniture.Recent outings to Broad Canyon have begunra<strong>is</strong>ing <strong>the</strong> profile of th<strong>is</strong> little known gem,less than an hour from Las Cruces. As LasCruces physician Dick Meltzer said followinga recent v<strong>is</strong>it, “th<strong>is</strong> was our Chanukahpresent, hiking in Broad Canyon”. More citizensare experiencing th<strong>is</strong> enchanted area’sspecial qualities—high orange cliff walls,weighty silence softened by a Canyon Wren’scall, water pooled in <strong>the</strong> pink-white rocks,deer tracks in <strong>the</strong> soft canyon sand.Over 400 People Turn Out toSupport <strong>Wilderness</strong>On November 1st <strong>the</strong> Regional Land ManagementCommittee convened its final publicinput meeting. Th<strong>is</strong> committee, composed ofLas Cruces City and Doña Ana County staff,aimed to increase public involvement andbegin building recommendations for DoñaAna County public land conservation. Forth<strong>is</strong> final meeting held at <strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, staffexpected around 100 people to attend.Instead, over 400 concerned citizens occupiedevery seat, leaving a standing roomonly crowd. Each time someone spoke forprotecting wilderness, loud applause rippledthrough <strong>the</strong> hall. There were only three timeswhen individuals spoke against strong wildernessprotection; after each, <strong>the</strong> room felllargely silent.Men, women, and children all eloquentlyexpressed <strong>the</strong>ir reasons for wanting placeslike <strong>the</strong> Robledo and Organ Mountains “protectedin perpetuity” to quote <strong>Wilderness</strong> Actauthor Howard Zahnh<strong>is</strong>er. Some, like developerTom Tate, noted <strong>the</strong> economic benefitspermanent wilderness can bring, saying,“…developers want wilderness”. Long-timeresident Pat Penfield spoke convincingly for<strong>the</strong> need to protect Broad Canyon because ofits high value as a wildlife corridor. Time andagain, <strong>the</strong> night showcased <strong>the</strong> overwhelmingsupport Doña Ana County citizens havefor strong wilderness protection for <strong>the</strong>ir lastwild public lands—and soon.Stakeholder RepresentativesSelectedAfter <strong>the</strong> final public input meeting, <strong>the</strong> socalled‘stakeholder’ groups were reorganized,with each group selecting two representatives.The final stakeholder groups are: 1)Developers/Homebuilders; 2) Non-motorizedrecreation; 3) Motorized recreation; 4)Sportsmen; 5) Ranchers; 6) Business & EconomicDevelopment; 7) Conservation<strong>is</strong>ts; 8)Community Action Groups.Since late November, stakeholder representativesand o<strong>the</strong>r interested citizens have beenmeeting twice weekly, beginning at 6pm, andsometimes not ending until 9pm. As wildernesssupporter and Las Cruces residentEllen Young notes, th<strong>is</strong> schedule “makes itnearly impossible to attend <strong>the</strong>se meetings,”because of <strong>the</strong> added holiday season timeconstraints, not to mention work and familytime commitments.Still, <strong>the</strong> meetings have fostered interactionbetween different ‘stakeholders’. In addition,several guest speakers have attended <strong>the</strong> sessions,including U.S. Border Patrol agents,<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s Search and Rescue coordinator,Doña Ana County’s lead planner ando<strong>the</strong>rs. Several guest speakers are expectedin January as well. Las Cruces planner CarolMcCall has posted updates from <strong>the</strong>se meetingson a special website: http://www.lascruces.org/cd/rlm/.Although many Doña Ana County off-roadenthusiasts support wilderness, some membersof <strong>the</strong> local 4-Wheeling communityhave signaled <strong>the</strong>y will stop at nothing toprevent protection for Broad Canyon. The<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> <strong>is</strong> workingwith all stakeholders, especially <strong>the</strong> smallnumber of area ranchers whose concernsin many ways reflect our own: ensuring <strong>the</strong>long-term health and productivity of <strong>the</strong>land, and keeping it free from developmentand destruction, including irresponsible offroadvehicle use.Looking AheadAfter a successful run for State Representative,Jeff Steinborn returned as <strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>’s Sou<strong>the</strong>rnDirector. Following recent elections, SenatorJeff Bingaman will chair <strong>the</strong> Senate NaturalResources Committee, with Senator PeteDomenici <strong>the</strong> ranking member. <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong><strong>is</strong> incredibly lucky to have both d<strong>is</strong>tingu<strong>is</strong>hedSenators in such important positions on th<strong>is</strong>key committee. The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong><strong>Alliance</strong> remains committed to workingwith both of <strong>the</strong>m, and Congressman StevePearce, to ensure Doña Ana County’s deservingpublic lands are designated wilderness.Get InvolvedV<strong>is</strong>it http://www.las-cruces.org/cd/rlm/.Public comments submitted so far areoverwhelmingly pro-wilderness. But, it <strong>is</strong>very important that caring individuals continuesubmitting comments. Contact CarolMcCall: cmccall@las-cruces.org, or 505-528-3209 and make sure she knows you support<strong>the</strong> Citizen’s <strong>Wilderness</strong> and NationalConservation Area Proposal. Include why<strong>the</strong>se areas should be protected, especiallythose that you have a personal connectionto.To stay up to date on <strong>the</strong> Doña AnaCounty <strong>Wilderness</strong> Campaign, please v<strong>is</strong>itwww.DonaAnaWild.org
Page 10 WINTER 2006Energy Solutions, Oil & Gas,and an Economy of WasteBy William M. BrownAs a science adv<strong>is</strong>or for <strong>the</strong> Coalition for<strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal and o<strong>the</strong>rs, I am variouslyappalled, insulted and amused by <strong>the</strong>claims of <strong>the</strong> oil and natural gas drillingindustry. Th<strong>is</strong> industry has chosena principal function of exploiting oil andnatural gas resources and returning aprofit on investment by its shareholders.Claims about anything o<strong>the</strong>r than th<strong>is</strong>overarching economic purpose, such as“energy independence” or “environmentalresponsibility” or “energy solutions”tend to be bogus. Fur<strong>the</strong>r, our citizenry<strong>is</strong> m<strong>is</strong>led from understanding our complexenergy picture because of absurd orunqualified claims by <strong>the</strong> industry andits apolog<strong>is</strong>ts that are frequently repeatedin our mass media.The USA wastes as much as half <strong>the</strong>natural gas it produces and imports eachyear. The waste occurs because of deplorable<strong>the</strong>rmal inefficiencies of our nation’sbuildings and widespread ignorance aboutfundamental residential energy conservationprinciples. Additionally, power plantslose two-thirds of <strong>the</strong>ir energy in wasteheat. For every one unit of electricityconsumed in our homes, for example, twounits have been lost at <strong>the</strong> power plant.Because natural gas <strong>is</strong> burned at powerplants to produce electricity, (and withoutconsidering inefficiencies in manufacturingand o<strong>the</strong>r industrial and commercialnatural gas applications), <strong>the</strong> USA <strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong> also scarce. But what <strong>is</strong> truly scarce <strong>is</strong><strong>the</strong> ability of our planet’s environmentalsystems to assimilate <strong>the</strong> wastes producedby extracting, transporting, burning, ando<strong>the</strong>rw<strong>is</strong>e using oil, natural gas and o<strong>the</strong>rfossil fuels. Thus, we should not be worriedso much about oil and natural gasscarcity, but we should be very worriedabout carbon management and managingo<strong>the</strong>r em<strong>is</strong>sions related to fossil fuels over<strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong> 21st century.Energy IndependenceJohn J. Fialka in <strong>the</strong> July 5, 2006 edition ofThe Wall Street Journal wrote, “The U.S.bring us to a level of consumption thatmatches our proved reserves. These compr<strong>is</strong>ea grand total of only 3 to 4 percentof global reserves. Th<strong>is</strong> means all of <strong>the</strong>oil and natural gas from <strong>the</strong> entire NorthAmerican continent will not serve to offerenergy independence nor energy securityfor <strong>the</strong> USA.Thus, <strong>the</strong> USA must rely on oil and naturalgas imports for its longer term energydemands while we make a transitionto alternatives. In terms of natural gas,for example, <strong>the</strong> global infrastructurefor transporting natural gas as liquefiednatural gas (LNG) <strong>is</strong> now being built, andits construction and operation <strong>is</strong> facilitatedby <strong>the</strong> USA Energy Policy Act of2005. The U. S. Energy InformationAdmin<strong>is</strong>tration projects LNG importsinto <strong>the</strong> USA to r<strong>is</strong>e at an average of16 percent per year between 2002 and2025 as North American natural gasreserves are depleted. The fact of <strong>the</strong>LNG infrastructure buildup – and itssubsidy with taxpayer money – clearlybelies any political rhetoric about“energy independence” for <strong>the</strong> USA.Energy Cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>Oil and natural gas resources are abundantin <strong>the</strong> world, although <strong>the</strong>y aredecidedly not abundant in North America.In any case, <strong>the</strong> United States ando<strong>the</strong>r countries clearly are not takingcr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>-related actions on energy. In a truecr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>, typical actions would include mandatoryenergy conservation, a reducednational speed limit, massive reductionsin unnecessary night lighting, andrationing supplies of gasoline and heatingfuels. These measures would be coupledwith urgent, heavily funded programsto develop alternatives to oil and naturalgas. The USA has experienced true energycr<strong>is</strong>es during <strong>the</strong> past century, <strong>the</strong>se beingrelated to World Wars I and II and extremeThe USA wastes as much ashalf <strong>the</strong> natural gas it producesand imports each year.gasoline shortages in <strong>the</strong> 1970s. However,<strong>the</strong> word “cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>” in current use has cometo be a term of convenience to justify politicalactions and policies in <strong>the</strong> absence ofactual cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong> situations.wasting a minimum of about five to sixtrillion cubic feet of natural gas per year.Th<strong>is</strong> means that, at a minimum, we as anation waste <strong>the</strong> equivalent of <strong>the</strong> naturalgas reserves of 60 to 75 of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’sValle Vidals each year by way of residentialheating and electrical power inefficiencies.Our profligate waste of natural gas,as well as our waste of oil used for heatingand to produce gasoline and dieselas transportation fuels, tells us thatany perceived cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> more one ofour society’s behavior than a cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>of deficiencies of oil and natural gassupplies.The Meaning of ScarcityThere <strong>is</strong> no scarcity of oil and naturalgas resources in <strong>the</strong> world undercurrent uses and over <strong>the</strong> courseof <strong>the</strong> next several decades. However,inexpensive supplies of <strong>the</strong>se fuels couldbecome scarce. Political cooperation insetting long term goals for meeting oil andnatural gas needs while reducing economicdemand for <strong>the</strong> wasteful use of <strong>the</strong>se fuelsmay be addicted to oil, but many of itspoliticians are addicted to ‘energy independence’– which may be among <strong>the</strong>least real<strong>is</strong>tic political slogans in Americanh<strong>is</strong>tory.” Scient<strong>is</strong>ts, academics and manyo<strong>the</strong>rs tend to agree with th<strong>is</strong> assessment.Unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> slogan has becomea major driver of domestic and foreignpolicy through its pers<strong>is</strong>tently repeateduse in <strong>the</strong> news media. In fact, it <strong>is</strong> unlikely<strong>the</strong> USA could become independent of oiland natural gas from global sources for <strong>the</strong>next several decades, if ever.In order for <strong>the</strong> USA to become independentof imported oil and natural gas for<strong>the</strong> next several decades, we would needto cut our consumption of <strong>the</strong>se commoditiesby about 90 percent. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>extremely unlikely to happen except in <strong>the</strong>case of vast technological breakthroughs.These advances would need to offer ra<strong>the</strong>rimmediate substitutes for oil and naturalgas as primary energy sources for transportationfuels, power generation, and residentialheating. Cutting our consumptionof oil and natural gas by 90 percent wouldFor <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>, <strong>the</strong> USA will get its oiland natural gas from <strong>the</strong> places wherethose resources ex<strong>is</strong>t in abundance.Theses places primarily are <strong>the</strong> Asianpart of <strong>the</strong> Eurasian continent andAfrica. Drilling North America for itstrivial reserves <strong>is</strong> an exerc<strong>is</strong>e in futilityand waste.Energy InterdependenceI encourage those I adv<strong>is</strong>e – particularlymembers of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s congressionaldelegation and state government – toadopt “energy interdependence” as a definingphrase for our energy <strong>future</strong>. The USAtoge<strong>the</strong>r with countries around <strong>the</strong> worldwill be interdependent in terms of energyfor <strong>the</strong> foreseeable <strong>future</strong>. And it <strong>is</strong> not aone-way street. One of <strong>the</strong> USA’s greatestresources and one of its most profitableexports <strong>is</strong> its technology. The USAcan and should take global leadership intechnological solutions to <strong>the</strong> use of fossilfuels. We should export <strong>the</strong>se solutionsaround <strong>the</strong> globe, <strong>the</strong>reby reducing <strong>the</strong>stresses on oil and natural gas reserves aswell as <strong>the</strong> stress on our planetary environmentcaused by extracting and using<strong>the</strong>se fuels.Environmental Responsibility“Environmental responsibility” <strong>is</strong> a politicalthrow-away term that has had dubiousscientific meaning for <strong>the</strong> past quartercentury. The oil and natural gas indus-
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 11try cons<strong>is</strong>tently prom<strong>is</strong>es “environmentalresponsibility” in order to achieve its ends,no matter how egregious <strong>the</strong> environmentalinsult. Environmental concernsfall far down <strong>the</strong> priority checkl<strong>is</strong>t after<strong>the</strong> resource <strong>is</strong> extracted. To <strong>the</strong> industry,“environmental” matters are simply a costof doing business, and th<strong>is</strong> cost must beminimized to enhance profitability.In its quest to drill <strong>the</strong> vast areas of ourAmerican West, <strong>the</strong> industry toge<strong>the</strong>r withits government facilitator, <strong>the</strong> U.S. Bureauof Land Management (BLM), make numeroushyperbolic claims about its environmentalimpacts. For example, <strong>the</strong> industryand <strong>the</strong> BLM repeatedly contend that <strong>the</strong>yhave taken or will take an “environmentallysensitive” approach to oil and natural gasdevelopment. The BLM routinely makesth<strong>is</strong> claim for all <strong>the</strong> oil and natural gaslands it manages in <strong>the</strong> USA. The companiesmake similar claims for <strong>the</strong>ir oil andnatural gas operations as well.Unfortunately for <strong>the</strong> landscape, <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong>no oil and natural gas development thathas been or might ever be accompl<strong>is</strong>hedwith environmental responsibility inmind. Throughout <strong>the</strong> Rocky Mountains,industry activities have run <strong>the</strong> gamutfrom standard and practical to sloppy toabusive to criminal. Access, developmentand bonding requirements for <strong>the</strong> industryare minimal throughout <strong>the</strong> region’spublic and private lands. The industryultimately pays less than 10 percent of <strong>the</strong>environmental cleanup costs, and <strong>the</strong> taxpayersof today and <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> pay <strong>the</strong> rest.The industry and <strong>the</strong> BLM, despite <strong>the</strong>irclaims, operate with a decided lack ofbaseline environmental science. The scienceto evaluate environmental impactshas two major drawbacks to <strong>the</strong> BLM andto <strong>the</strong> industry: <strong>the</strong> science <strong>is</strong> expensive,and scientific analys<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> time-consuming.Scientifically speaking, <strong>the</strong> bulk of claimsof “environmental responsibility” areanecdotal; that <strong>is</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y are assertions madewithout scientific evidence.Coalbed MethaneIndustrialization and Its ImpactsCoalbed methane (CBM) natural gas fieldindustrialization covers millions of acresof public and private lands in <strong>the</strong> RockyMountains and nearby areas. These vastareas are called “natural gas factories” byindustry representatives. CBM industrializationrequires gas wells built onwell pads at spacing of every 160, 80, 40,20, and denser acreages. The 160-acrespacing <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> nominal minimum densityfor <strong>the</strong> first phase of most CBM development.The industry seeks to maximize <strong>the</strong>number of well locations to tap <strong>the</strong> entiregas resource and improve <strong>the</strong> financialbottom line.Well pads range in size from about 2 to6 acres of land stripped of all vegetationand soil. They are serviced by a networkof hundreds of miles of access roads,gas and water pipelines, and electricallines. The fin<strong>is</strong>hed complex of CBM fieldsincludes compressor stations that rangein size from buildings about <strong>the</strong> size of atwo-car garage to that of large warehouses.Well pads typically contain temporary andpermanent constructions such as drillrigs, pumpjacks, gas-water separators, andreserve ponds or pits. The pads containstorage tanks for water, fuel, and o<strong>the</strong>rfluids associated with developing <strong>the</strong> well.They host containers of various sizes, andportable buildings such as trailers. Developingeach well typically requires 100 to200 or more vehicular round trips for allphases of well pad and well constructionand maintenance. Following well development,dewatering <strong>the</strong> well and producingCBM gas may continue for 10 to 20 yearsor more. The land, water, wildlife and ecosystemreclamation and restoration effortsThe oil and natural gas industrycannot prom<strong>is</strong>e energy solutionswhile developing energy thatultimately <strong>is</strong> wasted.following gas extraction – if implemented– would be expected to continue for morethan a century.The vast CBM industrial network <strong>is</strong>responsible for unknown and unmeasuredair em<strong>is</strong>sions of volatile organic and o<strong>the</strong>rcompounds. The CBM process <strong>is</strong> responsiblefor unknown levels of groundwatercontamination from hydraulic fracturingfluids of unspecified chemical compositions.Companies frequently willnot reveal <strong>the</strong>ir chemical formulas forhydraulic fracturing which injects water,sand and chemicals underground to breakdown coal beds and help release naturalgas for extraction. Many of <strong>the</strong> chemicalshave not been thoroughly tested, and fewor no human health standards have beenestabl<strong>is</strong>hed for <strong>the</strong>m.CBM natural gas industrialization hasnot been proven to be environmentallyresponsible. The vast work of creating naturalgas and oil factories across <strong>the</strong> landscapesimply <strong>is</strong> practical, transformationaland economically opportun<strong>is</strong>tic. The oiland natural gas basins of <strong>the</strong> West arebeing transformed into a mix of industrialand natural designs. They may not returnnaturally or with human help to <strong>the</strong>ir preindustrializedstates for decades or millenniaor forever. Nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> industry,nor <strong>the</strong> BLM, nor <strong>the</strong> public will know <strong>the</strong>environmental consequences of <strong>the</strong> industrializationexperiment for decades.The scientific analyses of water,wildlife, vegetation, soil and airei<strong>the</strong>r were never done or are proceedingconcurrent with <strong>the</strong> activity.The results – particularly <strong>the</strong> cumulativeeffects of drilling hundreds ofthousands of CBM wells – are yearsaway from scientific analyses andconfirmation.Energy SolutionsThe energy “cr<strong>is</strong><strong>is</strong>” <strong>is</strong> often couched interms of “need” for fossil fuel products.However, <strong>the</strong>re <strong>is</strong> a substantial differencebetween fundamental need and economicdemand. The difference between need anddemand <strong>is</strong> largely waste combined with amodicum of luxury demands. It <strong>is</strong> in th<strong>is</strong>combination where profits – and, moreimportantly, conservation opportunities –abound. Our greatest potential resourcesof oil and natural gas that are well withinour control in <strong>the</strong> USA lie in conservation.The oil and natural gas industry cannotprom<strong>is</strong>e energy solutions while developingenergy that ultimately <strong>is</strong> wasted. The challengeto <strong>the</strong> industry – as it <strong>is</strong> to society asa whole – <strong>is</strong> to adopt an hol<strong>is</strong>tic approachto energy solutions. Th<strong>is</strong> means rapidlymoving away from oil and natural gasdevelopment into realms of sustainableenergy production. Th<strong>is</strong> means adoptingcarbon management as a primary focusof all current and <strong>future</strong> oil and naturalgas development. Th<strong>is</strong> means leadingeconomic and social change ra<strong>the</strong>r thanreacting self<strong>is</strong>hly and fool<strong>is</strong>hly to economicdemand.I am encouraged by <strong>the</strong> huge number ofrecent and rapid developments in alternativesto oil and natural gas as primaryenergy fuels. V<strong>is</strong>ionary and practicalthinking are being applied throughout ourglobal society to energy efficient buildings,vehicles, and power plants. Similarthinking <strong>is</strong> changing politics, policies andeconomics necessary to support a transitionto a sustainable energy <strong>future</strong>. It <strong>is</strong>long past <strong>the</strong> time for <strong>the</strong> oil and naturalgas industry to join modern thinkingabout seeking true energy solutions forour planet.William M. Brown <strong>is</strong> a retired federalearth scient<strong>is</strong>t who lives in Ranchos deTaos, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>. He tracks and interpretsenergy-related scientific, economic,and political <strong>is</strong>sues for U.S. Senate &House members, national organizations,and <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> governments, chambersof commerce, businesses and non-profitorganizations, including <strong>the</strong> Coalition for<strong>the</strong> Valle Vidal.
Page 12 WINTER 2006Moving <strong>the</strong> Auto into <strong>the</strong> 21st CenturyBy T<strong>is</strong>ha Broska andStephen CapraAmericans love <strong>the</strong>ir cars. However,while most of us rely on<strong>the</strong>m everyday, our vehicles area major source of carbon dioxideem<strong>is</strong>sions that help cause globalwarming. The average car emits10,000 to 20,000 lbs of CO2each year. But our daily commute<strong>is</strong> not our only impact.Fossil fuels are ingrained inour daily life in every way, andit will take a major shift in thinkingand planning to make a change inour energy use. In terms of protecting ourwildest landscapes, perhaps nothing woulddo more than reducing our use of fossilfuels. While cars and trucks continue todrink unlimited amounts of fuel, areas likeOtero Mesa and <strong>the</strong> Arctic National WildlifeRefuge continue to be in <strong>the</strong> sights of <strong>the</strong>oil and gas industry and President Bushcontinues to give <strong>the</strong>m an open policy todrill at will.The fact <strong>is</strong>, each of us can take steps toreduce and offset <strong>the</strong> level of em<strong>is</strong>sions weare contributing from our vehicles. Thereare many ways one can work to achieveth<strong>is</strong>: share a ride, use public transportation,ride a bike, or consider buying a fuelefficientvehicle, a hybrid, or one that usesalternatives to fossil fuels. Beyond <strong>the</strong>steps wetake as individuals, we needto see changes from businesses and <strong>the</strong>government. You can ask that your electedrepresentatives improve fuel efficiencystandards and provide real tax credits foralternative energy technologies.According to <strong>the</strong> Rocky Mountain Institute,<strong>the</strong> journey away from oil <strong>is</strong> not costly, butra<strong>the</strong>r profitable. It requires that <strong>the</strong> governmentsteer towards th<strong>is</strong> new paradigm.In order to make <strong>the</strong> transition faster,cheaper and more stable, governmentpolicy must accelerate oil efficiency by:2007 VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY RANKINGSRank Make and Model City HWY FuelType1 Toyota Prius Hybrid 60 51 G/E $7232 Honda Civic Hybrid 49 51 G/E $795AnnualFuel Cost3 Toyota Camry Hybrid 40 38 G/E $1,0184 Ford Escape Hybrid (FWD) 36 31 G/E $1,1695 Toyota Yar<strong>is</strong> (manual) 34 40 Gas $1,0736 Toyota Yar<strong>is</strong> (auto) 34 39 Gas $1,1057 Honda Fit (manual) 33 38 Gas $1,1378 Toyota Corolla (manual) 32 41 Gas $1,1059 Hyundai Accent (manual) 32 35 Gas $1,2049 Kia Rio (manual) 32 35 Gas $1,20410 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 32 29 G/E $1,28410 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD 32 29 G/E $1,284·Shifting customer focus stronglytoward advanced technologyvehicles while expanding consumerchoice.·Funding <strong>the</strong> research and developmentof fuel-efficient vehicles,reducing cost of retooling andretraining.·Supporting private investmentin innovative domestic energysupply infrastructure.·Stopping tax breaks for <strong>the</strong> oiland gas industry.For <strong>the</strong> past six years, we have been saddledby <strong>the</strong> Cheney Energy Task Force, whichhas recommended “oil, oil and more oilproduction”. Conservation wasnot a high priority. Every day in<strong>the</strong> US we burn more than 380million gallons of fuel going towork, taking our children toschool and buying groceries.With just 5% of <strong>the</strong> world’s population,we consume more than25% of its natural resources. Ifwe simply chose to drive morefuel-efficient vehicles we wouldsave more than 1.47 billiongallons of fuel each year. Thatmeans we would save parts of<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> from relentlessdrilling, or parts of Siberia,home to <strong>the</strong> Siberian Tiger fromreckless development.O<strong>the</strong>r countries seem to betaking a more mature approachto conserving resources.Canada, Europe and Japan all have <strong>the</strong>advantage of innovative regulations thatstimulate demand for new, more efficientcars. In Europe, carmakers have committedto getting 39 miles per gallon (mpg)by 2008 on all vehicles, and are consideringra<strong>is</strong>ing that to 46 mpg. In Japan, leg<strong>is</strong>lationrequires 23% fuel –efficiency gains from1995-2010, with levels reaching 44 mpgon <strong>the</strong>ir “Top Runner” program. Canada’sClimate Action Plan, with 2004 bipart<strong>is</strong>anendorsement, prom<strong>is</strong>es 25% mpg gains onall cars by 2010, despite <strong>the</strong> close integrationwith <strong>the</strong> US auto industry. The irony <strong>is</strong>that <strong>the</strong> real loser <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> US auto industry.Too busy complaining about fuel-efficiencystandards, it continues to lose market shareworldwide. While regulation may spurchange, it <strong>is</strong> clear nothing works better thanmarket-driven policies. They are flexible,<strong>the</strong>y offer wide choice, and <strong>the</strong>y removeideology from <strong>the</strong> proposals that havedeadlocked federal polices for more thana generation.One interesting idea proposed by <strong>the</strong> RockyMountain Institute <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> concept of feebates.In such a scenario, a person buyinga new light vehicle that exceeded a definedfuel-efficiency benchmark, called a “pivotpoint”, would receive a rebate that wouldbe subtracted from <strong>the</strong> price of <strong>the</strong> vehicle.By contrast, buyers of vehicles with fueleconomies with lower pivot points wouldpay a corresponding surcharge. Thus, thosepaying a “tax” would pay for <strong>the</strong> “rebates”.Last year in h<strong>is</strong> State of <strong>the</strong> Union address,President Bush admitted that <strong>the</strong> US <strong>is</strong>
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 13addicted to oil. He pledged to move forwardon a plan to get hydrogen vehicles on <strong>the</strong>road, sometime in <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>. So <strong>the</strong> presidentwas able to look green, while doingjust what <strong>the</strong> oil and gas industry wanted:to put off real changes until some unspecifiedtime in <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>. That means drillingon our wildest public lands could continuewith abandon. Also, h<strong>is</strong> speech servedto continue <strong>the</strong> deception that <strong>the</strong>re areno real alternatives available today. Whatmany have come to understand <strong>is</strong> thathydrogen has a great <strong>future</strong> potential, albeitwith some hurdles to overcome. The presidentand o<strong>the</strong>rs are using a classic bait andswitch, speaking about hydrogen, whileignoring <strong>the</strong> technology today that couldreally save fuel, lives and <strong>the</strong> environment.The US automakers have a long h<strong>is</strong>tory offighting change. It began with <strong>the</strong> seatbelt,continued with <strong>the</strong> air bag and today livesin fighting new cleaner technologies, manyof which might actually keep <strong>the</strong>m in business.The combination of electric cars andplug-in hybrids will make a tremendouschange in <strong>the</strong> consumption of fossil fuelsin America and <strong>the</strong> world. The technology<strong>is</strong> here today and should be pushed by <strong>the</strong>automakers and backed with real incentivesby Congress and <strong>the</strong> White House.Electric and Hybrid VehiclesMore than 100 years ago <strong>the</strong>re were moreelectric cars on <strong>the</strong> road than gas-powered.But because of cheap and abundant oil at<strong>the</strong> time, gas-powered cars won out. Theresult has been far reaching. Decades ofunregulated em<strong>is</strong>sions made cities like LosAngeles have some of <strong>the</strong> worst air on <strong>the</strong>planet. In <strong>the</strong> late 1980’s <strong>the</strong> California AirResources Board mandated that a certainpercentage of cars sold in California havezero em<strong>is</strong>sions. In order to continue sellingcars in California, General Motors (GM)spent more than a billion dollars developing<strong>the</strong> EV1, an electric car. The car hit <strong>the</strong>streets in <strong>the</strong> early 90’s to great fanfare. Itcould go about 75 miles between charges.GM curiously chose not to use <strong>the</strong> bestbattery technology, which initially causedproblems for many and hurt potentialleases. Yes leases, because GM refusedto sell <strong>the</strong> EV1, choosing only to lease it.Those who leased <strong>the</strong> car quickly found outwhat a great and quiet vehicle it was.The popularity of <strong>the</strong> vehicle caught <strong>the</strong>attention of <strong>the</strong> oil and gasindustry. Theybegan acampaign of op-eds and media reportssaying <strong>the</strong> car was a failure. Chevroneven purchased <strong>the</strong> patent on <strong>the</strong> moreadvanced battery technology. For <strong>the</strong>oil companies, <strong>the</strong> mentality seemed tobe fight ra<strong>the</strong>r than adapt. With morethan $100 trillion to be made from <strong>the</strong>world oil supply, electric vehicles couldput a real dent in that profit. WhenPresident Bush came to <strong>the</strong> White House,he seemed more than happy to help <strong>the</strong>automakers and big oil kill <strong>the</strong> electriccar. GM stopped leasing <strong>the</strong> EV1 andrecalled <strong>the</strong> vehicles, despite <strong>the</strong> fact thatmany of <strong>the</strong> owners wanted to keep <strong>the</strong>ircars, especially because battery technologyhad now improved so much that carscould go more than 300 miles betweencharges. Public protests ensued, but GMthreatened to have anyone charged with<strong>the</strong>ft if <strong>the</strong>y did not turn in <strong>the</strong>ir EV1.While we kill <strong>the</strong> electric car, we encourage<strong>the</strong> sales of vehicles like <strong>the</strong> Hummer.On a federal level, small businesses continueto be able to get up to a $100,000tax break on vehicles weighing more than6,000 pounds, while individuals who owna hybrid get only $4000. In America todaywe should be demanding <strong>the</strong> return of <strong>the</strong>electric car. Most Americans drive no morethan 29 miles per day. Yet, we could have anelectric car that gets more than 300 milesbetween charges, does not need oil changes,spark plugs and all <strong>the</strong> maintenance thatinternal combustion engines require. Wecould also add solar panels to <strong>the</strong> vehiclesand perhaps gain even more range.Today, Tesla Motors has introduced a highperformance electric sports car. The TeslaRoadster can go 0-60 in 4 seconds, has atop speed of 130 miles per hour and cango more than 250 miles between charges.Right now it costs a fortune, but it has soldout production each year. The point <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong>costs will drop as production increases andpeople will come to see that going electricdoes not mean losing performance. Thinkabout how much oil drilling could beavoided on our wildest lands and waters bytaking <strong>the</strong> step toward electric vehicles.While <strong>the</strong> oil and gas industry would likeus to think that real alternatives are still ageneration or more away, <strong>the</strong> hybrid <strong>is</strong> heretoday. Hybrid electric vehicles combinean internal combustion engine with a batteryand electric motor tomaximize fueleconomyand produce fewer em<strong>is</strong>sions. One stepcloser are <strong>the</strong> plug-in hybrids. These arevehicles that have additional batteries thatcan be recharged by plugging <strong>the</strong>m intoelectrical outlets. Depending on <strong>the</strong> design,a standard 120-volt household outlet or ahigher power 220-volt line can be used tocharge <strong>the</strong> vehicle. Though not commerciallyavailable yet, many hybrid ownersare going <strong>the</strong> next step, using plug-in kitsto modify <strong>the</strong>ir cars and gaining amazingmileage results. While some of <strong>the</strong> currenthybrid models are getting close to 55-60miles per gallon in <strong>the</strong> city, plug-in hybridsare pushing <strong>the</strong> limits to more like 150mpg. Plug-in hybrids will help to bridge<strong>the</strong> gap between fuel efficiency now and <strong>the</strong>hydrogen cars that President Bush speaksabout sometime in <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.Alternative FuelsAlternative fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol,hydrogen, methanol, natural gas and propaneare all cleaner alternatives to gasolinethat reduce our dependence on foreign oil,and minimize air pollution. These fuelsmay be used in small passenger cars tolarge 18-wheeler trucks or transit buses.Biodiesel <strong>is</strong> a domestically produced,renewable fuel that can be manufacturedfrom new or used vegetable oils, animalfats, or recycled restaurant greases. Usingei<strong>the</strong>r blended or pure biodiesel in a dieselengine will reduce em<strong>is</strong>sion of unburnedhydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfates,and particulate matter. Since <strong>the</strong> ingredientsfor biodiesel can be domesticallyproduced, it reduces <strong>the</strong> nation’s dependenceof foreign oil. At th<strong>is</strong> time biodiesel<strong>is</strong> mainly used by fleet operators such as<strong>the</strong> U.S. Postal Service, school d<strong>is</strong>tricts,utility companies, garbage and recyclingcompanies, agricultural vehicles andconstruction equipment.Currently ethanol <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> most widelyused alternative fuel. Ethanol <strong>is</strong> analcohol-based alternative fuel producedby fermenting and d<strong>is</strong>tilling starch crops(such as corn, barley and wheat) that havebeen converted into simple sugars. Ethanol<strong>is</strong> most commonly used to increase octaneand improve <strong>the</strong> em<strong>is</strong>sions quality ofgasoline. Because ethanol <strong>is</strong> derived fromfeedstock that <strong>is</strong> grown, it <strong>is</strong> considered arenewable fuel. In addition, since <strong>the</strong> feedstockfor ethanol can be domestically produced,it again reduces <strong>the</strong> nation’s dependenceon foreign oil. Vehicles operating onfuel containing at least 85 percent ethanolhave 25 percent less combined carbonmonoxide and nitrogen oxide (ozone-forming)em<strong>is</strong>sions than <strong>the</strong>ir gasoline fueledcounterpart.However, <strong>is</strong>sues remain with th<strong>is</strong> form ofenergy. For example, next year <strong>the</strong> nation’sFarm Bill will come up for renewal. At present,millions of areas of farmland havebeen set aside in <strong>the</strong> Conservation ReserveProgram. Th<strong>is</strong> program was designed toreduce soil erosion, protect <strong>the</strong> nation’s abilityto produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentationin streams and lakes, improvewater quality, establ<strong>is</strong>h wildlife habitat, andenhance forest and wetland resources. Itencourages farmers to convert highly erodiblecropland or o<strong>the</strong>r environmentally sensitiveacreage to vegetative cover, such astame or native grasses, wildlife plantings,trees, filter strips, or riparian buffers. Farmersreceive an annual rental payment for <strong>the</strong>term of <strong>the</strong> multi-year contract. But withcongress pushing for more ethanol production,many farmers are looking to expand<strong>the</strong>ir crops and remove <strong>the</strong> CRP from <strong>the</strong>irfarm. Th<strong>is</strong> could have major impacts onwildlife, grasslands, and <strong>the</strong> environmentparticularlyin <strong>the</strong> mid-west- as farmersplant soybeans and corn for ethanol andramp up <strong>the</strong> use of irrigation water.Methanol, methane, and propane are alsoalternative fuel choices to gasoline. Thesefuels can provide for lower vehicle em<strong>is</strong>sionsand <strong>the</strong>y can be produced as a byproductfrom natural gas and crude oilproduction. Sources of <strong>the</strong>se alternativefuels are available domestically and couldbe developed from sustainable sources insee 21st Century Cars on P22
Page 14 WINTER 2006th<strong>is</strong> environmental<strong>is</strong>t was notMADE IN NEW YORK CITYBy Chad HoeppnerI grew up in <strong>the</strong> Intermountain West.Although I am from Denver, I most readilyand quickly identify myself as a Coloradoan,which <strong>is</strong> to say I consider myhome <strong>the</strong> Rocky Mountains. It was <strong>the</strong>reforequite a shock seven years ago to getbumped unceremoniously off of a bus inPenn Station and greet my new home: <strong>New</strong>York City. For though my heart will alwaysbe in <strong>the</strong> Rockies, my chosen profession(acting) and <strong>the</strong>refore my hope of a livelihood<strong>is</strong> in <strong>New</strong> York City.People who knew me well thought I wascrazy, mainly because I’m an environmental<strong>is</strong>tand NYC strikes most people as anutter wasteland for those of us who lovenature. Or that’s what I thought anyway.In reality, <strong>New</strong> York City <strong>is</strong> much “greener”than many people think.First, some background: Far from beinga backwater for environmental<strong>is</strong>m, NYC<strong>is</strong> in many ways <strong>the</strong> cradle of <strong>the</strong> modernAmerican environmental movement. Itwas here that <strong>the</strong> foundation of modernenvironmental law was laid. <strong>New</strong> Yorkers’victorious struggle to prevent <strong>the</strong> ConsolidatedEd<strong>is</strong>on Company from turningStorm King Mountain into a profit-generatinghydraulic power plant created <strong>the</strong>precedent with which scores of successiveenvironmental legal victories have followed.The National Environmental ProtectionAct, <strong>the</strong> Clean Water and Clean AirAct, and <strong>the</strong> Endangered Species Act wereall built on <strong>the</strong> groundbreaking legal workthat was first applied successfully in NYC.Learning that made me feel better about<strong>New</strong> York, but what about living here? Itdoes give one some pride and perspectiveperhaps, but some days I’d trade that forjust a couple more trees and a patch of soil.But NYC’s present and <strong>future</strong> also holdgreat environmental prom<strong>is</strong>e. In spite ofits reputation as a concrete jungle – orperhaps because of it – <strong>New</strong> York <strong>is</strong> actually<strong>the</strong> greenest community in America.By all significant measures, <strong>New</strong> Yorkersuse far less energy and resources than <strong>the</strong>ircounterparts in o<strong>the</strong>r American cities. Astaggering 82% of <strong>New</strong> Yorkers use publictransport, bike, or walk to work. Livingin such a densely populated place – most<strong>New</strong> Yorkers live in apartment buildings– greatly improves <strong>the</strong> efficiency of bothheating and cooling buildings. And <strong>the</strong>actual geographic footprint of <strong>New</strong> Yorkers<strong>is</strong> far smaller than people who live inAmerica’s sprawling interior cities.<strong>New</strong> York <strong>is</strong> also beginning to transformnotions of sustainability and green technology.We are in <strong>the</strong> midst of a boomin “green” building. In 2000, <strong>New</strong> Yorkbecame <strong>the</strong> first state to offer tax incentivesto commercial and residential builders forgreen building practices. In 2004 <strong>the</strong> EPAand <strong>New</strong> York City inaugurated an annualgreen building competition. Several of<strong>the</strong> world’s greenest buildings – including<strong>the</strong> new Hearst Tower and 7 World TradeCenter, which incorporate innovative technologieslike roofs that collect and recyclerainwater and ventilation systems that useoutdoor air temperature to heat or cool <strong>the</strong>buildings’ interior – are in <strong>New</strong> York. TheCenter for Sustainable Development at <strong>the</strong>Bronx Community College <strong>is</strong> partneringwith <strong>the</strong> Department of Energy and hascommitted to installing solar energy systemson 500 metropolitan NY rooftops.And perhaps most surpr<strong>is</strong>ing in a citythat can seem utterly separate from <strong>the</strong>earth, geo<strong>the</strong>rmal energy systems are evencatching on in all corners of <strong>the</strong> city, fromQueens to <strong>the</strong> Upper East Side to BatteryPark City.There <strong>is</strong> one key factor to all th<strong>is</strong> that hastraditionally been m<strong>is</strong>sing from wellmeaningplans to save <strong>the</strong> planet: th<strong>is</strong>boom <strong>is</strong> happening because of <strong>the</strong> freemarket not in spite of it. The environmentalmovement has traditionally beenextremely wary of <strong>the</strong> business world– and with good reason. But th<strong>is</strong> paradigm<strong>is</strong> ripe for a radical shift. We can nolonger afford to look to <strong>the</strong> governmentfor guidance and regulation. Even if <strong>the</strong>Bush Admin<strong>is</strong>tration were committed toaddressing our environmental problemsquickly and dec<strong>is</strong>ively (feel free to havea good laugh at that one), governmentmandatedchange via regulation tends tomove at a glacial pace. The free market,on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, can make radical,innovation-driven changes almost on adime. Consider <strong>the</strong> ubiquitous gadgets ofour time: <strong>the</strong> ipod and <strong>the</strong> cellphone. Tenyears ago those markets didn’t even ex<strong>is</strong>t.Now <strong>the</strong>y drive whole industries. Greenbuilding and energy sustainability couldsee similar transformation if we can utilize<strong>the</strong> free market intelligently. To give justone example, building a geo<strong>the</strong>rmal energysystem in <strong>New</strong> York – which can includedrilling 1500 feet into <strong>the</strong> bedrock of ManhattanIsland – <strong>is</strong> expensive. But whenmeasured against <strong>the</strong> fuel, electricity, andmaintenance costs of heating and coolinga Manhattan property over <strong>the</strong> lifetime of<strong>the</strong> building, geo<strong>the</strong>rmal energy <strong>is</strong> not justgreen but also frugal. And that calculuswill only improve if energy costs increasein <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>. In fact many business leadersand companies are getting on <strong>the</strong> sustainabilitybandwagon, embracing notionsof corporate sustainability and <strong>the</strong> TripleBottom Line (financial, environmental,and social). <strong>New</strong> York, <strong>the</strong> financial capitalof America for <strong>the</strong> last 400 years, <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong>perfect place to begin embracing th<strong>is</strong> newparadigm.So has learning all th<strong>is</strong> converted me into a<strong>New</strong> Yorker? Curiously, no. My reaction infact has been almost <strong>the</strong> opposite: “Great;one more thing <strong>New</strong> Yorkers can use toboast about why <strong>New</strong> York <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatestcity in <strong>the</strong> world.” I guess I’m still a Westernerat heart. But <strong>the</strong> point, I imagine,<strong>is</strong> not to get caught up in d<strong>is</strong>agreementsabout where <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> best place, but ra<strong>the</strong>r touse all of <strong>the</strong> best things from each place tolessen our ecological impact everywhere.We will need lessons from all places – Coloradoand <strong>New</strong> York City, megalopol<strong>is</strong>esand sprawling suburbs – if we are to beginto make our society sustainable._____________________Chad Hoeppner <strong>is</strong> an actor and an environmental<strong>is</strong>twho lives in <strong>New</strong> York City.He <strong>is</strong> currently appearing on Broadway inButley with Nathan Lane. Chad, who grewup in Denver, Colorado, first learned about<strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> whenhe v<strong>is</strong>ited Albuquerque with a touring productionof The Three Musketeers.
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 15Uncle Sam won’t take <strong>the</strong>initiative, so cities across Americaare going green on <strong>the</strong>ir ownBostonOn December 19, 2006, Boston’s MayorThomas M. Menino announced a proposedgreen building zoning prov<strong>is</strong>ion.Boston will become <strong>the</strong> first major cityin <strong>the</strong> nation to require adherence to <strong>the</strong>US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadershipin Energy and EnvironmentalDesign) Certified standard as part of <strong>the</strong>private development review process. Thenew Green Building zoning prov<strong>is</strong>ion willrequire that projects over 50,000 squarefeet meet a basic level of LEED certification,which requires new construction toearn at least 26 points to meet <strong>the</strong> standard.<strong>New</strong> YorkIn <strong>New</strong> York, Mayor Bloomberg recentlyunveiled a 25-year plan for upgrading <strong>New</strong>York to a “sustainable city.” To achieve th<strong>is</strong>he has created a Sustainability Adv<strong>is</strong>oryBoard made up of scient<strong>is</strong>ts, academics,city planners and environmental<strong>is</strong>ts.The goals include affordable housing, <strong>the</strong>pledge that every <strong>New</strong> Yorker will livewithin a ten-minute walk of a public parkand an overhaul of public transportation,including a major expansion of subwayroutes. Mr. Bloomberg <strong>is</strong> pledging to make<strong>New</strong> York’s air <strong>the</strong> cleanest of any majorcity in America and to reduce em<strong>is</strong>sionsthat contribute to global warming by 30%by 2030. He <strong>is</strong> also pledging to open 90%of surrounding rivers, bays and harborsfor recreation by reducing water pollutionand preserving natural spaces. He will alsopush for upgrading <strong>the</strong> city’s power supplythrough green sources and adding congestioncharges for vehicles in lower Manhattan.A former landfill in <strong>New</strong> York will soonopen as <strong>the</strong> biggest new park in a centuryand <strong>the</strong> city <strong>is</strong> committed to green buildingsand LEED certification for constructionof new office spaces.San Franc<strong>is</strong>coOn November 6, 2001, San Franc<strong>is</strong>co votersoverwhelmingly approved a landmark$100 million bond initiative that pays forsolar panels, energy efficiency and windturbines for public facilities. The measurepays for itself entirely from energy savingsat no cost to taxpayers. With th<strong>is</strong> model,San Franc<strong>is</strong>co pioneered a path for funding<strong>the</strong> nation’s transition to renewable energy.The mechanics are simple. The bond paysfor solar panels, wind turbines and energyefficiency measures for public buildings.The money that would have gone to buyelectricity from power plants instead goesto pay down <strong>the</strong> bond.The campaign for <strong>the</strong> solar revenue bondhappened because San Franc<strong>is</strong>co residents,like many o<strong>the</strong>r Californians, were plaguedby blackouts, skyrocketing prices and dirtyneighborhood power plants. Large-scalesolar power represents an important wayfor people to take greater control over <strong>the</strong>ir<strong>future</strong> by making <strong>the</strong>ir own affordable,reliable, and clean energy.Albuquerque’s Mayor recently tried to geta trolley system initiative passed through<strong>the</strong> City Council, but an uninformed publicbalked at <strong>the</strong> idea. Because of its delayedimplementation, Albuquerque’s inevitabletransit system will likely cost taxpayershundreds of $millions more.The <strong>New</strong><strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>Office <strong>is</strong> GreenThe <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>has a new home office in Albuquerque.Actually, its not just a new office, butan eco-office that uses green buildingmaterials and sustainable resources.The building <strong>is</strong> designed and ownedby Environmental Dynamics, Inc.(EDI). Since its inception in 1998, EDIhas designed many alluring and environmentallyresponsive buildings andhomes. The new eco-office functions asan adaptive and organic entity, respondingto climate and community, reflecting<strong>the</strong> intentions and values of <strong>the</strong>people and businesses it houses. Whenit <strong>is</strong> complete, it will serve as a model ofhow socially and financially sustainabledevelopment opportunities can help toregenerate our environment.The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong><strong>is</strong> fortunate to have come toge<strong>the</strong>rwith EDI to share <strong>the</strong> building spaceand make <strong>the</strong> project a reality. We bothare committed to <strong>the</strong> ideals of greendevelopment and efforts to lower <strong>the</strong>impact that humans have on our environment.EDI will use <strong>the</strong> eco-office asa learning tool to ra<strong>is</strong>e public awarenessabout Green Building Practices, LEEDCertification and Urban & CommunityRevitalization.The building location <strong>is</strong> centrallylocated within <strong>the</strong> city on <strong>the</strong> sameblock as a bus stop for local and expressbus transit. The building has secureparking for bicycles and a shower roomfor bicycle and pedestrian commuters.Several of <strong>the</strong> eighteen on-site parkingspaces will be dedicated to carpooland fuel-efficient vehicles. In addition,<strong>future</strong> tenants of <strong>the</strong> office complex willhave access to a shared fuel-efficient/hybrid vehicle for daily errands.EDI <strong>is</strong> in <strong>the</strong> process of transforming<strong>the</strong> ex<strong>is</strong>ting unremarkable buildinginto an attractive and desirable propertythrough <strong>the</strong> use of bioclimaticand sustainable design strategies.Ex<strong>is</strong>ting asphalt and concrete pavingwill be replaced with native plantingsand xer<strong>is</strong>cape; trees will provide v<strong>is</strong>ualinterest and shade. The building facadewill be clad with architectural insulatedmetal and solar hydronic panelsto increase <strong>the</strong> insulation value of <strong>the</strong>building envelope, generate electricityand modernize <strong>the</strong> aes<strong>the</strong>tic. Interiorfin<strong>is</strong>hes will be selectively replaced wi<strong>the</strong>nvironmentally responsible materialsthat support <strong>the</strong> health of <strong>the</strong> buildingoccupants. Skylights will provide naturallight and ventilation to <strong>the</strong> buildinginterior, as well as reduce cooling loads.A lushly planted central courtyard, opento <strong>the</strong> sky above, will provide a place ofrespite and social interaction for staffand v<strong>is</strong>itors, bring daylight into <strong>the</strong>offices and introduce fresh air into <strong>the</strong>building.Water sources in <strong>the</strong> Southwest areprecious, so our water use will be conservative.Rainwater captured from <strong>the</strong>roof will be harvested for reuse within<strong>the</strong> building for cooling needs. All newfixtures are low or no flow and includegray water reuse dev<strong>is</strong>es. Ex<strong>is</strong>ting flowfixtures will be upgraded with aeratorsthat minimize usage or upgradedwith low-flow flush valves, gray waterreuse tanks at each sink and o<strong>the</strong>r watersaving devices.Fossil fuel consumption will be minimizedby optimizing building insulation,interior mass and incorporatingpassive solar design principals. Theelectricity purchased comes from greenpower sources, and additional <strong>future</strong>energy needs will be met with photovoltaicpanels and o<strong>the</strong>r active technologies.Recycling <strong>is</strong> prominently featuredand facilitated within <strong>the</strong> building andbuilding maintenance <strong>is</strong> conducted by agreen cleaning program that uses nontoxicproducts and procedures.The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>and EDI believe in sustainability as away of life and are committed to operating<strong>the</strong> offices with environmentallyresponsible practices. The green-livingof <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> <strong>is</strong> here! Please join us.
Page 16 WINTER 2006For information on upcoming hikes, please v<strong>is</strong>it our website:www.nmwild.orgService ProjectsFebruary 24, 2007—Rio Grande Bosque Restoration Service ProjectWe’ll kick off <strong>the</strong> 2007 Service Project season in <strong>the</strong>cottonwood forests lining <strong>the</strong> Rio Grande, known as<strong>the</strong> bosque. Th<strong>is</strong> will be a Saturday only project.Planting and removal of invasive species at a stretchnear Paseo del Norte will likely be <strong>the</strong> project.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960,gtatum3@msn.com for more info.Driving d<strong>is</strong>tance: In <strong>the</strong> north part of ABQMarch 10, 2007—Las Huertas Creek Service ProjectHosted by Forest Guardians, th<strong>is</strong> will be a Saturdayonly project. Las Huertas Creek drains alarge portion of <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Sandia Mountainsbefore joining <strong>the</strong> Rio Grande near Algodones.Few people know of <strong>the</strong> significant riparian valuesfound in Las Huertas Creek. Come see <strong>the</strong>m foryourself while participating in on-going efforts forits protection and restoration. Work will be donefrom 10am to 2pm.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Carol Norton at 505-988-9126, ext. 150,cnorton@fguardians.org for more info.Driving d<strong>is</strong>tance: 20 miles north of ABQMarch 17, 18, 2007—Cedro Creek Service ProjectTh<strong>is</strong> one <strong>is</strong> hosted by Albuquerque Wildlife Federation.Cedro Creek <strong>is</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> major drainagesto Tijeras Creek before it heads down <strong>the</strong>canyon that separates <strong>the</strong> Sandia Mountains from<strong>the</strong> Manzanos. AWF has been doing restorationin Cedro Creek for a few years now. Work will bedone on both Saturday and Sunday. Area camping<strong>is</strong> available or you can drive up and meet uson one day or both.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960,gtatum3@msn.com for more info.Driving d<strong>is</strong>tance: 20 miles east of ABQApril 6, 7, 8 2007—Limestone Canyon/San Mateo Mtns Svc ProjectThe San Mateo Mountains are a remote range incentral <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> with two areas already designated<strong>Wilderness</strong> and most of <strong>the</strong> range suitable formore designation. We will work on a stream restorationproject in Limestone Canyon on <strong>the</strong> northwestportion of <strong>the</strong> range, near <strong>the</strong> Plains San Augustin.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Michael Scialdone at 505-843-8696,scial@nmwild.org for more info.Driving d<strong>is</strong>tance: 2.5 hours from ABQ, 3 hoursfrom Las CrucesApril 14, 15, 16, 2007—Sou<strong>the</strong>rn NM Service ProjectTres Alianzas! Th<strong>is</strong> will be a joint Service Projectwith Sky Island <strong>Alliance</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Upper GilaWatershed <strong>Alliance</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Silver City / Lordsburgregion. Last year we did stream restoration andexpanded <strong>the</strong> fence around a spring that wasrecovering so well it was spilling out of its previousexclosure. Th<strong>is</strong> year’s project should be similar.Details are still being worked on.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Michael Scialdone at 505-843-8696,scial@nmwild.org for more info.Driving d<strong>is</strong>tance: 6 hours from ABQ, 2.5 hoursfrom Las CrucesApril 14, 15, 16, 2007—Rio de las Vacas Service ProjectTh<strong>is</strong> one <strong>is</strong> hosted by Albuquerque Wildlife Federation.With its headwaters in <strong>the</strong> San PedroParks <strong>Wilderness</strong> up near Cuba, Rio de las Vacas<strong>is</strong> an important tributary in <strong>the</strong> Jemez River watershed.Stream restoration will be <strong>the</strong> focus of th<strong>is</strong>weekend outing.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960,gtatum3@msn.com for more info.Driving d<strong>is</strong>tance: 20 miles east of ABQ,April 20, 21, 2007—Rio Puerco Service ProjectHosted by Forest Guardians, th<strong>is</strong> will be an excellentchance to see <strong>the</strong> progress of a project thathas been going on for a few years now. Thestretch of Rio Puerco being worked on <strong>is</strong> about 8miles south of Cuba. Most folks will arrive to helpon Saturday, but <strong>the</strong>re will be work to be doneon Friday or you can at least join for camping onFriday night if you can’t make <strong>the</strong> whole day. Wewill be planting native trees like cottonwood andwillow.Maximum participants: 75Contact: Carol Norton at 505-988-9126, ext. 150,cnorton@fguardians.org for more info.Driving d<strong>is</strong>tance: 70 miles north of ABQHikes and outings – ABQ officeFebruary 10, 2007—Ojito <strong>Wilderness</strong> Day HikeWe will hike to what <strong>is</strong> called <strong>the</strong> hoodoos trail in<strong>the</strong> recently designated Ojito <strong>Wilderness</strong>. Rainbowbanded mesas guard natural sculpture gardensfilled with amusing hoodoos of all sizes andshapes. Tw<strong>is</strong>ted old junipers and dwarf ponderosaadd a touch of green to <strong>the</strong> fantastic, multi-coloredrock forms. Elk often are found here in<strong>the</strong> winter months. The start of our hike will bethrough work we did on a service project in 2006.Come see for yourself why we worked so hard toget th<strong>is</strong> area protected.Maximum participants: 20Contact: Nathan <strong>New</strong>comer at 505-843-8696,nathan@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking d<strong>is</strong>tance: Approximately 4 miles round-tripTime: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation range: 6,000 to 6,261 feetDifficulty: EasyMarch 3, 2007—Ojito <strong>Wilderness</strong>—Full Moon HikeWe will arrive at sunset and enjoy a full moonstroll into <strong>the</strong> new Ojito <strong>Wilderness</strong>. Our destinationwill be a panel of ancient petroglyhs and<strong>the</strong> excavation site of <strong>the</strong> world’s largest dinosaur:Se<strong>is</strong>mosauras.Maximum participants: 20Contact: Nathan <strong>New</strong>comer at 505-843-8696,nathan@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking d<strong>is</strong>tance: Approximately 3 miles round-tripTime: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation range: 5,800 to 6,000 feetDifficulty: EasyMarch 31st, 2006-Jemez Hot SpringsJoin us for th<strong>is</strong> rewarding dayhike into <strong>the</strong>Jemez Mountains with <strong>the</strong> large San AntonioHot Springs waiting for us at <strong>the</strong> end. These hotsprings are one of <strong>the</strong> nicest in <strong>the</strong> Jemez Mountainsand unlike most o<strong>the</strong>r hot springs in <strong>the</strong>area, <strong>the</strong>se tend not to be crowded. The trail willtake us along a dirt road that transverses throughponderosa pine and <strong>the</strong> Jemez River. We will possiblyhave to snowshoe into <strong>the</strong> area, dependingon how much snow <strong>is</strong> left.Maximum participants: 8Contact Hike Leader, Nathan <strong>New</strong>comer at 505-843-8696 or nathan@nmwild.org toreserve your spot.D<strong>is</strong>tance: Approximately 10 miles round-tripTime: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation: Range: 5,800 to 6,000 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultApril 20, 21, 22, 2007—Otero Mesa OutingCome join us in Otero Mesa and watch <strong>the</strong> desertcome to life! If <strong>the</strong> spring rains hit, <strong>the</strong>n th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong><strong>the</strong> best time to be out <strong>the</strong>re. We’ll explore <strong>the</strong>area while talking about our continuing effortsto secure permanent protection for <strong>the</strong> last beststretch of Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands.Be prepared for windy whe<strong>the</strong>r and lots of sun asOtero Mesa <strong>is</strong> now entering Spring, but also beprepared for calm br<strong>is</strong>k days with <strong>the</strong> possibilityof a few rain showers. Bring plenty of water, sunscreenand a camera to capture <strong>the</strong> moments ofpronghorn herds, prairie dog towns, petroglyphs,desert blooms, and beautiful sunr<strong>is</strong>es and sunsets.During <strong>the</strong> evenings <strong>the</strong>re will be a social campfire.Bring instruments if you’ve got <strong>the</strong>m. Let’sget toge<strong>the</strong>r and have some fun in <strong>the</strong> desert!Maximum participants: 50Contact: Nathan <strong>New</strong>comer at 505-843-8696,nathan@nmwild.org for more info.Driving time: 6 hours from ABQ, 2.5 hours fromLas CrucesHikes and outings – Las Cruces officeFebruary 10, 2007—Mt. Riley / West Potrillos Day HikeMt. Riley <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest of <strong>the</strong> 3 mountains v<strong>is</strong>ibleto <strong>the</strong> south/southwest of Las Cruces. We willhike to its top, possibly as a loop that includesone of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r peaks. Mt. Riley itself <strong>is</strong> a difficulthike because it <strong>is</strong> steep, rocky, and full ofplants that can painfully poke you. There <strong>is</strong> plentyof friendlier terrain surrounding Mt. Riley, so ifyou’d ra<strong>the</strong>r have an easy stroll through a beautifuldesert, <strong>the</strong>re’s something for you as well.Maximum participants: 20Contact: Nathan Small at 505-527-9962,nathansmall@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking d<strong>is</strong>tance: Approximately 5 miles round-tripTime: 3-4 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation range: 4,700 to 5,905 feetDifficulty: Difficult and easyFebruary 17, 2007—Broad Canyon Day HikeNMWA <strong>is</strong> pushing hard to get th<strong>is</strong> area designated<strong>Wilderness</strong> as part of an effort stretchingacross Doña Ana County. <strong>Wilderness</strong> designationwill be <strong>the</strong> best way to protect <strong>the</strong> culturalresources, wildlife, riparian vegetation, and sceneryof th<strong>is</strong> magnificent canyon. Come see it foryourself and learn more about our efforts.Maximum participants: 15Contact: Nathan Small at 505-527-9962,nathansmall@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking d<strong>is</strong>tance: Approximately 4.5 miles roundtripTime: 2 - 3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation: 4,300 feetDifficulty: EasyMarch 17, 2007—Pine Tree Trail in <strong>the</strong> Organ Mountains Day HikeA green hike for St. Paddy’s Day. Ponderosapines and springs feeding small pools are partof th<strong>is</strong> hike leaving from Aguirre Springs campground.Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a great place for wild flowers if<strong>the</strong> spring rains hit. NOTE: Aguirre Springs has a$3 day use fee.Maximum participants: 15Contact: Nathan Small at 505-527-9962,nathansmall@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking d<strong>is</strong>tance: Approximately 4.5 miles roundtripTime: 3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation: 5,800 to 6,800 feetDifficulty: ModerateApril 20, 21, 22, 2007—Otero Mesa OutingSee ABQ hikes section above for details.
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 17The Oil Industry GiveawayBy Stephen CapraLos Angeles Oil Field, CA 1910After more than a year delay <strong>the</strong>Department of Interior released astudy, which suggests that <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates offers some of <strong>the</strong> most lucrativeincentives in <strong>the</strong> world to companiesthat drill for oil and gas inpublicly owned coastal waters. Thestudy shows that current inducementscould allow companies in <strong>the</strong> Gulf of<strong>Mexico</strong> to escape tens of billions ofdollars in royalties that are o<strong>the</strong>rw<strong>is</strong>epaid to <strong>the</strong> government for oil and gasproduction on American taxpayer’sproperty. It also suggests that <strong>the</strong> costof <strong>the</strong> additional oil could be as muchas $80 per barrel, far more than <strong>the</strong>government would pay if it simplybought <strong>the</strong> oil on its own. Industryanalysts who compared oil policiesaround <strong>the</strong> world echoed that <strong>the</strong> USwas far more generous to oil companiesthan most o<strong>the</strong>r countries andreceives a smaller share of revenuefor our public lands and waters. In<strong>the</strong> US, <strong>the</strong> federal governments take,for royalties as well as corporate taxes,<strong>is</strong> about 40%. By contrast, in mosto<strong>the</strong>r countries <strong>the</strong> number <strong>is</strong> closerto 65%. As Representative Rahall, <strong>the</strong>new Chairman of <strong>the</strong> House NaturalResources Committee, put it “Royaltyrelief <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> gift that keeps on giving”.Democratic leaders have vowed to cutback on royalty giveaways.Green Scamming and Brit<strong>is</strong>hPetroleumWhen <strong>is</strong> an oil company really afriend to <strong>the</strong> environment? Well tol<strong>is</strong>ten to BP over <strong>the</strong> past few yearsone would begin to think th<strong>is</strong> oilcompany <strong>is</strong> evolving into a real energycompany, meaning <strong>the</strong>y are opento change. In May of 1997, LordBrowne, BP’s chief executive gave aspeech at Stanford University wherehe stated global warming was a realproblem. Fairly earth shattering stufffor an oil executive. In 1998, afteracquiring Amoco for $57 billion <strong>the</strong>ydecided it was a perfect time to startmoving BP beyond petroleum. LordBrowne began to frame himself as areal environmental<strong>is</strong>t. BP has actuallysignificantly lowered its greenhouse-gasem<strong>is</strong>sions, owns a solarenergy company and has committed$8 billion over 10 years for alternativeenergy development.But BP <strong>is</strong> still an oil company. Before<strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> year BP was front andcenter with <strong>the</strong> d<strong>is</strong>covery of a dangerousamount of corrosion on a16-mile feeder pipeline along <strong>the</strong>Alaska pipeline. Production wasdramatically decreased and oilprices shot up. Five months earlierBP had spilled 300,000 gallonsof oil on <strong>the</strong> North Slope asa result of not maintaining <strong>the</strong>irportion of <strong>the</strong> pipeline overmany years. Six moths beforethat spill a BP refinery in Texasexploded killing 15 workers and aone billion dollar BP off shore platformtipped dangerously followingHurricane Denn<strong>is</strong>.The past year has shown <strong>the</strong> differencebetween real, honest effort and publicrelations. The company recentlyspent $4 billion building a huge gaspipeline across an environmentallyfragile portion of <strong>the</strong> Caspian Sea to<strong>the</strong> Mediterranean. They hired <strong>the</strong>World Wildlife Fund to consult on<strong>the</strong> project. Then ignored any advice<strong>the</strong>y had to offer. In 2002, Greenpeaceawarded Lord Browne an “Oscar” forBest Impression of an Environmental<strong>is</strong>t.In 2005, <strong>the</strong> company had profitsof over $20 billion Many in <strong>the</strong> oilindustry say that BP has a long h<strong>is</strong>toryof corner cutting when it comesto <strong>the</strong> environment. BP’s failure toinspect <strong>the</strong> pipelines in Alaska wasnothing short of negligence. In eachcase, BP was quick to apologize for<strong>the</strong> oil spills, deaths, and shaky offshorerigs. Fancy commercials give<strong>the</strong> impression that th<strong>is</strong> company <strong>is</strong>trying to make a difference. Whilesome of <strong>the</strong> efforts are commendable,<strong>the</strong>y appear more designed to give <strong>the</strong>company cover as <strong>the</strong>y move to openareas like <strong>the</strong> Arctic to more drilling,continue drill- ing in sensitiveenvironmental areas and green washelected officials.Exxon Valdez Ruling-Big Win for Big OilA federal appeals court decided tothrow out a $5 billion punitivedamageruling against Exxon stemmingfrom <strong>the</strong> Exxon Valdez D<strong>is</strong>aster.The Court ruled <strong>the</strong> amount “excessive”.For many in <strong>the</strong> area, <strong>the</strong> rulingwas shocking. Since <strong>the</strong> spill, herringare no longer in <strong>the</strong> area, and onlya few salmon have begun to return.F<strong>is</strong>hing permits in <strong>the</strong> area prior to<strong>the</strong> spill were valued at more than$210,000, today <strong>the</strong> permit wouldsell for about $50,000 if anyone wasbuying. Exxon had refused to pay <strong>the</strong>$5 billion since 1994. The spill thatoccurred in 1989 spilled more than 11million gallons of crude oil into <strong>the</strong>pr<strong>is</strong>tine Prince William Sound areaof sou<strong>the</strong>rn Alaska. Exxon has arguedfor sometime that <strong>the</strong>y have alreadypaid enough to settle <strong>the</strong> situation.“Winter Values”TAOS PAINTINGRETREATFriday, Saturday & Sunday, January 26, 27, 28With Painter ~ Michelle Chr<strong>is</strong>manRefresh your painting skills at th<strong>is</strong> special winter painting retreat-on <strong>the</strong>20 acre grounds of <strong>the</strong> beautiful Riversong Ranch Bed & Breakfast...Call Now to Reserve Your Spot! Space <strong>is</strong> limited and fills up fast!Michelle Chr<strong>is</strong>man 505-613-0443‘Holy Water and Wh<strong>is</strong>key’<strong>is</strong> a local Albuquerque group that plays traditional, folk, bluegrass, gospel,cowboy, and some select “wh<strong>is</strong>key” tunes. Maggie Washburne plays bass,Scott Altenbach guitar, and BruceWashburne guitar and banjo.For booking or o<strong>the</strong>r information,call 505-265-3218, or E-mailBdwashburn@aol.com. You canalso v<strong>is</strong>it <strong>the</strong>ir web site at :holywaterandwh<strong>is</strong>key.comCDs now available through <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> for$15 plus Shipping. A portion ofeach sale to benefit NMWA. ContactTr<strong>is</strong>ha London to purchaseyour copy today at 505/843-8696.
Page 18 WINTER 2006Running with <strong>the</strong> WindBy Stephen CapraIn making alternative energy a realityin <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> and across <strong>the</strong>West, one source of power that really<strong>is</strong> making a difference today, <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong>power of wind. Wind has been usedfor centuries to pump water, grindgrain and to propel ships across vastoceans. Wind <strong>is</strong> produced by <strong>the</strong>sun’s heating of <strong>the</strong> Earth’s atmosphere,meaning it <strong>is</strong> truly a renewableresource that will never be depleted. Itdoes not require large scale mining,produce toxic by-products or leave aterrible smell in <strong>the</strong> air for neighboringcommunities. However, for somein <strong>the</strong> conservation community wind<strong>is</strong> a mixed blessing. While <strong>the</strong> energysource <strong>is</strong> important and non-polluting,in its early days it caused someserious problems for raptors, batsand migrating songbirds. It seemsthat new locations, new turbines andcloser attention to bird migrationshave helped to lower such incidentsand many are coming to accept thatno matter <strong>the</strong> energy source <strong>the</strong>re aresome consequences for wildlife and<strong>the</strong> environment.Since Governor Richardson took <strong>the</strong>reigns in Santa Fe, wind power hasbeen a key ingredient in reducing <strong>the</strong>state’s green house gas em<strong>is</strong>sions by20% by 2020. PNM and o<strong>the</strong>r powercompanies, tired of huge cost overrunsof nuclear power and <strong>the</strong> controversycaused by coal-fired powerplants, have embraced wind as anew source of power. They have alsocome to understand that consumersare willing to pay more for cleanersources of energy.According to <strong>the</strong> Coalition for CleanAffordable Energy, <strong>the</strong> amount ofdevelopable wind power resourcesin <strong>the</strong> US that could occur withoutimpacting birds, no<strong>is</strong>e or v<strong>is</strong>ibility, <strong>is</strong>estimated between two to ten times<strong>the</strong> amount of electricity consumedby <strong>the</strong> United States. <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>alone could provide more than 435billion kilowatt hours per year ofelectricity from wind. While NorthDakota <strong>is</strong> considered <strong>the</strong> “SaudiArabia of wind”, with an almostunlimited resource, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>is</strong>12th in <strong>the</strong> nation for wind potential.California and Texas are leading <strong>the</strong>wind revolution, but <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> ando<strong>the</strong>r states are moving aggressivelyto close <strong>the</strong> gap. Just recently, planswere unveiled for a new five megawattwind farm to be constructed by ArizonaPublic Service Co. lands in <strong>the</strong>four corners substation.Never<strong>the</strong>less, perhaps <strong>the</strong> most dramaticwind development in our stateto date <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WindEnergy Center near House, NM.136 windmills stand on <strong>the</strong> edgeof a mesa, pointing to <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> ofenergy development in our state.Opened in <strong>the</strong> summer of 2003, <strong>the</strong>Energy Center produces more than206 megawatts of power for PNM and<strong>is</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> largest in <strong>the</strong> country. Italso now produces more than 4% of<strong>the</strong> power generated by PNM, and upto 10% in more windy times.There remain problems for windbesides conservation<strong>is</strong>t concerns.The power <strong>is</strong> not cons<strong>is</strong>tent. Often inplaces like West Texas, <strong>the</strong> winds are<strong>the</strong> strongest at night and in winter,while <strong>the</strong> peak demand for energycomes in summer, during <strong>the</strong> day..To some <strong>the</strong> wind turbines, often astall as <strong>the</strong> Statue of Liberty are aneyesore. Locating<strong>the</strong>m in a NationalPark or wildernesswould clearlynot be acceptable.To thosewho love birdsor unobstructedlandscapes, concernscontinue tolinger. Clearly, in<strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> suchfights will continueto occur. In<strong>the</strong> past couple ofyears, such a fighthas occurred in<strong>the</strong> Cape Cod areaof Massachusetts.Local residents didnot want a series ofwind farms locatedjust off <strong>the</strong> coast,fearing it wouldmare <strong>the</strong>ir view of<strong>the</strong> ocean, generate no<strong>is</strong>e and impactcoastal birds. Those in <strong>the</strong> right-wingmedia used th<strong>is</strong> as an example of <strong>the</strong>elit<strong>is</strong>t’s attitude of so-called environmental<strong>is</strong>tswho are content with alternativesso long as <strong>the</strong>y are not in <strong>the</strong>irback yard. The reality was more aboutwealthy landowners, private property,and concerns about a new form ofenergy. The fight in Cape Cod continuesand points out that even withalternatives <strong>the</strong>re will be fights aboutenergy development, location and <strong>the</strong>need to educate <strong>the</strong> public.In <strong>the</strong> past five years, <strong>the</strong> surge innatural gas power plant constructionhas contributed to r<strong>is</strong>ing natural gasprices. High gas prices have forcedsome companies to relocate overseas.A study by <strong>the</strong> Union of ConcernedScient<strong>is</strong>ts (UOCS)has shown that anational standard of 20% for renewableenergy in America by 2020 wouldmean that <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> alone wouldbe producing more than 3,600 megawattsof renewable energy. Frankly,we may well get even higher if manyof <strong>the</strong> governor’s plans are put intoaction. Wind and geo<strong>the</strong>rmal alonein <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> could provide powerto more than 2.4 million homes andprovide 48% of <strong>the</strong> electricity sales in<strong>the</strong> state. Perhaps more exciting <strong>is</strong> thatrenewable energy development willcreate new high paying jobs. Renewableenergy <strong>is</strong> po<strong>is</strong>ed to create 2.7times more jobs than fossil fuels anda net increase of 3000 jobs by 2020.It could also generate an additional$90 million in income and $100 millionin gross state product for <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong>’s economy. It would also be aneconomic engine for rural communitieswhere most of <strong>the</strong> wind projectswould likely occur.The cost of wind power <strong>is</strong> cheap andonly getting cheaper. There <strong>is</strong> no airor water pollution associated with itsdevelopment, thus making wind a farcleaner source of energy developmentthan oil, gas, coal or nuclear power.Wind and o<strong>the</strong>r renewables will makeAmerica’s energy supply more reliableand secure. It also will work tolessen our dependency on foreignand domestic oil. Meaning we cansave lives and wild landscapes. Therenewable energy standard of 2020will also likely result in lower energycosts for consumers. Increased competitionby alternatives will lower <strong>the</strong>prices of natural gas and eventuallymake it obsolete. By 2020 accordingto UOCS, consumer savings in <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong> from lower energy pricescould approach $570 million.Wind <strong>is</strong> but ano<strong>the</strong>r alternativemoving us forward today and awayfor oil and gas and o<strong>the</strong>r fossil fuelsthat continue to destroy <strong>the</strong> planetin so many ways. It may not be aperfect solution, but for many <strong>the</strong>sight of giant turbines <strong>is</strong> a picture ofclean energy here today, harnessing<strong>the</strong> wind and moving us forward toenergy sanity, one gust at a time.Alternative Energy Today-it’s <strong>the</strong> key to protecting ourwildest public lands for tomorrow
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 19Battling Military Fuel WasteBy Stephen CapraIn World War II, America suppliedfuel to <strong>the</strong> world to fight our countriesmost difficult battle. US oil ultimatelydefeated <strong>the</strong> Germans. One consequenceof that battle was <strong>the</strong> depletionof our domestic supply of oil andgas. As our country’s military nowfight in <strong>the</strong> Middle East, we decidedto look at <strong>the</strong> sobering reality of howmuch oil such fighting and militarypreparedness requires. It <strong>is</strong> in no waypresented as a negative judgment onour brave troops.It <strong>is</strong> simplyano<strong>the</strong>r realityof <strong>the</strong> fullcost of defendingoil sources onforeign soils. However,it also points to <strong>the</strong> factthat <strong>the</strong> military itself couldinstitute policies to conserveoil.These facts come from <strong>the</strong>Rocky Mountain Institute,which works with <strong>the</strong> militarydoing technical workon <strong>the</strong> Defense ScienceBoard Task Force.·The US Military <strong>is</strong> ournation’s largest energyuser.·They are likely <strong>the</strong>world’s largest oil buyer.·In <strong>the</strong> first Iraq war, <strong>the</strong>US burned through anestimated 417 millionpounds of jet fuel.·Mid-air refueling of jetscost prior to th<strong>is</strong> years spike in gasprices averaged 17.50 per gallon.·Military tanks average 0.56 milesper gallon.·Aircraft carriers get 17-feet-pergallon.·An armored div<strong>is</strong>ion uses about600,000 gallons of fuel per day.·The military paysabout $3.2 billiona year,just to maintain 20,000 active and40,000 reserves personal to simplymove and transport fuel.·Only one 68-ton tank fits into<strong>the</strong> heaviest US lift aircraft, sodeployment <strong>is</strong> painfully slow.Army research has a new innovative7-10 ton version that wouldget 87% better fuel efficiency and<strong>is</strong> considered as safe for troops.What you d<strong>is</strong>cover when you lookat military equipment <strong>is</strong> that mostof it has not upgraded from 1960’stechnology. B-52’s, now being flownby <strong>the</strong> children of <strong>the</strong> original pilots,use <strong>the</strong> same inefficient lo-bypassengines from <strong>the</strong> 1960’s. They couldbe retrofitted with modern ones andgain about a third more efficiency andachieve half again as much range.The military seems to understand<strong>the</strong> problems and <strong>is</strong> moving towardsmaking changes. Change comesslowly in <strong>the</strong>se circles, but <strong>the</strong> point<strong>is</strong> just <strong>the</strong> amazing amount offuel and energy that comes withfighting overseas. Hopefullywe can movetowards moreefficiencyfor <strong>the</strong> manycars, trucks,planes, shipsand substhat defineour military.Nothing willdo more tostop warsand conserveresourcesthan to movequickly tomake Americaenergyself-sufficient.For <strong>the</strong> manybrave peoplefighting today,that energyindependence<strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir tickethome.communitycalendarSave <strong>the</strong> Date!!What: Second Annual Rallyto Protect America’s ArcticNational Wildlife RefugeWhen: March 20, 2007Where: West lawn of <strong>the</strong>Capitol, Washington DCWho: You! Your friends!Everyone interested inprotecting Wild Alaska!For more details, pleasecontact Erik DuMont aterik@alaskawild.orgSierra ClubSave <strong>the</strong> Date!!When: Tuesday, Feb 20 at 7:00 pmWhere: Unitarian Universal<strong>is</strong>tCongregationat <strong>the</strong> corner of Barcelona andGal<strong>is</strong>teo Streets, Santa Fewhat: overview of <strong>the</strong> ForestService Travel Management Rule,what <strong>is</strong> happening in <strong>the</strong> Santa FeNational Forest as a result, and howyou can get involved.contact: Michael Scialdonescial@nmwild.org or 505-843-8696for more info.Prairie Dog Pal-oozato Benefit Prairie Dog PalsApril 22, 2007 from 2 to 4 pmSpecial Event: guest speakers, music,refreshments, auction and moreTickets: $20 each or 2 for $35Contact: Tammy 505-410-3884Special Guest: Dr. Con Slobodchikoff, Professor ofBiology at Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Arizona University, Expert onPrairie Dog LanguageSt. Timonthy’s Lu<strong>the</strong>ran Church211 Jefferson, Albuquerque, NM(corner of Copper and Jefferson)www.prairiedogpals.org
Thank You to Our Sponsors for Supporting <strong>the</strong> 2006 <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> Conference!Page 20 WINTER 2006N M W A S P O N S O R Splease support <strong>the</strong> businesses that support us.We’re IntoCamping!Jemez Physical TherapyPrivately owned outpatient clinicsituated in <strong>the</strong> mon community ofLos Alamos, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>.2101 Trinity Dr # NLos Alamos, NM 87544(505) 661-6191BERNARDO BEACHNATIVE PLANT FARMDrought Tolerant & Native Landscape OrnamentalsRetail Plant Sales: 3729 Arno NEAlbuquerque, NM505-345-6248DESIGN AND CONSULTATION: JUDITH PHILLIPS
The Nature Conservancy’sBear Mountain LodgeSilver City, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>1-877-620-BEARbearmountainlodge.comVERVEgallery of Photogr aphySilver City KOA1-800 562-7623silvercitynm@mykoa.comv e r v ef i n ea r t sfor gardeners’sake!gardeners’guild&garage on wellesley seserving <strong>the</strong> community since 2004An Exqu<strong>is</strong>ite SouthwesternBed & Breakfast InnTaos, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>505-776-5734219 East Marcy StreetSanta Fe, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> 87501505.982.5009w w w.vervefinearts.comjanuary: call for help, or by appt 268-2719february: v<strong>is</strong>it our newly renovated digs<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 21
Page 22 WINTER 2006<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s Energy Policies: A Chronology<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> has <strong>the</strong> solar and wind powerresources, <strong>the</strong> technological developmentresources (businesses, laboratories, anduniversities), and <strong>the</strong> people resources tobecome a major hub of both renewableenergy manufacturing and generation.Realization of th<strong>is</strong> potential <strong>is</strong> not just adream, but <strong>is</strong> already underway. Th<strong>is</strong> documentdescribes <strong>the</strong> ex<strong>is</strong>ting policies andincentives already in place and <strong>the</strong> developmentth<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> creating, and <strong>the</strong> new proposedpolicies and incentives that are now beingadvocated strongly at <strong>the</strong> State Leg<strong>is</strong>lature.Important policies are also under considerationat <strong>the</strong> Public Regulation Comm<strong>is</strong>sion(PRC). More information about ex<strong>is</strong>tingand <strong>future</strong> policies, and current proceedingsat both <strong>the</strong> Leg<strong>is</strong>lature and PRC can beobtained at www.NMCCAE.org. The cleanenergy <strong>future</strong> of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> looks bright!Ex<strong>is</strong>ting Policies and <strong>the</strong>ir impactsThe Clean Energy Policies that <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>has in place already are:1998: Net-Metering Rule (passedby <strong>the</strong> Public Regulation Comm<strong>is</strong>sion):Th<strong>is</strong> policy allows owners of renewableelectricity systems (typically photovoltaicor small wind systems) to interconnect<strong>the</strong>ir systems with <strong>the</strong> power grid, andliterally spin <strong>the</strong>ir meter backwards toobtain full retail credit for all <strong>the</strong> renewableelectricity <strong>the</strong>y generate. Th<strong>is</strong> createda new small industry in <strong>the</strong> installation ofsuch systems. <strong>New</strong> solar tax incentives andPNM’s PV program now provide additionsupport, as such th<strong>is</strong> local industry <strong>is</strong> nowgrowing rapidly.2002: Production Tax Credits forLarge Scale Renewable EnergyProjects: Th<strong>is</strong> corporate tax credit provides1 cent per kilowatt-hour for largewind, solar, and biomass generation facilities,and has been an important element toencourage large-scale wind power. It <strong>is</strong> nowproposed to increase credits for large-scalesolar power, and extend it for smaller systems(between 1 megawatt and 10 megawatts)to encourage larger d<strong>is</strong>tributed generationsystems.2004: Renewable Energy Standard(10% by 2011): Th<strong>is</strong> policy requiresinvestor owned utilities to provide 10%of <strong>the</strong>ir power from renewable sources,including both large-scale and d<strong>is</strong>tributedsources. Th<strong>is</strong> has already resulted in over$400 million of investment in wind powerdevelopment, and some biomass and d<strong>is</strong>tributedsolar development. Local impactsto communities are estimated at roughly$80 million in land rentals and taxes, plusadditional short-term installation andlong-term maintenance jobs. MesaLandsCommunity College <strong>is</strong> even establ<strong>is</strong>hinga Wind Technician Training Center. Thereare now proposals to increase <strong>the</strong> RenewableEnergy Standard to 25% by 2020. Th<strong>is</strong>will likely lead to <strong>the</strong> emergence of muchmore solar generation, both large-scaleand small-scale, plus more wind development,with a total investment likely toexceed $1 billion.2004: Utility Voluntary GreenPower Programs (e.g. PNM’s SkyBlue): Th<strong>is</strong> program increases <strong>the</strong> marketfor renewable energy fur<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong> by requiring both investor ownedutilities and rural electric co-ops to offergreen power at a PRC regulated price,which cannot be counted towards <strong>the</strong>requirements of utilities under <strong>the</strong> RenewableEnergy Standard.2005: Energy Efficiency Act: Th<strong>is</strong>policy requires utilities to undertake andoffer efficiency programs for customers. Itwill result in tens of millions of dollars ofexpenditures for energy efficiency in <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong> per year, increasing <strong>the</strong> market forefficient appliances and wea<strong>the</strong>rization.2005: Clean Energy RevenueBond Act: Th<strong>is</strong> policy increases <strong>the</strong>market for both energy efficiency andrenewable energy installations by providing$20 million in bonds for energy efficiencyupgrades at schools, state agencies.Net savings are used for renewable energy.2005: PNM PV Renewable EnergyCredits BuyBack Program: Underth<strong>is</strong> program, which forms part of <strong>the</strong>implementation of <strong>the</strong> Renewable EnergyStandard by PNM and <strong>the</strong> PRC, PNM offersto buy Renewable Energy Credits, or “RECs”at $.13/kWh from net-metered photovoltaic(PV) systems. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> above and beyond<strong>the</strong> benefits provided by net-metering,and applies to every kilo-watt hour of solarelectricity generated (whe<strong>the</strong>r consumedon-site or fed into <strong>the</strong> grid). Th<strong>is</strong> provides avery substantial incentive for PV systems.2006: Solar Tax Credits: Th<strong>is</strong> program providesa 30% personal income tax credit forinstallation of solar systems on a home orbusiness. The credit <strong>is</strong> worth 30% of systemcost, minus any applicable federal credits,up to $9000. It runs for 10 years, andclaimants may carry-over <strong>the</strong>ir credits upto 10 years if <strong>the</strong>ir liability <strong>is</strong> insufficientto absorb <strong>the</strong> credit in <strong>the</strong> first year. Th<strong>is</strong>,combined with PNM’s PV RECs programand net-metering, completes a suite ofincentives for solar energy installations.2006: Executive Order for 50%more efficient State Buildings:Th<strong>is</strong> executive order <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> first steptowards establ<strong>is</strong>hing <strong>the</strong> “2030 Challenge”in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> (see www.architecture2030.org). Implementation of <strong>the</strong> 2030 Challenge,which will require 100% cleanenergy buildings by 2030, creates a majormarket framework for efficient appliances,green building, and renewable energy.2006: Executive Order for AlternativeFuels for State Vehicles:Th<strong>is</strong> policy sets minimum alternative fuelstandards by state vehicles, and <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> firststep in creating a major market in <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong> for alternative fuels such as biodiesel,ethanol, hydrogen, and o<strong>the</strong>rs.2006: Executive Order forGreenhouse Gas Reduction Targets& Establ<strong>is</strong>hing <strong>the</strong> ClimateChange Adv<strong>is</strong>ory Group: Th<strong>is</strong>executive order set aggressive greenhousetargets for <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>, and like <strong>the</strong> 2030Challenge creates a major market frameworkfor clean energy development in<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>. The diverse Adv<strong>is</strong>ory Groupcreated by th<strong>is</strong> order has now crafted a setof bold recommendations to achieve <strong>the</strong>Governor’s reduction targets.21st Century Carscontinued from P13<strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>, but we need to be sure thosesources are not impacting our wild landscapesbefore considering <strong>the</strong>m as a viablesource of energy. Methanol created frombiomass may be an excellent base fuel forfuel cell vehicles.Hydrogen <strong>is</strong> being considered for use incombustion engines and fuel cell electricvehicles. Hydrogen vehicles are poweredby fuel cells that produce no air pollutantsand few greenhouse gases. If fueled with pure hydrogen, fuel cells emit only heat andwater as a byproduct. Currently, <strong>the</strong>re are<strong>is</strong>sues with <strong>the</strong> transportation and storageof hydrogen fuel, but storing hydrogen incompressed, liquid, and bonded states <strong>is</strong>currently being explored for efficient use invehicles. Developing <strong>the</strong> infrastructure forproducing and d<strong>is</strong>tributing <strong>the</strong> fuel for fuelcell vehicles <strong>is</strong> also a major task. H<strong>is</strong>torically,change in fuel substitutions (wood tocoal, oil to gas) has occurred over a periodof about 50 years. In <strong>the</strong> case of hydrogen,many feel <strong>the</strong> conversion timeline can begreatly reduced. If hydrogen <strong>is</strong> introducedon a widespread bas<strong>is</strong>, <strong>the</strong> elimination ofoil use will be inevitable. The only questionwill be, how long?During WWII, <strong>the</strong> US demonstrated rapidoil and energy savings. US automakerswere able to go from car production tomilitary production in six months. It happenedbecause of leadership and a solidcommitment to victory. Today we face asimilar challenge. American cars continueto lose market share, while global warmingcomes in large part because of <strong>the</strong> automobile.Across <strong>the</strong> globe, more cars are beingproduced. In China and India, <strong>the</strong> lustfor <strong>the</strong> automobile <strong>is</strong> just beginning. Wecan produce large, safe and fuel-efficientvehicles and we can do it far sooner thanmany would have you believe. We have tomake fuel-efficiency in our cars a realitynow or we will lose so many beautiful landscapesand species not just in <strong>the</strong> West, butaround <strong>the</strong> world. It’s a great opportunity tohave a cleaner <strong>future</strong> and take charge of ournation’s energy security. a Special Thanks to filmmakerBob Will<strong>is</strong>for h<strong>is</strong> efforts on our Doña Ana CountyCampaign Commercial
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> WILD!Page 23D<strong>is</strong>patch from <strong>the</strong>Wild CampusOWINGS-DEWEY FINE ARTA GALLERY FOR 19TH AND 20TH CENTURYAMERICAN ARTCONSULTATIONSALESAPPRAISAL76 EAST SAN FRANCISCO STREETSANTA FE, NM 87501505-982-6244WWW.OWINGSDEWEY.COMCall Joe Adair 505.319-3754By Phil Carter, UNMWild PresidentTh<strong>is</strong> semester has been an important onefor UNM <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>. The group,now in its second year, has increased itspresence on campus with a website and anoffice. Currently, our dues-paying membership<strong>is</strong> rapidly growing, and hundreds arereading our email updates.As UNMWild continues to grow, a niche <strong>is</strong>being filled within <strong>the</strong> campus communitysince our group <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> only student organizationwithin <strong>the</strong> university dedicated tohabitat conservation and rewilding. Theprojects and endeavors that our grouphas undertaken reflect our perspective asstudents upon wilderness, with <strong>the</strong> mostobvious example being our work in wolfreintroduction. All semester, we have beenengaged in bringing information aboutMexican gray wolves to our fellow “Lobos,”and, with our petition, we are achieving acampus-wide bloc of support for <strong>the</strong> currentreintroduction program. Similarly,UNMWild has been adding to <strong>the</strong> growingsustainability movement in highlighting<strong>the</strong> needless sacrifice of places like OteroMesa and <strong>the</strong> Arctic National WildlifeRefuge if fossil fuel drilling were to occur.At our monthly meetings during <strong>the</strong>semester, we have d<strong>is</strong>cussed a wide rangeof topics including politics, energy policy,endangered species, and -above all- <strong>the</strong>importance of activ<strong>is</strong>m. In October,UNMWild sponsored a hike in <strong>the</strong> Sandiafoothills where NMWA’s Tr<strong>is</strong>ha Londonrelayed a wealth of information about <strong>New</strong><strong>Mexico</strong>’s edible and medicinal plants. As<strong>the</strong> only wilderness group on campus, wemake an effort to address a variety of conservation<strong>is</strong>sues by maintaining close tieswith UNM’s Biology Department as wellas o<strong>the</strong>r green groups. Our email l<strong>is</strong>tserv<strong>is</strong> fast becoming <strong>the</strong> university’s aggregatorof local environmental events, not just ourown but also events sponsored by ForestGuardians, Hawkwatch International,Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition, ando<strong>the</strong>rs.Looking forward to <strong>the</strong> Spring 2007 semester,UNMWild has much in store. We willcontinue work to build a university-basedcoalition in support of wolf reintroduction,as well as intensify our efforts to defendOtero Mesa and <strong>the</strong> Arctic Refuge. Groundworkwill be laid for extending NMWAstudent chapters into UNM branches and<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> State University, with specialfocus at <strong>the</strong> NMSU campus on Doña AnaCounty wilderness. And, of course, we’ll besponsoring many events, including hikes,camping trips, services projects, films andart showings. Check our website periodicallyfor upcoming events.YES! I want to be a member of <strong>the</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>!!! My contribution will gotowards <strong>the</strong> continued protection and wilderness designation of <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s natural heritage.Name _______________________________Phone_______________________________Street ______________________________E-mail_______________________________City, State, Zip _________________________________________________________________£ Enclosed <strong>is</strong> my check payable to <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> Please charge my £ V<strong>is</strong>a or £ MastercardCard# __________________________________________Expiration Date: _______________Signature: ___________________________________Join <strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong> <strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>Today! You’ll not only help preserve<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong>’s Wild Places for your ownenjoyment… but you’ll help ensure that<strong>future</strong> generations may enjoy <strong>the</strong>m too.q$25 – Individual q$100 – Contributing qO<strong>the</strong>r $__________q$30 – Family q$500 – Lifetime q THIS IS A GIFT MEMBERSHIP FROM ____________________q$50 – Supporting q$10 – Student/SeniorMail yourTax DeductibleDonations to:<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong><strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>PO Box 25464Albuquerque, NM87125-0464Questions?505/843-8696Bob Will<strong>is</strong>Abuzz MediaNeed Info?Give us Abuzz!(505) 232-0707info@abuzzmedia.com
You can save <strong>the</strong> world.just three simple changes can make all <strong>the</strong> difference:1<strong>New</strong> <strong>Mexico</strong><strong>Wilderness</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>P.O. Box 25464Albuquerque, NM 87125Do you need to renew?Check your membershipexpiration date locatedabove your name andaddress.Replace all yourex<strong>is</strong>ting lightbulbs withCompactFluorescentLight Bulbs.If every Americanhome replaced just onelight bulb with a compactfluorescent, we would saveenough energy to light more than2.5 million homes for a year and preventgreenhouse gases equivalent to <strong>the</strong> em<strong>is</strong>sions ofnearly 800,000 cars.ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO 87125NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT NO. 4263Page 24 WINTER 20062Check your tire pressure.According to <strong>the</strong> U.S.Dept. of Energy, nearlyfour million gallons ofgas are wasted eachday nationwide forevery one pound persquare inch of tireunder-inflation. Thattranslates to more than$10 million per day, or$3.8 billion per year inwasted gas money.Take control of your <strong>the</strong>rmostat.Check <strong>the</strong> furnace filter each month, replace it asneeded. • Open blinds and let <strong>the</strong> sun in. • Closeyour fireplace damper when not in use. • Dressappropriately for <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r, so you can set your<strong>the</strong>rmostat lower. • Put an extra blanket on <strong>the</strong>bed and turn down your <strong>the</strong>rmostatmore at night. • Onlyheat <strong>the</strong> rooms you need—close vents and doors ofunused rooms. • If you canafford it, get a $100 programmable<strong>the</strong>rmostat—it’llsave youat least that muchevery year!