GILFORD ENERGY COMMITTEE
On September 12, 2007, the Board of Selectmen moved to form the Gilford Energy Committee (GEC) as an advisory panel regarding energy issues in the Town of Gilford and to become an energy resource for citizens, businesses and the Town of Gilford. The Board made appointments of a five member committee on October 24, 2007, and held an organizational meeting on November 14, 2007 at which the Committee appointed the committee Chair. On September 10, 2008 the selectman approved an increase in committee members from five to seven. Several appointments are currently open.
The GEC recognizes that not everyone in our community and not everyone in the broader scientific community agree upon the causes and effects of global warming. In fact, there is not consensus among our committee members. We recognize the potential political and policy differences that can result from differences in opinion on the human impact on global warming and climate change. Rather than allow our differences to cause inaction, we prefer to take a practical view of the issue upon which we can all agree. To this end, we offer the question:
Why are energy efficiency and renewable energy so important to the Town of Gilford?
1 It saves money. Plain and simple, New England has among the highest energy costs in the nation. As homeowners and business owners, we are consumers of energy and we pay dearly for its use. As tax payers, we are also rate payers for municipal energy use. Measures to save on electricity, heating, air conditioning and transportation will save us money.
2 It cuts pollution. Energy use is the number one source of air pollution in New England. Energy from renewable sources emits fewer pollutants during production and use. Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, to heat our buildings and to transport people and goods produces pollutants that are not desirable to breathe or to have collect in our atmosphere.
3 It reduces our reliance on foreign sources of energy. Energy demand is growing at 2% per year in New England. Energy efficiency can reduce the probability of price increases and supply disruptions by reducing demand. Renewable energy places production near end use, diversifies energy supply and supports domestic production. Supporting domestic and local energy production is in investment in our community rather than an expenditure that sends our energy dollars out of the region or country. Supporting renewable energy production is a self reliant action that can be accomplished at the individual, institutional and community level.
The mission of the Gilford Energy Committee is to recommend local steps to save energy and reduce emissions.
Committee Overall Goals
1 To educate all segments of the Gilford community (residential, commercial and municipal) about the importance of energy efficiency, renewable energy and emissions reductions;
2 To research appropriate methods of conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and emissions reductions techniques that fit with the unique character of the Town of Gilford;
3 To become a resource for residential, commercial and municipal sectors available to assist individuals, businesses and Town officials in energy use decisions, policy and planning;
4 To encourage residents, businesses and the Town of Gilford to take action now to plan for our community energy future.
5 To build long term community resilience through adaptation planning, strategies and action
Town Goals
(1) Finding ways to reduce Town vehicle trips, especially when it comes to police patrols and snow maintenance
(2) Promoting the acquisition of more fuel efficient engines and motors
(3) Analysis of geothermal and wind, hydro and solar conversions
(4) Promoting recycling,
(5) Convincing PSNH to experiment with street lighting alternatives,
(6) Installing energy control measures in town buildings, etc.
One day we will achieve energy independence but it will have to come from a blend of components. Some will come from clean sources like geothermal, wind, hydro solar and nuclear fusion. Note I did not mention Nuclear Fission which is current technology. In the future nuclear fusion will replace it. We are all looking forward to that day.
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