Madison receives solar city grant
From an article in The Capital Times by Mary Yeater Rathbun
Madison is one of 13 U.S. cities that will be sharing $2.5 million in new federal money to advance solar power projects.
Madison’s goal is to double solar use in the city within two years by creating a one-stop shop for those interested in doing it, mayoral spokesman George Twigg said Wednesday.
That would make Madison the model solar city for the Midwest, according to Joe DeMorett of the city Engineering Department. He wrote the grant application asking the U.S. Department of Energy for $200,000.
To be eligible to be Solar America Cities, cities had to be large with high electricity demand and represent a diverse geography, population and maturity of solar infrastructure, according to DOE spokeswoman Julie Ruggiero. Cities were selected based on their plan and commitment to a comprehensive, citywide approach to deployment of solar technologies. . . .
The other cities selected to receive Solar America Cities grants are: Ann Arbor, Mich.; Austin, Texas; Berkeley, Calif; Boston; New Orleans; New York; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City; San Diego; San Francisco and Tucson.
I applaud the government for going solar instead of nuclear. There are many alternatives to fossil fuel and nuclear power, which are both dangerous methods. I am pleased to see at least some of our country has woken up to reliable, renewable energy sources.
A C
June 21, 2007