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OIA supports islands’ ‘green’ initiatives
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Posted on Sep 15 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs awarded yesterday $2 million to help support efforts to implement alternative, renewable, and energy efficiency initiatives in American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
Funding will assist American Samoa Power Authority’s efforts to install energy saver compact fluorescent bulbs that save consumers money on their utility bills while protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Resources will also initiate a recycling rebate program and allow for the installation of prepaid electricity meters for homes in Tutuila and the remote islands. The prepaid program permits consumers to buy certain units of power by making an advance payment.
In the CNMI resources have already been allocated for geothermal gradient drilling and additional support will facilitate the initiation of a geophysical assessment. This will enable the island to better determine the extent of geothermal resources for the rapid development of renewable energy sources.
As one of Guam’s third largest consumers of electricity in the public sector, the University of Guam expects to use OIA funds to launch a campaign to aggressively reduce their total monthly energy consumption by 2 to 5 percent. Through UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability, the institution anticipates the installation of wind turbines and rooftop solar arrays to meet their energy efficiency goals and achieve significant cost-savings.
“The effective deployment of alternative, renewable and energy efficiency initiatives throughout the insular areas is vital to the sustainability of our islands. Despite our shrinking resources, I commend the leadership of each island for recognizing this as a priority and allowing our response to the energy crisis to be a coordinated effort that engages all sectors. Back in March of 2010, we launched a campaign to initiate a comprehensive energy plan for each of our U.S. insular areas and to date the progress has been tremendous and I look forward to continuing our efforts,” said Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta.
The total funding provided:
-American Samoa $600,000;
-CNMI $500,000; and
-Guam $900,000. (OIA)
