Energy

Energy is a highly important component necessary for building a sustainable future for the West. Communities in the West are moving toward a clean, safe and reliable energy future in a manner that supports local prosperity and quality of life. The energy category area includes: Green Building Codes; Community Energy Plans; Renewable Utility Siting; Energy Efficiency Policies; Green Business; Green Purchasing Programs.

 

  

  Featured Resources
  
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Powerline - Innovations in Transmissions Planning

To support the exchange of innovative and emerging ideas and practices surrounding energy transmission planning, the Sonoran Institute has developed an online resource, called PowerLine to serve as a clearinghouse of new approaches to transmission planning, design, and mitigation.

  
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National Association of Counties: County Strategies for Successfully Managing and Promoting Wind Power

This report is the result of a National Association of Counites and Distributed Wind Energy Association partnership to assist county leaders and the wind industry in working collaboratively to develop affordable and safe wind energy projects that respect property rights and promote economic growth. The guide serves as a tool for county elected officials and planners to learn about local wind ordinance development, explore key ordinance criteria, and consider best practices from other counties.

 

Publications and Web Resources

 

Colorado Renewables and Conservation Collaborative (CRCC) - Best Management Practices

NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) – Status and Impact of Clean Energy Policies at the Local Level

U.S. Department of Energy – Building Energy Software Tools Directory

U.S. Department of Energy – Smart Communities Network

U.S. Department of Energy – icon How to Develop a Strategic Energy Plan (943.48 kB)

U.S. Green Building Council – Resources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Energy Star

American Planning Association - icon Planning and Zoning for Renewable Energy (212.55 kB)

U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - icon Wind Energy Guide for Commissioners (1.1 MB)

American Wind Energy Association - icon AWEA_Siting_Handbook_Feb2008 (5.4 MB)