What's New

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission early this month unanimously approved a new policy aimed at regulating and reducing the amount of nonrenewable energy used in certain new construction projects. The new policy only affects larger construction projects that qualify for review as developments of regional impact (DRIs).

Approved by commissioners without dissent on Dec. 4, the policy is the most stringent energy policy to date on the Island and is seen as a first step in creating uniform energy standards for all new construction projects on the Vineyard. It is also seen as a way to expand on state building codes which are widely regarded as lacking in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Energy conservation has always been important to Jackson's former mayor, Rosalie Pryor Escamilla. So, when she learned of a local solar water heating dealer in the area, she decided to invest in one and install it on her own home.

"We wanted to do our part to improve the environment and be conscious of our energy use," said Pryor Escamilla. Installing a solar water heating system does just that as it reduces C02 emissions of an average home by 30 percent or more.

St. Lawrence College will lead by example in the development of a national solar energy curriculum.

The school will be a model for colleges across Canada as part of a new federal government program to develop a training program in sustainable energy.

A crane hoisted 166 solar water-heating panels Monday to the roof of the Hyatt in Scottsdale, the beginning of an environmental initiative that could expand through the hotel chain.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch is spending $575,000 on a system that, by year's end, will be capable of heating 100,000 gallons of water a day, ultimately saving the hotel hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Workers in Canada's growing solar-energy sector will receive additional skills support from the Government of Canada, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today.

"Solar energy will play an important part in securing a clean energy future for Canada and in providing good, skilled jobs for Canadians," said Minister Raitt during a speech at the Canadian Solar Industries Association, Solar Conference 2008. "The projects our Government is supporting today will help us reach our goal of having 90 percent of Canada's electricity derived from non-emitting sources by 2020."