An Inconvenient Truth: Behind the Scenes

Resolution of the Woodbridge BOS

WHEREAS, The Town of Woodbridge Board of Selectmen promotes conservation and the study of the use of renewable energy sources; and

WHEREAS, Electricity production is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the united states of which Woodbridge residents are exposed to resulting in a variety of health risks including cases of asthma especially in children; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. energy needs are expected to grow by 33% over the next 20 years and clean technologies can be generated and distributed right in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, Clean energy resources – such as wind and solar energy – constantly replenish themselves, do not cause the buildup of global warming gases and health-damaging pollutants, and if properly managed, will be available to serve our energy needs forever; and

WHEREAS, The 20% by 2010 Campaign is a Connecticut not-for-profit initiative that undertakes efforts to encourage community action in support of putting Connecticut’s consumers on a path to having 20% of their electricity supply come from clean, renewable energy sources by the year 2010; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Selectmen has endorsed the goals of the 20% by 2010 Campaign;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen encourage the residents and commercial establishments in the Town of Woodbridge to investigate and consider the purchase of renewable energy source electricity toward the goal of 20% by 2010; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town staff explore the options for meeting the goal of purchasing 20% of energy needs from clean energy sources by the year 2010 including purchasing REC’s (Renewable Energy Certificates), local clean energy installations and possible state and federal funding opportunities.

Our Mission

The Town of Woodbridge is officially a Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Community that has agreed to develop and execute programs to ensure that at least 20% of the town’s municipal and household energy comes from renewable sources by 2010. The Woodbridge Clean Energy Initiative (WCEI) is a task force of volunteer town residents that has been established by the Board of Selectmen to assist the town in reaching this goal. In addition, WCEI seeks to inspire and teach children and their families about conservation and the use of renewable energy resources.

The WCEI believes that the town can save money and serve as a role model by conserving energy and using renewable energy resources. The WCEI will work with the town to develop and execute programs to reach the following goals:

GOALS

• Have over 300 households sign up for the clean energy option on their electric bill by May 1, 2008.


• Provide information and programs to teach people about conservation and new energy technology.


• Facilitate the installation of solar collectors on municipal buildings. Some of these will be funded from state grants.


• Help the town officials and employees to be more aware of conservation options and facilitate the implementation of a Woodbridge energy plan


• Increase the awareness of Amity and Beecher students, and inspire them and their families to conserve energy and recycle household goods.


• Stimulate citizen demand for more renewable energy for electricity, heating and transportation purposes.