Mayor's Update - September 9, 2003

1. Join me at a Public Utilities Commission public meeting on converting coal power plants to natural gas

The Public Utilities Commission will hold one more public meeting to receive feedback on the Metro Emissions Reduction Project (MERP) proposal to convert the Riverside and Highbridge coal power plants to natural gas. The MERP plan has the potential to dramatically reduce particulate air pollution that has been linked to asthma and regional haze and greatly reduce the mercury and CO2 emissions from the plants.

September 17, 7 p.m. Urban League in North Minneapolis 2100 Plymouth Ave.

This is our last opportunity to speak on the issue before the PUC makes their ruling.

For more information, contact Susan MacKenzie, Public Utilities Commission, at 651-296-8994, or Justin Eibenholzl, SE Como Neighborhood Improvement Association, 612-676-1731 or seacomo@seacomo.org. See full news story

2. Green City News - Learn what the City and neighborhoods are doing to improve the environment.

For the past 18 months six interdepartmental teams have been working to improve the City’s environmental performance in the areas of Green Buildings, Green Energy, Green Fleets, Green Transportation, Green Purchasing and Green Neighborhoods. The Minneapolis Environmental Coordinating Team is now publishing a quarterly newsletter to share the current sustainability projects of our Green Teams and nonprofit and neighborhood partners. The current Green City News includes information on brownfield cleanup, air quality initiatives, local farmers’ markets, and hazardous waste drop-offs.

3. Homeowner Workshops Offer Tips for Beating Rising Heating Costs This Fall

Rapidly rising fuel prices for the ‘03-‘04 heating season may leave many homeowners out in the cold. The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is hosting free workshops in various Minneapolis neighborhoods to provide homeowners with information on how to prepare their homes for the winter. Workshop presenters will offer practical energy-saving information and tips homeowners can use to combat rising energy costs.

Workshop attendees will receive a free weatherization kit and will also have the opportunity to meet with housing specialists, a financial representative from CEE, heating and window contractors, and weatherization professionals to learn more about specific products and materials they can use to prepare their homes for the winter.

Workshop dates and locations are

The Energy Information Administration estimates gas prices will reach the level of the winter of 2000 - 2001. "Depending on the severity of this winter, consumers may see their gas bills increase by 30%" states Sheldon Strom, Executive Director of CEE. "In order to combat these higher prices, homeowners will need to take steps to make their homes more energy efficient. Adding insulation or installing a high efficiency furnace could save Minneapolis homeowners up to $300 per year." A Department of Commerce representative will open the workshop by providing homeowners with information about rising fuel prices.

For more information about the workshops or CEE programs and services, call CEE at (612) 335-5881, or visit www.mncee.org

Published Sep. 9, 2003