Task Force Targets Clean Energy

By Kendra Bobowick

Like a bookmark in his memory, the image of a man standing next to 500 pounds of coal has accompanied Newtown’s new Ad Hoc Energy Task Force member Ted Kreinik since he saw the photo in a National Geographic magazine. The publication demonstrated the amount of fossil fuel that would be saved throughout a year by changing one light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb.

“It was a great visual impact,” he said.

Switching to more efficient bulbs may be a small step toward energy conservation, but can start in a hall closet, over the sink, or next to the bathroom mirror. “It’s not rocket science; you can look around the house and change a light bulb,” Mr Kreinik said, “Maybe next time [a resident] buys light bulbs they buy compact fluorescents.” Like Mr Kreinik, acting chairman Kathy Quinn advised, “Replace a light bulb.” Energy efficient appliances can take the place of older appliances — old air-conditioners and refrigerators are also two culprits.

Along with Mr Kreinik and Ms Quinn, a handful of conservation-minded residents took their seats amid rustling paper and scraping chairs September 26 as ad hoc members gathered for the task force’s first meeting to talk about improving Newtown’s renewable energy use and awareness.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal told members, “I encourage you to pick tasks, but don’t bite off too much…” He shared briefly ideas about solar power, recycling, and increasing residents’ awareness. He said, “I hope municipality, businesses, homes become conscious of it.”

“We’ll look for ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” Mr Kreinik said in a later interview. “It’s really learning more efficient uses of electricity.” He senses a “can-do” situation. “I think we’ll work at things we can do that are paybacks where people will feel they have accomplished something in Newtown,” he said.

Ms Quinn said, “We’ll work to see what we can do in town to cut down on electricity.” She is reaching for municipal buildings, businesses, and residences. Civic groups and schools are also on her agenda. “We can start making people aware of clean energy and conservation, and what we can do as a state and nation.”

In the near future the task force will look at Newtown’s residents. “We want to encourage people to sign up for clean energy; we’re going to look at converting people to conserving energy,” Ms Quinn said.

The group met for the first time on September 26 and will hold its next meeting on October 25 at 7:30, Town Hall South.

Mr Kreinik wanted to help. “Number one, I could do something locally on something of national and international importance.” He is not alone in sensing change must begin with individual people and households. Ms Quinn said, “This is not happening on a federal level. It’s at a state and town level, and individual people.”

Before the country is “smogged,” as Ms Quinn explains, she said, ‘We’ll start where we can, with the task force.”

Can we succeed? “I think so,” Mr Kreinik said. “It’s something anybody can do irrespective of what age, or what job we have — that really appealed to me.”

Ms Quinn’s renewable energy interests are piqued especially when she considers current events. “It’s important because of problems with the environment and global warming. We need to do something.”

Member Dan Holmes feels a responsibility to become involved with the task force. “I personally feel we have so many things to focus on environmentally in town.” When the first selectman first contacted him about forming the task force, he was glad for the chance. “It’s a good opportunity to make a difference locally — and I hope we can move toward more sustainable, renewable energy.”

He is also interested in educating residents about alternative energy methods. “It’s a small step in some ways, but it’s a step in the right direction, and I hope to step things up even more from the town and homeowners’ perspective.”

Costs for efficient light bulbs or clean power sources are somewhat more expensive than traditional electric or heating costs; however, Mr Holmes senses that Newtown residents will consider changes. “I feel some people are willing to pay more because they understand the environmental implications.”

Like organic food prices, he senses that the alternative energy costs will come down. Again comparing clean energy to organic products, he said, “It’s still slightly more, but better for you.”

The Ad Hoc Energy Task Force was assembled to satisfy a requirement to the state’s SmartPower program, of which Newtown is a participant. Through Connecticut Innovations and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, the SmartPower clean energy campaign aims to increase the state’s alternative energy use to at least 20 percent by the year 2010. SmartPower promotes clean energy, “It’s real. It’s here, It’s working. Let’s make more,” according to the website.

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund promotes, develops, and invests in clean energy sources for sustainable energy for the benefit of Connecticut. Visit ctinnovations.com to learn more about Connecticut Innovations, the clean energy fund and SmartPower initiative.