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The Energy Cooperative is extremely pleased to announce
that we're now purchasing the bulk of our renewable electricity for 2008
from
a Low Impact Hydropower Institute-certified facility right here in
Pennsylvania.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is produced from sources that are
environmentally sustainable, such as solar, wind, hydropower
and sustainable biomass. These energy resources are constantly
replenishing themselves and, if properly managed, will be around to serve
our energy needs forever.
At this time Pennsylvania has very little renewable energy:
only 2% of the total electricity produced in Pennsylvania is from renewable
sources.
Why should I care about renewable energy?
According to the World Watch Institute in Washington, D.C.,
electricity generation worldwide produces more pollution than any other
single activity. It produces about 66% of
annual sulfur dioxide emissions, which are a major contributor to acid rain,
and to illnesses and deaths caused by air pollution. In addition, 30% of
nitrogen oxides (a main component of smog) and 33% of carbon dioxide
emissions come from electric generation. Carbon dioxide is the leading cause
of global warming.
Also, data collected over
eight years by Penn State University for the Department of Environmental
Protection show mercury levels are 47 percent higher in areas closer to
coal-burning power plants.
(read press release) Excessive exposure to this neurotoxin can
cause birth defects and nervous system damage, particularly in children.
By using renewable energy you work immediately to improve
the environment for you, your children, and future generations.
According to a report by
Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, buying renewable electricity is the
single most important action that Pennsylvania's families and businesses can
take to clean our air, land, and water. A single household that
switches to 100% renewable electricity has the same impact as planting 126
trees or not driving 13,000 miles.
How can joining the Energy Cooperative help in providing renewable energy?
Your purchase of 100% renewable energy shows your support for cleaner
sources of power. As demand for renewable energy sources increases, the
demand for conventional energy sources decreases and more new renewable
generation facilities are built. “Buy it and they will build it.”
Join now!
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