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Preserving the world's natural energy resources is unquestionably one of the most important issues facing humanity today. It ranks alongside developing alternative and renewable energy sources. As one-time U.S. Secretary Of Energy, New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson is more informed and passionate than most about the issue. It's why it is his goal to make New Mexico a leader in renewable and clean energy technologies and why he has christened it the "Clean Energy State." This campaign, when combined with
New Mexico's natural beauty and places of interest, has created a new initiative dubbed Eco Tourism. "There's a wealth of environmental and energy-related activities that one can experience while they are here," according to Scott Fischler, president of energy technology consulting company, Netozoic. New Mexico's vast resources and exciting possibilities first attracted Fischler to the state. "My wife and I moved here a few months ago recognizing the great potential of New Mexico as a renewable energy state - one that provides enormous opportunities to promote environmentalism and eco tourism - and this led to the concept of energy tourism."
Examples of the type of energy-conscious amenities available to visitors include the newly launched Rail Runner Express, one of the country's first commuter trains to run on bio-diesel. "I am committed to promoting clean renewable energy in New Mexico," said Governor Bill Richardson. "The Rail Runner is fast and clean, and -- with the switch to biodiesel -- it will be green as well."
Other "green" transport enterprises include the biodiesel-powered Santa Fe Southern Railway, a piece of living history carrying passengers through high desert scenery on a 4-hour round trip from the historic depot in Santa Fe to Lamy, a sleepy little village 18 miles southeast of Santa Fe and reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Wild West days; Santa Fe's extensive network of compressed natural gas fueled buses; and Taos' Chili Line pilot program for bio-diesel powered buses. But, when it comes to transportation, the most ambitious project yet is New Mexico's
partnering with Virgin Galactic to create the first spaceport for civilian spaceflight . Virgin Galactic creator Sir Richard Branson declared, "New Mexico will be known around the world as the launch pad of the new space industry." Scheduled for completion in 2009/2010, the environmentally friendly spaceport, largely to be constructed underground, will extensively use solar energy and an advanced water collection system. New Mexico boasts a number of museums that are devoted to or include energy-related exhibits, including the Bradbury Science Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Atomic Museum. Visitors to the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo can learn all about hydrogen fuel cells and the hydrogen used for spaceflight.
The more adventurous eco tourist can enjoy such activities as gliding and hot air ballooning, with both holding the promise of magnificent views of New Mexico's spectacular landscape. Ballooning enthusiasts can also visit the dramatic Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque. Another area in which New Mexico is leading the way with its environmental and energy conscious approach is the construction industry.
Santa Fe was the first city to sign the 2030 Challenge, a proposal adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to incrementally reduce green house gas emissions from new construction, with a goal of eliminating the carbon footprint of new buildings by 2030. The 2030 Challenge is being advanced by Architecture 2030 Founder and recognized Santa Fe green design expert, Ed Mazria. For Santa Fe, this pioneering spirit dates back to the 1970s when the city was a leader in solar design during the energy crisis. Santa Fe's progressive attitude continues today with its extensive green-oriented housing developments.
With Angels Nest and El Monte Sagrado, Taos showcases two pioneering examples of green construction. Angels Nest Retreat is an off-the-grid sustainable building that harnesses wind and solar energy for its power. Angels Nest is developing energy systems to harness renewable resources to produce hydrogen for powering the building and fueling the vehicles of its designers, Robert Plarr and Victoria Peters. Angels Nest, which offers public tours, utilizes rainwater and recycles wastewater to become what Plarr considers a model for off-the-grid buildings. "You have no other needs," Plarr told a local newspaper. "You don't have to worry about the outside world." A perfect place for the eco tourist to relax is El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa. Built in the shadow of the beautiful Sangre de Christo Mountains, El Monte Sagrado is an eco-friendly boutique haven which utilizes geothermal heating and recycled wastewater to pamper its guests.
"tourism driving this forward as a catalyst for economic development as a complement to economic development being a catalyst for tourism." Amongst the areas of opportunity, Fischler envisions "tours of green homes and communities, solar and wind generating facilities, and waste-to-energy facilities, to name but a few. There's a whole facet of attractions that would appeal to an industry person, a lay person, a casual observer, a student or a family that is interested in learning more about renewable and sustainable energy."
In an effort to extend the progress being made by Santa Fe in green construction to the rest of the state, Governor Richardson has introduced a plan that includes building codes that promote lower energy and water use, and a tax credit to encourage the building of green homes and offices. There's also a $2.5 million program to give impoverished families low and no interest loans to make their homes more energy-efficient and an investment of around $9.5 million towards building public schools that can show a 50% increase in energy efficiency. The Governor's plan also incorporates several regulations aimed at reducing the level of greenhouse gases emitted by new trucks and cars.
Fischler was drawn to New Mexico's potential while attending the Southwest Renewable Energy Conference in Santa Fe. It's one of a number of energy-related conferences that New Mexico has hosted recently including the Border Energy Conference, the National Hydrogen Association's Renewables to Hydrogen Forum, and the New Mexico Hydrogen Business Council Annual Conference. These conferences bring in delegates from all over the world. What they, along with the millions of other visitors to New Mexico, find is a beautiful, unspoiled landscape, state of the art amenities, a wealth of attractions and also a state determined to do everything possible to be deserving of the title, the "Clean Energy State."
Jennifer Hoffmanjenniferh@ballantinespr.comTel: 505 216 7669Cell: 505 603 8643http://www.ballantinespr.com
