Those of you who think Uncle Sam is full of hot air may get a kick out of the latest news from the Nation's Capital, to wit: Federal agencies with regional offices along Colorado's front range are going to buy wind. Or more precisely, power generated by wind.

In the largest commitment ever to purchase electricity generated by wind turbines, 30 agencies will participate in a Energy Department-coordinated effort to purchase 10 megawatts of wind power over the next several years. That's enough to meet the needs of more than 3,500 average size homes in the Rocky Mountain State.

Sorta gives new meaning to the John Denver classic, "Rocky Mountain High," doesn't it.

The agencies will buy their power through Colorado's Windsource program as well as from other local utilities' wind energy programs. They'll pay a small premium to buy their electricity this way, but they'll try to offset the extra cost by improving the energy efficiency of their facilities.

Besides, DoE Sec. Bill Richardson says they're setting an example for the rest of the country. "The increasing use of renewable energy sources such as wind power holds the promise of enhancing our energy security and protecting the environment," the cabinet official says.

The Colorado initiative is part of larger Energy Department program to show the way by purchasing power from numerous sources. By 2005, the agency intends to buy 3 percent of its total electricity needs from non-hydro renewable sources. And by 2010, it hopes to acquire 7.5 percent of its electricity from green power.

For the uninitiated, that's solar, wind, geothermal and biomass.

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, the Defense Department yesterday opened the first federal, full-service, multi-alternative "gas" station. Say that fast three times. Located near the Pentagon where else -- the station dispenses ethanol and compressed gas. No lines, either.

Published: May 2, 2000

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