Friends of Mat-Su » Conferences and Workshops

Your Chance to Learn About The Susitna Hydro Project and Speak to Federal Regulators

foms — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:15:22 +0000

The Susitna dam project is moving forward through the permitting process and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has scheduled upcoming public scoping meetings to identify relevant issues and alternatives that should be considered in this licensing process. This will be the last opportunity for the public to meet face-to-face with FERC staff until 2015.

This is your best opportunity to learn about the project, speak to federal regulators and have your voice heard on this project.

About the Sustina Dam Project
The Susitna Dam, if built will become the tallest in the Western hemisphere and cost twice as much as the state of Alaska’s total capital budget. While a hydroelectric megaproject such as Susitna would provide alternative energy to Alaska, it is certain to come with substantial impacts, costs and risks. These impacts must be thoughtfully considered to weigh costs and benefits and the resulting impacts to the Susitna River watershed and the salmon, habitat, water and communities it supports.
To learn more visit http://akcenter.org/climate-energy/susitna-hydroelectric-project

Upcoming Public Meetings Scheduled
There are two important meetings coming up in Palmer and Wasilla where you can learn more about the project, the planning process, ask questions and make your voice heard.

Public Workshop and Film showing at the Palmer Depot with Special guest and well known author Steven Hawley- March 24th

WHAT:
In anticipation of the up-coming Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) scoping meeting on the Susitna Dam in Wasilla on March 27^th members of the Hydropower Reform Coalition and the Coalition for Susitna Dam Alternatives are hosting a fun and inspirational workshop to explain the Susitna Dam project, its potential impacts and benefits, the FERC process and timeline, and how to give effective testimony. In addition, special guest and well-known author, Steven Hawley, author of “Recovering a Lost River” will show the PBS salmon documentary “Running the Gauntlet,” followed by a presentation by Jan Konigsberg of Hydro-Reform Coalition on the upcoming Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s public comment opportunity.

WHERE AND WHEN: March 24, 2012 The Palmer Depot (starting at 6 p.m)

WHY:
To most effectively comment requires a thorough understanding of the project and the process. The following scoping meeting in Wasilla on March 27^th will be the last opportunity for the public to meet face-to-face with FERC staff until 2015.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) public scoping meeting- March 27th

WHAT:
FERC has scheduled its “Public Scoping meeting” for the lower Valley and is accepting public comments.

WHERE/WHEN: March 27th at 6pm at the Menard Memorial Sports Center.

For more information on the project or the upcoming public meetings go to:

www.susitnadamalternatives.org or contact Richard at 733-3503

2012 BUSINESS OF CLEAN ENERGY IN ALASKA CONFERENCE APRIL 19-20

foms — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:45:56 +0000

ANCHORAGE: APRIL 19-20 • DENA’INA CENTER

Join business, civic and government leaders from across Alaska and leading industry experts from around the nation for the 4^th annual Business of Clean Energy in Alaska Conference. Clean energy is a $250 billion-a-year business worldwide, and Alaska has the potential to be a world leader in this growing field. Keynote Speakers: Jon Wellinghoff, Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Retired Vice Admiral Dennis V. McGinn President, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). Help create a clean energy future for Alaska! Register by March 12 and save at www.BCEAconference.com or 929.7770.

Coal Impacts on Human Health- Free Teleconference- Wednesday, February 15th 9-10 AM (Alaska Time)

foms — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:50:36 +0000

Please join Alaska Community Action on Toxics for a discussion with Alan H. Lockwood, MD on the growing body of medical evidence linking coal development to human health risks.  At every stage – from mining,transportation, storage, combustion, and disposal of post-combustion wastes – coal development threatens human and environmental health. Pollutants from coal damage all major organ systems in the human body and contribute to four of the five leading causes of death in the United States.   Dr. Lockwood, Professor of Neurology at the University of Buffalo, is a member of Physicians for Social Responsiblity and is principal author of the PSR medical report “Coal’s Assault on Human Health” which takes a new look at the devastating impacts of coal on the human body. Coal combustion releases mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dozens of other substances known to be hazardous to human health. This report looks at the cumulative harm inflicted by those pollutants on three major body organ systems: the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system.

To join this free call and receive the dial-up instructions, please RSVP to Alaska Community Action on Toxics at heather@akaction.org or (907) 222-7714.

On the Path to Net Zero Energy- Workshop on October 7-8, 2011

foms — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:54:07 +0000

Associate Professor Joe Wheeler from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is coming to the valley to speak about LUMENHAUS, an energy-conscious house project that won the 2010 International Solar Decathlon Competition in Madrid, Spain in June of 2010. LUMENHAUS is a zero-energy home that is completely powered by the sun.

Alaska Center For Appropriate Technology will be hosting a two-day workshop with Mr. Wheeler to highlight the LUMENHAUS project and explore the principles of integrating architecture and technology into construction design.

Click here for the workshop flyer.

Dates: October 7& 8^th

Location: Agate Inn, 4725 Begich Circle, Wasilla, AK

For more information or to reserve a seat for the workshop call or email:

(907) 373-2290

admin@acat.org

Sustainability Workshop Series Debuts at APU’s Spring Creek Farm in Palmer

foms — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:45:07 +0000

Starting in May APU will be hosting a series of sustainability workshops at the Spring Creek Farm in Palmer. Workshops include a variety of informative topics some of which include Gardening, Cheese Making, Root Cellaring and raising your own chickens. Space is limited and registration is required for the workshops.

About Spring Creek Farm:

Spring Creek Farm is home to Alaska Pacific University’s Kellogg Campus, located 45 miles outside of Anchorage in the town of Palmer. The campus is located on 800-acres working hay farm and forests that sit at the foot of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains. Adjacent to the Matanuska and Knik rivers, the mixed woodlands, riparian, high alpine, and agricultural environments provide diverse and rich source-materials for learning and teaching about the natural world and the human-nature relationship.

To view the full workshop schedule click here.

You can also get more information or register for the workshops by calling:

(907) 746-2718 or by emailing Jillian Morrissey at: jmorrissey@alaskapacific.edu