Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 25, 2008 5:47:13 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Alaskan City Goes Green—by Necessity

Posted May 14, 08 7:11 PM CDT in Technology,  US 

(Newser) – An energy conservation effort born out of necessity has turned the residents of Juneau, Alaska, into poster children for the green movement, the New York Times reports. Electricity rates skyrocketed 400% after an avalanche knocked out several major transmission towers last month; the state capital has since lowered its electricity usage by more than 30%, a figure that makes conservationists swoon.

While the city of 31,000 is proud of its cutbacks—conservation efforts include shuttering the public sauna—Juneau's green moment is doing something larger: casting a positive light on a remote locale under what Mayor Bruce Botelho calls "the perennial threat of having the capital relocated." Interest from environmental start-ups could bring an economic boost to this former gold rush town now buoyed by tourism and state government.

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Sarah Lewis warms bread and boils corn on the wood stove in her living room for a barbeque while friends gather in the kitchen by candle Monday, April 28, 2008, in Juneau, Alaska.   (AP Photo)
Sean Boily, right, standing, and Sarah Lewis, second right, visit with friends sitting from left, Fate Putman, Kimberly Homme, Michelle Storer and Bob Storer, as they get ready to eat by candlelight.   (AP Photo)
Eric Robertson, 18, browses a darkened electronics section of Fred Meyer, Thursday, April 24, 2008, in Juneau, Alaska.   (AP Photo)
One of two avalanche shoots pours into Port Snetisham, at bottom, about 40 miles from Juneau, in Juneau, Alaska Friday, April 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chris Miller)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 2)

Tags

Alaska  • electricity  • conservation  • alternative energy  • clean energy  • energy consumption  • Juneau


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »