The race to develop renewable energy took to the track on Monday. Schools from around Utah competed against one another in electric cars at Milford High School.
The race was part of the school's renewable-energy fair with booths promoting alternative energy sources. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was there, saying Beaver County was on the forefront of the nation's renewable-energy development.
The electric cars, joined by a go-cart from Ogden High School that was fueled by refined cooking oil, raced around a track for an hour, reaching speeds up to 30 mph. The Beaver High entry won the event with the Milford High car coming in second.
Milford High School is the only high school in Utah with a course in renewable energy. Educators take advantage of the area's development of geothermal and wind resources.
Shop teacher Andy Swapp started the program several years ago. He said the school is developing a curriculum to share with other schools. He also hopes to develop a renewable-energy center in Milford in conjunction with Southwest Applied Technology College in Cedar City.
The proposed center, by the Utah Legislature joint resolution, would provide educational opportunities for folks using renewable energy and to certify workers in fields such as the servicing of wind turbines.
Milford High Principal John Nielsen said a partnership between government and business is essential to provide necessary funding for the proposed center.
Dianne Nielson, the governor's energy advisor, congratulated students on their making a difference in creating opportunities for developing renewable energy.
"Thanks for the energy," she said.
Huntsman thanked them for preparing the way for the next generation.
He said the state needs to pursue a future in renewable energy through incentives for businesses and upgrades in infrastructure to deliver such green power to the market place.
"We have the land, sun, wind, geothermal and brain power," he said. "Our goal is to make Utah the best in class."
Huntsman also held a ceremonial signing of SB188. It allows rural areas to seek ways to develop their own power sources.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Parowan, said it would allow areas like Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell and uranium operations near Ticaboo, both in Garfield County, to supply their own power sources. It would let them do it without having to pay $50 million to tap into the grid or to pay the high cost of running diesel generators.
While in the area, Huntsman also visited a wind farm under construction northwest of Milford and geothermal plant that already is generating power. By Mark Havnes of The Salt Lake Tribune http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12185742 |
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