Robert Paugh's Page
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Great Plains Energy Summit -- Omaha -- June 17-18, 2009 -- Leaders from the states & provinces of the USA-Canada Wind Corridor are gathering in Omaha, Nebraska on June 17-18 to plan for action in 2010 & beyond. Through the Great Plains Energy Alli...
Profile Information
- Are you interested in becoming an organizer in your area?
- Yes
- Tell us about your experience with alternative energy:
- I have spent several months researching a windmill project for a campus that our non-profit organization has in the mountains. I have come to the conclusion that it is not viable without grants, and utilizing the programs that the federal gov. has in place. I do want to state that I believe it is still a viable project.
- What excites you about this campaign?
- I have been praying about God showing me to serve others though alternative energy, and I think this could be the door that is opening for my place in that arena.
- What do you want to do to help?
- I would be willing to help with organizing, researching, project developement, as well as project construction.
Let us keep America beautiful.
Comment Wall (14 comments)
- At 5:50am on November 2, 2008,
Wade Wilson said… - Hello Robert, take a look at our Community Wind Program, this is intended to benefit organizations that benefit the community. Let me know more about the organization you work with and we will see if we can help.
- At 8:13pm on September 10, 2008,
Wind4me.com said… - any updates on the Wind Turbine in the mountains??
I am in Denver, how can I help????? Have you checked Mariah Energy????
- At 1:13pm on September 1, 2008,
Bruce Eric Montgomery said… - Green energy push provides job opportunities
Maury Dobbie
mdobbie@ncedc.com.
Colorado can't be a great state without working collaboratively toward a sustainable economy. This will require investment in our work force and economic infrastructure.
Can the push for a greener energy sector be good for the state and Northern Colorado?
Many people think so, and they are calling job creation an important side effect of the move toward renewable power and increased energy efficiency.
In the United States, we lost 24 percent of our manufacturing jobs between 2000 and 2008, or almost 3.5 million. It also took a huge toll on Northern Colorado in those years, shedding roughly 3,397 jobs.
As times are changing, we have to change. NCEDC is working hard with our partners to bring back those higher-paying manufacturing jobs in the clean-energy sector. However, while doing so, we have a dilemma. If we don't have the skilled labor force, those companies cannot be successful.
Let's focus for a moment on the wind industry. The wind-power industry estimates it employs some 40,000 people in the U.S., with 20,000 of those jobs created in 2007 or growing 45 percent.
Wind farms are increasing, but the labor supply is not.
In 2007, wind farms installed almost 3,200 turbines, providing 5,200 megawatts, or enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes for a year. Officials see a large obstacle coming in the form of its own work force.
A highly specialized group of technicians that combines working knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics, computers and meteorology with the willingness to climb 200 feet in the air in all kinds of weather is badly needed.
And that creates an opportunity.
The American Wind Energy Association estimates the industry employed more than 20,000 last year. This doesn't include jobs making turbines and other equipment. They say future need is harder to quantify, given the uncertainties of the industry's growth. They project the need for at least 800 technicians to serve the turbines expected to be installed in 2008 alone.
So what is proactively being done in this region? Front Range Community College is creating technician certifications and two-year degrees that will offer opportunities to those who would find the $15- to $25-hour jobs a step up in their career paths.
These careers might be the first time a family has health benefits. In addition, the Northern Colorado Workforce Initiative spurred by NCEDC is gaining momentum.
This collaborative effort between primary employers, the educational system (K-12 and higher education) and organizations including the Larimer County Workforce Center, Chambers of Commerce, United Way and government are coming together in a common-sense, practical way to create training.
There are many sectors of our work force that would welcome new opportunities to help families thrive financially.
We have data showing a large underemployed population exists. Many identified have chosen to stay here for various reasons but live on less.
We are hearing of companies shutting their doors, thus creating a chilling effect on our economy.
For the past year, you've been hearing about the rising poverty statistics in the region - caused by these and many factors.
There is no wringing of hands in Larimer County. We are looking for and working on sustainable solutions for re-skilling opportunities for our people. Progress in clean energy is being made.
- At 12:12pm on July 20, 2008,
Carla Ellis said… - Hi Robert, I am familiar with YWAM-a very good friend of mine works with the ministry internationally...nice to know there is focus here in Colorado to do this service....
Carla
- At 6:21pm on July 17, 2008,
Lawrence Kurtz said… - Thanks for your invite and I gladly accept. I am in Elizabeht and it is extremely windy her for a good part of the year. I believe it would be viable to use wind power generation, as several residents in the area, including Parker, have wind turbines today. Like you, I just need a way to fund the project. Drop me a line and keep me posted on your progress with your project. If we keep our eyes open, we are always being shown a way.
- At 7:02am on July 17, 2008,
Susan Lubbers said… - I just moved to Denver a few weeks ago and am interested in getting involved in potential projects. It's pretty evident that Denver needs to make a dramatic shift from fuel dependence to reduce smog levels. I look forward to getting involved.
- At 5:01am on July 17, 2008,
pete stapp said… - Pleasure to meet you Robert. Although I do not feel the hand of destiny at work, the plan is sound and the goal must be accomplished to create a self-reliant nation and a better, cleaner world. I look forward to working with you and friends and anyone so motivated to institute positive change so very needed at this time. I am currently reviewing elements of the technology and will post in greater detail this weekend. I may have difficulty traveling to Denver from Greeley.
- At 12:07am on July 17, 2008,
Bob Hudson said… - Robert - Thank you so much for the invite. I feel as you do in terms of my excitement about this campaign. Somehow I feel the hand of God guiding this movement that came out of the oil fields of Texas. I'll look forward to meeting you in person and discussing how we can blend our energies toward executing this elegantly simple and brilliant plan.
- At 11:25pm on July 16, 2008,
Carla Ellis said…
- Hi Robert,
Thanks for the invite....I accept and am glad to see that a fellow Coloradoan is interested in starting a windmill project in the mountains. There is a project in Evans that I'd like to see. I just read about a town in Missouri that is totally powered by wind energy-that's so exciting. What is your non-profit organization's mission? Carla
- At 7:28am on July 16, 2008,
Sam Fleet said… - Robert, please see my new comments on the Promo Ideas forum, thanks for all your help!!
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