Last week, it was my good fortune to help advance RTD’s move toward becoming a fully sustainable transit system. 

Specifically, during debate over issuing the request for proposals for the East and Gold rail lines, I offered the Renewable Electrical Energy Source Amendment (the Renewable Energy Amendment).  The Renewable Energy Amendment requires the three consortiums of private entities that are bidding on the East and Gold rail line projects (technically the Eagle 3P project, as RTD is marketing it as a single public-private partnership opportunity) to include in their bid proposals a plan for operating the system using renewable energy.

As Kevin Flynn mentioned in his coverage of the Renewable Energy Amendment, which you can find at: http://www.indenvertimes.com/2009/04/21/rtd-will-consider-renewable-energy-option-for-fastracks/, the purpose of the amendment is to get some creative thinking on how RTD can best free itself from dependence on traditional fossil fuel power.  I am convinced that there are many affordable opportunities for RTD to obtain electric power through renewable sources.  I also am confident that the bidding parties, in their effort to secure favorable support for their proposal over the other competitors, will give thoughtful consideration to the renewable energy options they can offer in their Eagle P3 package.

Purusing renewable energy sources for RTD’s electric powered rail lines is consistent with the agency’s general sustainability policies.  Even more important, securing cost-effective renewable energy sources can free RTD from reliance on volatile fossil fuel rates that wreak havoc on RTD’s operating budget.  By giving the Renewable Energy Amendment their unanimous support, my Board colleagues demonstrated their commitment to fiscally prudent planning . . . for the long-term future of RTD.

In a final note, I want to thank Bob Wilson for his encouragement and support in advancing the Renewable Energy Amendment.  Bob has extensive experience in the energy field and a passionate belief in the future of renewable energy sources.  He brought all of this to bare in his research and advocacy on behalf of the Renewable Energy Amendment.