MT Campuses Get Grant for Wind Turbines

Montana State University-Great Falls College of Technology announced that it has received a $2 million federal grant to implement its wind turbine program and develop wind energy programs at other campuses around the state.

“We’ve been researching wind energy technology and industrial technology for more than a year now,” said Joe Schaffer, interim dean of MSU-Great Falls. “We’ve also been kicking around the idea of a regional program.”

Though MSU-Great Falls was awarded the $1.97 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, they will share it with MSU-Northern in Havre, MSU-Billings College of Technology and Montana Tech in Butte.

Wind turbines will be erected at each of the campuses and curriculum will be developed for a wind energy technical program at each campus. The three-year grant will allow campuses to develop programs and collectively share resources. MSU-Great Falls applied for the grant.

For the full article please visit:

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20090121/NEWS01/901210311/1002/news01

Waste Not Montana Conference & Sustainable Living Expo

Billings will be hosting the Waste Not Montana Conference & Sustainable Living Expo April 30-May 3. The Expo is geared towards recycling businesses & small community programs. Training in construction/demolition recycling, marketing & getting maximum value for materials, funding, getting the right equipment, etc.

For more information please visit http://www.headwatersrecycle.com/conference2009/index.htm or contact:

Headwaters Cooperative Recycling, Inc
PO Box 1570
Helena, MT 59624
406-443-3101 voice
877-329-4274- fax

Recycling Training for Construction & Demolition workers

DEQ Recycling is sponsoring a Recycling Training for Construction & Demolition workers.

WHEN: Monday,April 27 from 8:30am-4:30pm

WHERE: Double Tree Hotel, Missoula

Cost: $150.

More info at:

DEQ recycling (http://www.deq.mt.gov/recycle/)

or email Sandra at SBoggs@mt.gov

Blue-Green Alliance meeting

This meeting explores the potential use economic stimulus funds to promote good green jobs in Montana.

WHEN: April 2 (Thurs), 5pm ish (after work)

WHERE: Union Hall, 208 E. Main (below the Union Club in the back conference room).

For more info, contact Dennis Daneke 406-549-8067 . Meetings are first Thurs of each month.

Biomass Energy for Town of Seeley Lake

There will be a presentation at Clearwater Resource Council's monthly meeting regarding alternative energy methods for the Seeley Lake area.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24 at 7 pm
WHERE: Seeley Lake Community Hall.

All welcome. For more info, contact Megan at: Megan@crcmt.org

Stimulus May Get Small Wind Turbines Spinning

/technology recently published an article on the possible effect the stimulus package could have on the wind industry. The story highlights are:

• The $787 billion economic stimulus package could boost the "small-wind" industry
  
• The bill provides a 30 percent tax credit to consumers who buy small wind turbines
  
• Unlike huge windmills, small wind turbines are designed for homes and businesses
  
• They're best for rural areas, but there's a movement to install them in cities, too

For the full article please visit: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/09/small.wind.turbines/index.html