Dryden Renewable Energy Workgroup

Are you concerned about the cost of fuel for your home or vehicle?
Do you want to work on developing renewable energy solutions in Dryden?
Do you want to help Dryden become energy independent?

Join one or both of our mailing lists to learn more:

http://groups.google.com/group/dryden-renewable-energy-workgroup - We'll be using this group to share information, documents, and perhaps some discussion.

http://groups.google.com/group/drew-announce - We'll be using this group for announcements and to share news.

What is Dryden Renewable Energy Workgroup? The workgroup is a citizen participatory group working together to develop ideas, implement programs, support legislation, assist work projects, and determine the direction of renewable energy in the Town of Dryden for the town's government, residents, business owners, and non-profit groups.

When does D.R.E.W. meet? The kick-off meeting of the Dryden Renewable Energy Workgroup was Monday, June 23rd, at 7pm at the Dryden Community Center  Café.

Our next meeting is set for Tuesday August 19th, at 7:30pm, location: Varna Community Center (Rt. 366 / 943 Dryden Road).

Notes from the June 23rd Meeting
Notes to the Dryden Town Board, August 14th, 2008 (PDF File)
Note to the Dryden Town Board, August 14th, 2008 (Web Page)
Flyer for the August Meeting, August 19th, 2008 (PDF File)

What kind of ideas, programs, legislation, and work projects are in mind? It will really be up to the people who get involved with D.R.E.W. to determine where the group goes. Some possible ideas include:

• Municipal Level:
  • Purchasing wind energy equivalents for Town of Dryden municipal government energy expenses. The town of Caroline currently does this from citizen donations.
  • Purchasing biomass power energy equivalents for Town of Dryden municipal government energy expenses. The town of Caroline is looking into doing this.
  • Construction of a windmill or multiple windmills on land owned by the Town of Dryden to generate electricity used by the municipal government. This would allow the town to develop renewable energy here in the Town of Dryden. Excess generated electricity could be sold back to NYSEG.
  • Construction solar panels on the Town Highway department buildings to take in solar energy to generate electricity used by the municipal government. This would also allow the town to develop renewable energy here in the Town of Dryden. Excess generated electricity could be sold back to NYSEG.
  • Development of a long range plan to have town owned vehicles use renewable fuel sources.
  • Support of local grants for housing rehab projects that will increase energy efficiency of homes in the Town of Dryden.
• Citizen Level:
  • Exchanging ideas on energy efficiency for home owners, landlords, and renters
  • Developing plans for carpooling, van pools, bicycle lanes, walking trails
  • Working on neighborhood and hamlet sized projects to improve energy usage
  • Informational meetings with experts in renewable energy resources
  • Social meetings to discuss issues and solutions
• Businesses:
  • Helping businesses support carpooling
  • Developing guidebook for energy ideas for business owners
  • Supporting at-home jobs and local businesses
• Non-profits:
  • Working with groups to help with grant writing for renewable energy projects
  • Provide educational materials and presentations for groups and their members on what action can be taken to help with energy costs

Dryden Renewable Energy Workgroup
http://www.davidmakar.com/drew  | dave@davidmakar.com 
David Makar: 607-342-3009