From The Telluride Watch: "For the first time in more than 25 years, the city of Ouray is exploring the possibility of harnessing power from its geothermal hot springs. Fossil fuels burning in furnaces on Main Street could be replaced with the clean energy stored in Ouray's deep natural furnaces, say proponents of geothermal energy. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Bureau of Land Management, as well as the Colorado Geological Society have identified southwest Colorado as a promising site for geothermal energy development. However, don't expect to see any major geothermal power plants cropping up near Ouray. Mayor Bob Risch and other supporters of alternative energy are currently considering small-scale projects such as a central heating district or geothermal heating for affordable housing. Ouray's 2020 Economic Development Plan recommends that the city seek assistance from the Governor's Energy Office for renewable energy programs. Prospects for grant funding are positive in view of the state's new energy standard, which stipulates that 20 percent of all energy produced in Colorado must be renewable by the year 2020. Risch said city council has received lots of support from the community for making more efficient use of geothermal and surface water resources.
"'We must cut back on carbon emissions. We owe it to the planet and future generations,' he said. 'Ouray is fortunate to have this great resource, for both tourism and alternative energy.' Risch's vision of a greener, more self-sufficient Ouray includes someday powering the city with the Ouray Hydroelectric Plant. In his address to the Ouray Business Roundtable last March, he also noted the possibility of harvesting energy from cooler springs and tail water from springs already in use."
More Coyote Gulch coverage here.
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