Sun Tribe’s Post

The Nature Conservancy's Arizona State Director Dan Stellar recently discussed in the Arizona Capitol Times how “critical mineral extraction represents the building blocks of clean energy technologies that are important to mitigating rapid climate change. However, ensuring that the production of critical minerals to meet this need is done responsibly will be critical in fighting the equally significant challenge of balancing environmental concerns.”   We agree that Arizona has the opportunity to help to power America’s clean energy future and this needs to be done sustainably. That’s why we are aiming for Hermosa to set a new standard for sustainable mining and are applying low-carbon design and engineering principles.   Hermosa is uniquely positioned to help strengthen the nation’s supply chain of two minerals designated as critical by the US federal government – #manganese and #zinc – while minimizing our impact on the environment. https://lnkd.in/gw6X63pG

There is no denying we must reach net zero to tackle the climate crisis at hand. It's going to require renewable energy infrastructure and a lot of it. According to a new report from The Nature Conservancy, "if clean energy continues to be sited the way it always has been, the U.S. will need an area the size of Texas to meet our climate targets." How do we then ensure we are protecting biodiversity, landscape connectivity and wildlife corridors in the renewable transition? TNC is suggesting siting clean energy infrastructure on degraded lands like mining sites, landfills and brownfields which can be a win-win solution for climate, conservation and communities. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ec6tcRC6

File under "RENEWABLE" SUBSTITUTES IN THE SAME MARKET / REGULATORY SYSTEM ... What are the detrimental impacts of the Industrial Renewable Revolution on Central Appalachia and other rural areas where poverty and environmental (in)justices were exasperated during the first Industrial Revolution? Are we just planning, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Department of the Interior, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), to remove the remaining mountaintops leftover from a century plus of previous mining efforts to fuel coal burning power plants to now get the remaining seams to make silicon metal to make solar panels? Is the remediation and economic development plan to plant solar panels where the former mountains once stood? #coal #renewableenergy #solar #lithium #silicametal #communities #localimpacts #publicgood #colonization #systemsthinking

To reach our climate goals, we need to build a lot of renewable energy infrastructure – and fast. But how can we do this without converting green space and agricultural lands? A new report from The Nature Conservancy makes the case for developing solar and wind energy projects on former mine lands and brownfields, which are a largely untapped resource in the clean energy transition. Mining the Sun shows that repurposing mines and brownfields for renewable energy can reduce costs, accelerate clean energy development and protect wildlife habitat and nature. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3UdTx6Z

Sometimes I am asked at conferences what tangible opportunities are there for the private sector to incorporate climate, conservation, and community values in their line of business to help advance a rapid and responsible clean energy buildout. I had to advise on one thing, it's see if you can find a way to set some type of organizational commitment and/or goal to get involved in a project/policy/fund that is focused on repowering minelands with large-scale clean energy technologies while respecting and amplifying host community values and goals. See below for more of TNC's perspectives on this topic:

"Mining the Sun shows that repurposing mines and brownfields for renewable energy can reduce costs, accelerate clean energy development and protect wildlife habitat and nature." Read more below!

Mines, landfills and other brownfields are an untapped resource for accelerating the #cleanenergy transition. Repurposing them for #wind and #solar can reduce costs, streamline #deployment and protect #wildlife: a win-win #solution for #climate, #conservation and #communities. Check out #TNC's new report, which includes valuable information and instructive case studies on this key opportunity: https://lnkd.in/e3UdTx6Z

bp’s Archaea Energy has introduced its Archaea Modular Design (AMD) renewable natural gas (RNG) plant in Medora, Indiana, adjacent to Rumpke Waste and Recycling’s landfill. The plant captures landfill gas from Rumpke’s landfill and converts it to electricity, heat, or renewable natural gas, providing cleaner air, less odor, and more sustainable energy as compared to traditional fossil fuel energy using the AMD design. The design allows plants to be built on skids with interchangeable components. According to the EPA’s Landfill Gas Energy Benefits Calculator, the plant holds a capacity to process 3,200 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute (scfm) into RNG, enough gas to heat over 13,000 homes annually. To save energy & cost for your business, contact me at https://buff.ly/2EjAMbu. #Reliability #EnergyStorage #EnergyEfficiency #Renewables #EnergyAudit #Procurement #Resilience https://buff.ly/3QoTtiU

The truth underlying "green energy" schemes is a neoliberal push for more economic growth. We’re told that instead of billionaires in the coal/oil/gas industry, all we need to do to save the planet is to make billionaires in the solar/wind/mining/real-estate industry. https://lnkd.in/ed2f3FNP

Excited to share my latest blog post @ Clean Air Task Force where I discuss an enormous opportunity for decarbonization in #Pennsylvania and highlight the findings of our report featuring new geologic analysis from Advanced Resources International. Discover how #PA can champion carbon capture and storage through focused geologic characterization efforts and actionable recommendations for success. Read more here!