For Immediate Release

For Immediate Release

For information contact:

Larry Menkes

E-mail: soundsynergy@comcast.net

215.328.9128 or 267.992.8020

Marshal (Gus) Linton

E-mail: guslinton@comcast.net

215.257.2457 or 215.520.6710

IS SUBURBIA SUSTAINABLE?

A report on the free public symposium at the Bucks County Free Library in Doylestown on Saturday, April 2 that was moderated by former PA state representative Ellen Bard.

In a groundbreaking symposium on the question of the sustainability of suburbia, a panel of experts moderated by former state representative Ellen Bard raised the possibility that the answer is no. A group regional experts gathered at the Bucks County Free Library in Doylestown to discuss that issue with about 75 people who braved a heavy downpour last Saturday afternoon to attend the unusual event. Organizers asked, ”When gasoline and home heating oil prices rise to five or ten dollars a gallon, how will suburbanites cope?

The large turnout was fueled by recent news reports that forecast gas prices to reach $3.50 a gallon by the end of the summer driving season. A report issued by Goldman-Sachs on the eve of the event predicted that crude oil prices could soar to $105 a barrel by years end and may have further sparked local interest.

The moderator was Ellen Bard, the former 10 year veteran state representative for the 153^rd Legislative District and TV host of “Bard Means Business”. Her long interest and experience with issues of the environment and the sustainability of modern life was a perfect match for the group. She effortlessly kept both the audience and panelists focused and on track during the nearly three-hour presentation.

A coalition of about 20 organizations and businesses working on issues of sustainability came together and set up shop on either side of the audience. They provided those attending with a wealth of information and products that can ease the pressures caused by skyrocketing prices of oil and gas.

The problem for Bucks County was illustrated in excerpts from the video, “The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and The Collapse of The American Dream” produced by the Post Carbon Institute. A series of interviews with other experts who are mainstays for the Annual International Conferences on Peak Oil gave a gloomy forecasts of events to come when the moment of Peak Oil begins to be felt. Specialists studying the effects of Peak Oil predicted the possibility of a global depression that would rival the 1929 market crash. The video criticized the world press for largely ignoring the topic while other experts predicted an upsurge in the culture of blame that could cause a serious global political shakeup. William Kunstler, author and scholar of suburbia, said that the present government plan to cope with the crisis was not working and that “there is no Plan B”.

Bard, who was often frustrated as a legislator in her efforts to create measures that would increase sustainability and protect the environment, said, You can’t expect politicians to address those issues when there are so many demands on their time and largess”.

Panelist George Hoguet, director of Mid-Atlantic operations for Native Energy, specializing in renewable energy agreed, predicting that many suburbs could become America’s next ghettos unless suburbanites quickly learn to make substantial changes in their personal energy habits.

Another panelist was Scott Kelly from Revision, an architecture and planning firm that specializes in high-performance construction using a fraction of the energy used by conventional buildings. “You have to look at everything you do. Think of the generation that comes behind us and the curse we will leave for them” said Kelly.

The dire state of affairs was relieved by the second video featuring soft energy guru, Amory Lovins. Titled, “Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, this video was based on the book that he co-wrote with Paul Hawken, author of the best selling Ecology of Commerce, and L. Hunter Lovins, co founder of Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), one of the world’s leading research and educational facilities on sustainable energy and energy efficiency.

According to Lovins, businesses that fail to adopt cutting edge efficiency practices will simply not survive while those that do will emerge from the coming crisis with a big competitive advantage. He cited RMI’s 1983 headquarters building in the Rocky Mountains near Aspen, Colorado. Built with the best technology then available, the building needs no heating or cooling systems in spite of the harsh climate there. He bragged about the banana farm in their greenhouse that has constantly produced year-round bumper crops of tropical fruits for their residents and guests.

Andrew Rudin, an energy use expert working with the Philly Million Solar Roof Project and the Interfaith Council on the Environment spoke about substantial grants available for businesses and home owners that want to install solar water heaters and photovoltaic electrical panels for electricity production. His Melrose Park home is outfitted for efficiency allowing his electric meter to often run backwards. He said that he moved there from the suburbs because of the convenience of walking to local stores for his needs and the ready availability of public transportation.

Dennis Winters, Solar Coordinator for the Energy Coordinating Agency, a low income energy assistance program in Philadelphia reported that low income families will be devastated by soaring energy prices at a time when funds to assist them have already run out.

Larry Menkes, Coordinator of the local Earth Charter unit’s Warminster Project, and Chair of Warminster Township’s fledgling Energy Advisory Committee (EnAC) helped to organize the symposium with Gus Linton, a founder of the Bucks County Greens. Menkes said, “Warminster Township recognized the importance of energy efficiency in the beginning of 2004 when they approached me to help them cut their energy costs. Although just beginning, our committee has recommended numerous measures that are already saving the township thousands of dollars. Measures that are planned could lead to cutting township energy bills in half or better.” The EnAC is beginning to serve as a model for other townships threatened by rising energy prices and the loss of some federal and state financial assistance.

Bard summed up the direction of the symposium saying, “You (individual citizens) have to exercise your power as the boss.” Others echoed that theme calling for a grass roots movement to take responsibility for our personal energy choices. We can choose to cut our use by up to 90% using the current crop of efficiency tools and techniques. The RMI video clearly documented that possibility and showed example after example of successful projects. Lovin’s echoed, “After all, those of us who don’t simply won’t be around.” His research showed him “that after all, there is intelligent life on this planet.” He echoed the Hopi saying, “We are the people we’ve been waiting for.”