SOUTHWEST HARBOR, Maine — Congressman Mike Michaud will visit Coast Guard Sector Northern New England to mark Earth Day and to see firsthand the variety of green energy applications in operation at Coast Guard housing in Southwest Harbor, Friday, April 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Congressman Michaud will also recognize Sector Northern New England as the recipient of the 2010 Coast Guard Environmental Sustainability Award.
Since 2009, Coast Guard personnel in Southwest Harbor have installed numerous renewable energy applications at a duplex in Coast Guard housing. Currently in place are a wood pellet boiler system, wind turbine, and solar/thermal panels. To date, the renewable heat and energy generated by these initiatives have reduced the duplex’s carbon footprint by an estimated 19.5 tons of CO2.
In August, 2010, Coast Guard Sector Northern New England and Ocean Renewable Power Company also unveiled the first ever tidal energy generator used at a federal facility in Eastport, Maine. The tidal generator in Eastport helps provide shore-tie power to the Coast Guard’s 41-foot rescue boat.
“The ‘full house’ of green energy initiatives in Southwest Harbor is an exciting example of harnessing Maine’s abundant sunlight, wind, tides and bio-fuel resources to reduce both energy costs and our carbon footprint,” said Capt. James McPherson, commander of Sector Northern New England. “The success in these projects is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our Coast Guard men and women and the tremendous support received from Maine’s elected representatives.”
Friday’s event will be held at Coast Guard Housing, 1 McEnroe Rd, Southwest harbor, ME, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2011.
