Environment: August 2008 Archives

City Council members Bob Fieseler (who comments on the Potluck forum as Councilman Bob) and Grant Wehrli want Naperville to partner with Argonne National Laboratory and Packer Engineering to develop alternative energy technologies such as hydrogen in citywide departments.

The initiative could also involve partnerships with public and private organizations to invite auto makers of hydrogen-powered cars to work in Naperville because of its technical talent base and the city's emphasis on clean energy sources.

We're talking not only the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles by, for example, the public works department, but possibly a hydrogen plant that would generate electricity.

Should Naperville pursue consideration of these ideas? How well is the city embracing alternative energy solutions--far more than other communities, well enough, so-so, or not nearly well enough? What level of taxpayer-funded commitment do you think the city of Naperville should make to renewable energy solutions?

Congratulations customers of Naperville's electric utility. You've helped make the city's alternative-energy program one of the top 10 in the nation! By voluntarily forking over an extra $5 to $15 a month, you've helped Naperville achieve a participation rate of about 7 percent, when the national norm in places that offer such programs is about 2 percent.

Naperville's green-energy program primarily uses wind power to augment the more traditional forms that generate power, which, in Illinois means burning coal, mainly.

Our discussion on this topic is twofold: First, we want to know if you participate in Naperville's green-energy program. If so, why do you freely pay extra, and if you don't participate, why not?

Second, what do you think about the future of the nation's energy programs? How do you feel about nuclear power? How important is it to you to try to be carbon neutral in your energy consumption?