June 2009
Nuclear Power Plants warrant
a second look
Say nuclear energy to most people and what do they immediately think of? Chernobyl. The Chernobyl accident in 1986 was the result of a flawed reactor design that was operated with inadequately trained personnel and without proper regard for safety. A series of operator actions, including the disabling of automatic shutdown mechanisms, preceded the accident that destroyed the Chernobyl-4 reactor. It is tragic that twenty-eight people died within four months from radiation or thermal burns and an additional 37 died over the years as a direct result of the mishap.
The nuclear plants in the United States are a far cry from Chernobyl. The United States is the world leader in electricity generated by nuclear power. There are 65 nuclear power plants in the U. S. generating approximately 806 billion kWh each year, or about 19 percent of the nation’s electricity according to 2007 figures. The nuclear power industry is on the threshold of significant growth both in the U. S. and around the world. There are 440 operating nuclear plants that generate 16 percent of the world’s electricity. In France, 58 plants generate approximately 80 percent of the country’s electricity and other countries like Belgium, Lithuania and Slovakia derive more than half of their electric power from nuclear power plants. Toshiba of Japan recently won a contract to build two new plants in Texas to be online by 2016.
How does a nuclear power plant generate electricity? Basically, a nuclear power plant is a steam power plant. Nuclear reactors use fuel made of solid ceramic pellets of enriched uranium that are sealed in metal tubes. The tubes are bundled together to form a nuclear fuel assembly. The uranium pellets are about the size of the tip of your little finger. Although small, the pellets release a tremendous amount of energy when used in a nuclear reactor. For example, one pellet has an amount of energy equivalent to almost one ton of coal. The fuel is placed in a reactor where the individual atoms are allowed to split apart. This splitting process – fission – releases mass amounts of energy. The energy is then used to heat water until it becomes steam. The steam pushes on turbines that force coils of wire to interact with a magnetic field which generates an electric current.
Nuclear energy is the only source of electricity that produces no greenhouse gases, manages 100 percent of its waste stream and can readily meet America’s growing need for electricity. Renewable sources, such as solar, hydro and wind, are also making a greater contribution to our nation’s energy supply than ever before and the economics of energy production from these sources are becoming more favorable. But while we need to continue to expand our use of renewables, the fact is that all these renewable sources combined won’t be able to fill the gap in new electricity demand for the foreseeable future.
The down side is the disposal of nuclear waste. After three or four years in a reactor, the uranium pellets are no longer efficient for producing electricity and the assembly is removed from the reactor. After removal, the entire assembly, now called spent nuclear fuel, is highly radioactive. All nuclear reactors produce spent fuel. Reactors are not only at commercial power plants, but also on government research
facilities and on about 40 percent of the U.S. Navy’s submarines and ships. If all of the spent fuel produced to date in the United States were stacked side-by-side and end-to-end, the fuel assemblies would cover an area about the size of a football field to a depth of about five yards.
When spent fuel is first removed from a reactor, it is placed in a pool of water contained in a steel-lined concrete basin. The water cools the fuel and protects workers and the public from radiation. After it has cooled, it can be moved to dry storage. Since the mid-1940’s, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste have accumulated throughout the country and is stored in temporary facilities at approximately 121 sites in 39 states. Current storage methods shield any harmful radiation and are presently safe; however, these storage structures are designed for temporary storage only and will not withstand environmental factors for the tens of thousands of years during which the waste is hazardous. There is also a method that can recycle and reuse the spent fuel, but this has not yet been utilized.
In 2001, the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences stated that “deep geological disposal is the best option for disposing of highly radioactive waste.” For the past 20 years, the Department of Energy has spent at least $9 billion building a storage facility at Yucca Mountain in Nevada to meet the nation’s nuclear waste requirements. In February, President Obama rejected the plan stating it was not an option. Under the proposal, nuclear waste was to be stored in tunnels 1,000 feet underground. With 17 applications pending to build 26 more reactors, Obama’s administration along with past administrations leave unresolved a long-term plan for nuclear waste.
Americans will have to make some important decisions in the near future regarding their energy sources and the environment. We need a sustainable energy future based on a diverse portfolio of conservation measures and domestic energy sources that are abundant, affordable and environmentally responsible. Nuclear could be an important factor in meeting our future energy needs and warrants a second look.
Another Essay Contest Winner
This year’s third place winner in MVEA’s Youth Tour Essay contest is Jerome King. Jerome is a junior at Limon High School and son of Jill and Joe King of Limon. Unfortunately, Jerome is unable to attend the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Clark, Colorado this year. Fourth place winner, Chris Bennett, is gladly taking his place. Chris is also a junior at Limon High School and the son of Carrie and Michael Bennett. Even though he can’t attend, we are still publishing Jerome’s essay. Congratulations to both Jerome and Chris for doing such a great job on this topic!
Our Energy, Our Future by Jerome King
“Our Energy, Our Future” is a cooperative grassroots effort that is encouraging energy consumers to get tough questions answered in Congress. The movement was introduced by the energy cooperatives to get consumers involved in their efforts for additional funding to explore more energy sources. The movement encourages the consumer to ask questions directly to their elected officials. Questions that need to be answered include those of capacity, technology, and affordability. Those in power are thought to have the answers and plans for what will be done when and if our current energy resources are depleted and need to share the information with the general public.
One question that could be asked about capacity is will we have enough electricity to last? According to the energy Information Agency, by the year 2030 we will need thirty percent more electricity to run our homes and businesses. The technology aspect comes from the way that energy is produced. There needs to be new processes for the creation of energy. Perhaps the biggest concern that needs to be answered in most homes however is affordability. How much will the new processes cost? Will lower income families be able to afford it?
But will this plan work? I believe the cooperative grassroots movement will work because it will open the eyes of the congressmen. With over 1,439,000 letters and emails written already, it seems impossible to ignore for too long. Our elected officials must realize how much this means to the American people. They cannot ignore the people that have supported them. Soon, we will see the effect from the effort that the people have put into the movement. If consumers continue to ask for answers from those in power, soon they will have no choice but to do something about a possible energy crisis sometime in the future. The “Our Energy, Our Future” movement will bring only good things to our country.
Annual Trail Ride, Museum Opening and 100th Anniversary
Exciting events in Limon
A variety of exhibits and events honoring Limon's 100th Anniversary will highlight the 18th season of Limon's Heritage Museum. The museum's 2009 season will begin on Memorial Day, May 25. Limon's second Railroad Show is Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7 opening at 9 a.m. with rail cars, food, operating models, and an N-scale layout of the historic Limon Depot. The Museum Exhibit Building showcases a stunning exhibit, "1909-2009: Limon Centennial~ Celebrating 100 Years of History." The Limon Depot opens after a $260,000 restoration of the 1910 sructure that tells the story of Limon's rail heyday and provides a fascinating home for the Town's extensive Dan Houtz Native American Collection. The free Limon Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 1-8 p.m. and features exhibits of interest to all ages.
Limon's Western Festival Trail Ride is June 12 with riders starting at the Frasier River Bend Ranch at 8:30 a.m. and riding across the historic Lasater Ranch. Lunch, a barbecue dinner, and entertainment by cowboy singer Roger Stone are all included in the cost. Call 719-541-2736 for more details.
Make plans to attend the August 1 Heritage Celebration that brings together the entire town in a huge 100th Birthday celebration of food, fun, music, historic visitors and events. For information on exhibits and special events call 719-775-8605.
Libraries Receive Book Donations
Limon Memorial Library and Hanover School Library were the lucky recipients of books donated by Colorado Country Life Magazine through MVEA. The books were fiction and nonfiction and included stories about Colorado history, mysteries, informational books and books by Colorado Authors . Libraries within MVEA’s service territory are chosen by lottery to receive the donations. Average value of the books is approximately $250. Many thanks to Colorado Country Life staff for providing this great benefit.
Get your boots and cowboy hat
The Colorado Ranch Rodeo is coming to town!
Pack up the kids and head on out to Hugo, Colorado on June 26-27 for the 8th Annual Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo. Sanctioned by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA), a ranch rodeo has events that depict the everyday work of a cowboy. Events include stray gathering, bronc riding, number sorting, trailer loading, team branding and, just for fun, wild cow milking. Each team has 4-6 members and hail from Texas, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska and Oklahoma. The team that wins this rodeo will earn the right to participate in the World Championship Ranch rodeo in Amarill, Texas in November.
The rodeo on Friday, June 26, will begin at 7 p.m. and Saturday’s will start at 5 p.m. In addition to the rodeo, there will be a Calcutta to auction off the teams before the Friday rodeo, a western trade show, an RHAA sanctioned ranch horse show and on Saturday night at 9 p.m. a dance with music provided by the “Loose Nuts” band. All this fun takes place at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Hugo just 15 miles southeast of Limon on Hwy. 40/287. For more information, call Larry Gotschall at 719-760-0342.
Small Wind Rebates
MVEA is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) to administer its Small Wind Rebate Program in MVEA’s territory.
The Small Wind Rebate Program was created by the GEO in response to the growing demand for renewable energy initiatives to allow homeowners and businesses to harness Colorado’s abundant wind resources. The program is designed to extend rebates for Small Wind technologies to Colorado residents and businesses throughout the state. The GEO provides matching grants to program partners with the goal of developing local Small Wind rebate programs. By partnering with cities, utilities and non-profit organizations through a matching grant program, the funding for rebates is effectively doubled.
Starting in early 2009, MVEA members that invest in Small Wind in MVEA’s territory may be eligible for rebates as part of the program. By providing matching funds to a $25,000 grant from the GEO, MVEA will have a program total of $50,000 to provide rebates of up to $10,000 per member for the installation of small wind generation. The incentive will be $1/Watt DC from MVEA and $1/Watt DC from GEO, totaling $2/watt. The rebates cannot exceed more than 50 percent of the total cost of the project, or $10,000. The rebates will allow customers to install systems at considerable savings.
MVEA will begin accepting rebate applications on July 1, 2009. The applications will be reviewed and upon approval, MVEA, by random selection, will provide members with Rebate Reservations. All applications must be received by July 16, 2009 to be entered into the random selection. The selection for Rebate Reservations will be made on July 20, 2009. Members will have 90 days from the date of notification to complete the installation process.
To learn more about the program and how to receive a rebate, visit the Governor’s Energy Office at www.colorado.gov/energy and go to “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebates Available” and click on “Wind Rebates.” You can also go to MVEA’s web site at www.mvea.coop for more information. Call either MVEA office at 719-775-2861, 719-495-2283 or 1800-388-9884.
Gift of Life Foundation
Hospital Benefit BBQ and Barn Dance
Come out to the beautiful Homestead Barn near Genoa to the 14th Annual Lincoln Community Hospital Benefit on June 6, 2009. The barbecue and barn dance is sponsored by the Gift of Life Foundation. The hickory smoked BBQ is served from 5 – 8 p.m. and the old fashioned barn dance will be in the historic hay loft from 8 p.m. – midnight. Country dance music will be provided by KiK.Axxx directed by Scott Solomon. During the BBQ, a variety of music will be provided. In addition to all of this, there will be an auction and special activities for young and old. Homestead Farms is located 5 miles northwest of Genoa on County Rd. 30. Tickets for the BBQ and dance are $15 for over 12, $5 for children 6-12 and Children 5 and under are free. Tickets for the barn dance only are $5 and may be purchased at the door. All proceeds will be used to purchase medical equipment for Lincoln Community Hospital and for 2-$1,000 scholarships. This is an alcohol free family event. For more information and tickets, please call Gloria Beedy at 719-768-3263 or Judy Vick at 719-743-2212.
GospelGrass Festival comes to Calhan fairgrounds
June 25 – 28, approximately 40 bands from 12 states will gather at the El Paso County Fairgrounds in Calhan for the 10th Annual Rocky Mountain Summer GospelGrass Festival – a celebration of Bluegrass and acoustic Gospel music. Activities during the festival include instrument workshops, open jamming, open stage, Kid’s tent, band scramble, square dancing, sing-alongs, drawings and much more. It is fun for the family. Weather is not a problem, as there are indoor and outdoor stages. If you enjoy camping, bring your gear and stay on the grounds. For camping reservations and fees, call Sue at 719-520-7880. The festival begins on Thursday, June 25 at 5 p.m. with free hot dogs and ends on Sunday, June 28 at 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call Lee at 719-435-0733 or email at gospelgrass@gmail.com. You can also visit their website at www.gospelgrass.com. Come on out for a toe-tappin’ good time!
Send Us Your Calendar Photos
Click here for details and entry form.
We had another very successful year with our calendar photo contest! The photos were great and produced a beautiful calendar. We look forward to getting your awesome photos again. Click above for the entry form and rules-----keep up the good work!!
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