20080626Comments.pdf

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tionLeagu
PO Bo 84 Boi=i 10 83701203469
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
June 25,2008
REi Idaho Conservtion Lea.:ue Comments on Idaho Poer's Fir Enem sai,s
Alßement with Big SkY Wet Dairy Dipster Generation facilty (Case No, ipe-
-E-08-09)
Dear Commissioners:
Thank you for the opportnity to comment on Idaho Power's proposed firm energy
sales agrement with Big Sky West Dairy's Digester Generation Facility, For thirty-
four years, the Idaho Conservation League has been Idaho's voice for dean water,
clean air, and wilderness-values that are the foundation to Idaho's extraordinary
quality oflfe. The Idaho Conservation League works to protect these values through
citi.zen action, public education, and professional advocacy. As Idaho's largest state-
based conservation organization we represent over 9,500 members, many of whom
have a deep personal interest in protecting our clean air, clean water, and quality of
life.
The use of biogas as a renewable energy source is a relatively new frontier in Idaho.
for dairy' producers and utilties alike. Convertng dairy waste into energy through a
process of anaerobic digestion allows large-scale dairy producers to contribute to
increasing clean power production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Anaerobic digesters also reduce odors associated with these facilties. The Idaho
Conservation League support Idaho Power's Sales agreement with Big Sky West
Dairy. We believe anaerobic digesters are positive for (daho's natural resources and
local communities. In addition. we are excited to see Idaho use the Public Utilities
Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) to further support the use of renewable energy
sources.
The Deparent of Environmental Quality recently release a statewide greenhouse
gas inventory that shows large-scale animal operations are the second largest
source of greenhouse gases in the state. Greenhouse gases are pollution that has
been linked to global warming. and Idaho's emission rates are rising faster than
those of the nation as a whole. In fact, methane, the major emission for these
facilties. is considered to be 21 times as potent a greenhouse gas as carbon. By
Jun 24 2008 5: 30PM Idaho Conservat i on League 208-3440344 p.2
increasing the use of anaerobic digesters to create energy, Idaho can reduce
grenhouse gas emissions in a key sector. We look forwrd to emerging research
regarding the amount of emissions reductions offered by anaerobic digesters.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with this facility,
. utilzation of an anaerobic digester alo reduces odors associated with livestock
waste, This is a benefit to local communities and improves air quality.
Thank you for the opportnity to comment of this proposed sales agreement.
Please feeL free to contact me with any comments or questions at (20B) 345~6942.
Sara Cohn
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Commty Conserva.tion Associate
Idaho Conservation League
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Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
anthonysilvey01 (Qhotmail.com
Sunday, June 22, 2008 7:24 AM
Tonya Clark; Jean Jewell; Beverly Barker; Gene Fadness; Ed Howell
PUC Comment Form
A Comment from Anthony Silvey follows:
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Case Number: IPC-E-08-09
Name: Anthony Silvey
Address: 85 Camp Ave, Unit llE
Ci ty: Stamford
State: CT
Zip: 06907
Daytime Telephone: [phone]
Contact E-Mail: anthonysil vey01~hotmail, com Name of Utility Company: Idaho Power Add toMailing List: ~
Please describe your comment briefly:
The arrangement through Idaho Power is not needed. Much of the power generated in the state
is through hydro-electric and nuclear sources , Additional nuclear power plants are also
being discussed as an option to supplement future growth. Therefore, the availability of
cheap electric power in Idaho makes me question the motives of this offering.
However, anaerobic digesters bring enormous benefits for the community through cleaner air
and wash off. However, it is the use of digesters to produce methane gas that should be
promoted. Recently, Intermountain Gas was approved for a gas hike , Additionally, natural
gas prices continue to rise. Our nation is already importing great quantities of LNG and
demand for gas is only expected to rise, Idaho i s utili ties can do more for its citizens by
fostering the development of digesters for methane production on large contained dairies.
Therefore, the current agreement for the Public Utilities to buy electricity from the farm
should be struck down unless it is also modified to ensure the development of a methane
producing digester and pipeline to the other parts of the farm or region.
The form submi ted on http://www . puc. idaho, gov Iforms/ipucl/ipuc. html
IP address is 69.120.118.46- - --------- - - - - - ----- ---- - ---- - -- ---
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