Alternative Energy Sub-Committee meeting.
Education and Research Committee
Pacific Ring Initiative

April 11, 2005 at 1:30 pm
Great Pacific Coffee Company
Pacific, Missouri

The Sub-Committee was called to order by Dr. Galen Suppes, chair. Bob Masson accepted appointment as vice chair.

Other members of the Sub-Committee present were Sheila Steelman, Ron Sansone, and Kim Gardner. Wendell Smith and Jim McHugh as chair of the Education and Research Committee and chair of the Pacific Ring Initiative respectively attended as exoffcio members of the committee.

Member of the committee not present were Patricia Simmons, Buck Books, Bruce Ryan, J Sargent, and Robyn Hanser as recording secretary.

Dr. Suppes opened the meeting, presented the agenda for committee review and with approval of the agenda proceeded with the meeting.

Pacific Ring
Jim McHugh reviewed the Pacific Ring Initiative, the committee structure and recognized Alternative Energy as the action sub-committee of the Education and Research Committee with jurisdiction in the area of Alternative Energy projects. He pointed out the importance of the role of alternative energy to the mission and the development of the Pacific Ring as a model of a sustainable community from both the standpoint of economic development and protection of the environment.

Environmental Campus
Kim Gardner reviewed the plan for the Environmental Campus to be located along Route 66 and across the highway and south of the Prison. There was extensive discussion of the Campus as a site for biodiesel and other energy projects relating to waste management. The Campus was discussed as a possible alternative site for a trash transfer station. The Campus is to include a training and teaching center for issues relating to the advancement of trash management technology and conservation with an on site education and demonstration facilities.  Mr. Gandner will keep the committee advised of the progress of the Campus and the integration of Campus programs with the Pacific Ring Initiative.

Hydrogen Fuel
Dr. Suppes advised the NSF-PFI proposal relating to the development and demonstration of hydrogen fuel cells within the Pacific Ring has been resubmitted through the University of Missouri St.Louis and based on the reception of the first submission is very optimistic about the outcome.

Biodiesel
Vice Chair Bob Masson suggested that the committee address the opportunities of biodiesel within the Pacific Ring from both a production and distribution standpoint and develop a program promoting the Pacific Ring as a national demonstration of biodiesel application.

Sheila Steelman advised she would investigate and advise the number of fleets in the City of Pacific who would be candidates for alternate fuels conversion.  

The committee members agreed they would investigate possible sites for biodiesel production and would be prepared to report on their findings and recommendations at the next committee meeting. In the meantime they will continue to discuss and stay in contact with members of the committee.

Bob Masson suggested that the feasibility of an alternate fuel service station should be considered within the City of Pacific. After a very supportive discussion concerning the proposal Mr. Masson agreed to do further investigation and inquiry and will report to the committee his findings and recommendations.

Clean Cities
Dr. Suppes reviewed the advantages of the Clear Cities program and proposed that the City of Pacific and the Pacific Ring seek this designation. It was agreed that this would become one of the priorities of the committee and that a electronic conversation between committee members would be pursued to qualify for this designation at the earliest.  Dr. Suppes recommended a review of web site: www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/index.html

Action
After a discussion of a number of related topics Dr. Suppes announced the consensus of the group on project priorities and identified the following projects for committee focus:

1) Advance the NSF-PFI hydrogen fuel cell project;

2) Aggressively pursue the opportunities for biodiesel fuels from local production to local distribution and use.
       
3) Initiate a promotional campaign of information about and use of alternative fuels with the Pacific Ring as a national model for the development of alternate fuels within a Sustainable Community.

4) Take immediate steps to advance the Clean Cites program.

Dr. Suppes adjourned the meeting and advised the next meeting would be at the call of the chair.