SEI's Spring Workshops Filling Up Fast

SEI has a slate full of workshops this spring and they are filling up fast. We'll be offering Photovoltaic workshops in Tucson, San Francisco, Austin, Salt Lake City, Woodstock-NY, and the San Juan Islands. We're also offering the 4th Annual Women's PV Workshop in Santa Cruz. You can learn to build wind generators in the "Build Your Own Wind Generator" workshop on Guemes Island, WA. And we are offering two one-day "Introduction to Renewable Energy" workshops, one in San Francisco, and one on Guemes Island.

So for those interested in attending one of SEI's spring workshops, register soon!

Democratic Candidates Talk Energy

The Washington DC based Sustainable Energy Coalition surveyed the democratic presidential candidates on a range of energy and related environmental policy issues. For a look at how they responded check out the article on SolarAccess.com.

For the full survey results click here.

RE Trips to Iceland and Cuba!

SEI advisory board member Joe Jordan (aka Cosmic Joe) is leading a trip to Iceland, February 20-26, 2004, focusing on the aurora borealis (northern lights) as well as on the bright future for renewable energy -- which Iceland is helping to realize right now with their great geothermal power resources and their plans for becoming the world’s first hydrogen economy. For more information on visiting this exotic locale filled with hot springs, glaciers, and geysers click here.

SEI instructor Laurie Stone is leading a trip to Cuba April 10 - 18 for the Cubasolar International Renewable Energy Conference. Learn about Cuba's amazing program to electrify every rural school and health clinic with solar energy, and meet with solar professionals from around the world. For more information on attending this exciting conference click here.

Congratulations to EWB Founder Bernard Amadei

SEI friend and associate Bernard Amadei, the founder of Engineers without Borders, won E-town's E-chievement award this past weekend for his amazing work. The E-chievement award recognizes remarkable individuals who are working hard to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. Engineers without Borders helps developing areas worldwide with their engineering needs, while involving and training a new kind of internationally responsible engineering student.

E-town is a weekly radio broadcast heard on NPR and commercial stations which creates a strong community awareness of social and environmental issues through music and conversation.

Critical Time for Biodiesel

Biodiesel Guru Joshua Tickell, founder of the Veggie Van Organization, writes about the importance of biodiesel, and why now is a critical time for its future. According to Joshua, "When I first saw biodiesel being used on a farm in Germany I was galvanized. From that moment onward, every time I saw a refinery or a gas station I thought about a different world just waiting to happen. . . These issues are not intellectual for me. . . They’re not a matter of idle curiosity. My work is not a hobby. And because the things I know are immutable truths, I live by them.
I KNOW that the oil industry has ruined lives.
I KNOW that the oil industry has laid waste to cultures.
I KNOW the connection between refineries and cancer.
I KNOW that biodiesel is a vital solution."

To download the entire letter, and read why now is a critical time to support biodiesel, click here.

Note: SEI's hometown of Carbondale, Colorado just got its first biodiesel (B20) pump at a local gas station!

Your Generosity Ensures our Success!

SEI would like to welcome our new members! As a membership-based non-profit, SEI's members are the heart of our organization and allow us to continue our educational programs. SEI Staff is passionate about the work that we do and membership dues help sustain our renewable energy endeavors.

Please join us! Become an SEI member and support our important work (and receive a free one year subscription to Home Power magazine.) And don't forget to order your 2004 Solar Energy Calendar!

Click here for more details on how you can become an SEI member.

To all SEI members . . . SEI sends thanks!