Pagosa entrepreneurs push for renewable, local sources of energy

From The Durango Herald. See the entire article here.

 Dark green ponderosa pines and the steam from Pagosa Springs’ geothermal pools provided the backdrop for a gathering of about 70 people from across the state to talk about renewable-energy development in the state’s rural mountain townsIt was a fitting scene for the symposium, as the two most local projects, spearheaded by Pagosa Springs residents, depend on the same resources that define the outdoor scenery.

Using those local resources in a way that sustains and protects them is just one goal of the men, J.R. Ford and Jerome Smith.

Both men are blazing the trail locally in creating unique models for renewable energy generation that are sustainable, revenue generating and helping stimulate economic growth, all key components in the face of skepticism about government subsidies to renewable energy ventures and declining federal stimulus dollars.

“What we need in Colorado is a base load economy (that provides) year-round jobs,” said Smith, who is working to bring a geothermal power generation project to Pagosa Springs.

Smith’s company, Pagosa Verde, hosted the Thursday symposium that featured speakers involved in renewable-energy ventures across the state. The emphasis was on how participants’ ideas and experiences could help benefit Colorado mountain and resort communities on a practical basis.

The symposium’s goal was to offer ideas about “creating vibrant growth in harmony with common environmental and cultural concerns,” its brochure said.