Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Wheels to inform teachers, consumers

Denver, Feb. 11, 2004 - Gov. Bill Owens today kicked off an education initiative by several Colorado organizations to raise awareness of the importance of energy, science, mathematics and technology education in Colorado schools.

In a celebration of Colorado Energy Education Day, Gov. Owens launched the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Wheels (RnE2EW) program at the State Capitol. RnE2EW is the product of a partnership among the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, BP America and the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation. It is designed to bring renewable energy and energy efficiency education programs and information to teachers, students and consumers at schools, special events and public venues. The RnE2EW program also helps students see the importance of mathematics, science and technology education in their day-to-day lives.

"Colorado is blessed with many natural resources, but they are finite in their supply," Owens said. "That's why we must strive to be responsible stewards of the environment and why our outreach efforts - like the energy bus we're launching today - are so important."

At the event, students, teachers and consumers were able to explore the RnE2EW van and several energy education and technology displays after the governor's remarks.

The RnE2EW program consists of a customized van and trailer. The van is a teacher resource center, outfitted with electronics, displays and workstations to help teachers develop energy education curriculum. The trailer is a display of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, including solar, wind and hydrogen power generation.

RnE2EW will travel to schools and public events to bring energy, math, science and technology education to communities throughout Colorado. Its first destination will be Littleton Academy Charter School on Feb. 19. To find out more about RnE2EW, contact Matt Kuhn in NREL's education office at 303-275-3688 or via e-mail: matthew_kuhn@nrel.gov .

Americans now have greater choices in how they use energy to light and heat their homes, cook their meals and power their cars. Readily available technologies can increase the efficiency of how we put energy to work, and clean, domestic renewable energy can reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. But to put these technologies to their best uses, consumers need to know about them and understand them. Students will benefit from energy education throughout their lives, as they face the decisions on how to manage their energy use. RnE2EW and other energy education programs can help consumers make better decisions about what form of energy they use and how they use it.