Energy Issues
![Windmills at Altamont Pass, California](images/altamont.jpg)
![PG&E's Pittsburg Power Plant](images/pittsburg.jpg)
In the summer of 2000, retail electricity prices in parts of southern California reached all-time highs, and shortages of generating capacity created temporary power outages in northern California into early 2001. Many factors were involved, including a booming economy, growth in population and electricity demand, deregulation of electricity production in some states, drought in the Northwest reducing power generation from dams, and too few new power sources available.
The EPA's Pacific Southwest and Pacific Northwest regional offices have been working diligently with other federal, state and local agencies to craft energy solutions that are consistent with clean air and protecting human health and the environment. The following links provide energy information for consumers, as well as generators and government agencies.
Consumer information
![Energy Star Logo](images/energystar.gif)
EPA's Energy Star program
Offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions — helping
to save money while protecting the environment.
U. S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Provides information on energy issues as they relate to your health,
house, transportation, school, business, community, world and future.
![Exiting EPA (disclaimer)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090511082431im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/epafiles_misc_exitepadisc.gif)
Provides information and ideas on what Californians can do to save
energy and improve their conservation efforts.
Education
DOE's
Energy Information Agency (EIA)
A kid's page for students in grades 6-12 has information and projects
on energy science and technology.
DOE Kidzone
Follow Zippee, Splash, and Sam N. as they inform kids in grades
K-5 of all ages about water, dams, electricity, and the environment.
Energy Quest
An award winning energy education site from the California Energy
Commission for teachers and students in grades K-12.
Energy Policy
Western Energy Generation
Read how EPA's Pacific Southwest and Pacific Northwest regional
offices are responding to the energy issues facing the western region.
The California Energy Commission
The State's energy policy and Planning agency provides information
on a broad range of energy related topics, from power plants to
rebates available to homeowners and businesses for energy efficient
appliances, heating and cooling systems, and more.
The
President's National Energy Policy
Announced in May 2001, this policy examines the needs of today while
focusing on the future development of our natural resources while
protecting the environment.
Alternative Energy
Clean
Energy
EPA's Global Warming Web site provides information about alternative
energy sources, including solar energy, wind power, geothermal power,
biomass, and hydropower.
Sources of Energy
This DOE Web site includes information on alternative energy and
conventional energy sources.