Moab area honored for 'green power'

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will recognize the Greater Moab Area as the first Green Power Community in the nation during the annual Moab Folk Festival today.

The area achieved the EPA status by using green power — wind, solar, geothermal, eligible biomass or hydropower— to generate at least 4 percent of the town's electricity, according to an EPA press release.

The agency estimates that the green power that Moab, Castle Valley, Pack Creek Ranch and Spanish Valley use prevents the generation of some 4 million pounds of carbon dioxide and saves the equivalent of roughly 750 acres of trees.

"We are honored and excited to be 'first in the nation' as a green power community," said Moab Mayor David Sakrison. "This designation clearly symbolizes our community's commitment to both the development of renewable energy technologies and protecting our environment."

Sarah Wright, executive director of Utah Clean Energy, said she hopes the "enthusiasm and dedication of the Moab community will spread."

Moab purchases wind power to generate electricity.