PacifiCorp Joins Forces with The Nature Conservancy and Programme for Belize to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Protect Tropical Rainforest

Strategic Insights -

PacifiCorp, in a groundbreaking effort to address global warming, has teamed up with The Nature Conservancy and Programme for Belize to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the tropical rainforest of Belize. The Rio Bravo Pilot Project, a $2.7 million initiative, will see PacifiCorp contributing $600,000 over 10 years, alongside three other utilities, to buy and manage 15,000 acres of endangered forest and an additional 105,000 acres of rainforest. This innovative project will not only reduce emissions but also create economic benefits for the local community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rio Bravo Pilot Project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 million tons over 40 years.
  • PacifiCorp's contribution of $600,000 over 10 years will purchase 15,000 acres of endangered forest in Belize.
  • The project will manage a total of 120,000 acres of rainforest, with 15,000 acres being bought and an additional 105,000 acres owned by the Programme for Belize.
  • PacifiCorp will also hold a contest in seven Western states to select several high school students to attend a science camp in Belize.
  • The company's CO2 strategy includes reforestation programs, wind power development, coal ash recycling, and conservation programs.
  • PacifiCorp has planted about 390,000 trees in the West and will reforest another 250 acres in Oregon.
  • The company has pledged to reduce its emissions rate in pounds of CO2 per megawatt hour by 10 percent between 1990 and 2000.

Statistics:

  • The Rio Bravo Pilot Project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 million tons over 40 years.
  • PacifiCorp will contribute $600,000 over 10 years to the project.
  • The project will manage 120,000 acres of rainforest, with 15,000 acres being bought and an additional 105,000 acres owned by the Programme for Belize.
  • PacifiCorp has planted about 390,000 trees in the West.
  • The company will reforest another 250 acres in Oregon.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire (Nov. 1, 1995)
  • United States Department of Energy
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Programme for Belize
  • Pacificorp's press releases are available at http://www.prnewswire.com/cnoc/exec/menu?672525