USFS press release
The Inyo National Forest is pleased to announce that the solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine was turned on in December. This system should meet nearly 100% of the facility’s electrical demand.
“The solar photovoltaic system installation at the visitor center in Lone Pine exemplifies the Forest Service’s commitment to leading by example,” said Nora Gamino, Acting Forest Engineer. “This is one of several projects underway on the Inyo National Forest that demonstrate our dedication to sustainable practices.”
This project directly supports energy reduction and net zero goals specified in the Energy Policy Act (2005), Energy Independence and Security Act (2007), and Executive Order 13693 (Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade).
The Forest Service has committed to achieving net zero energy, water, or waste at 30 facilities over 5,000 Gross Square Feet by 2025. Given that the system will offset nearly 100% of the facility’s electrical demand, the agency is now one facility closer to meeting its goal.
The agency’s Net Zero Network encourages projects at Visitor Centers, which are not only some of our largest energy-consuming facilities, but also provide educational opportunities for those recreating on National Forest System land.
Other notable projects on the Inyo National Forest include the installation of the PV systems at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center and Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center, which is completely off the grid and received Gold Certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
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We’re going to have to wean ourselves off of our dependence on dead dinosaurs sooner or later. Each small step is one step closer. Kudos to the USFS. I hope the staff is given a sufficient education on the system so they can talk with visitors about it.