Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. announced a new energy
initiative with Utah Clean Energy Alliance making Black Diamond one of the
first major manufacturers in Utah to be powered by wind.
CEO Peter Metcalf explains, “After taking a stand against former Governor
Leavitt's policy to open previously protected Wilderness Inventory Areas in
Utah to oil/gas drilling and coal mining in last summer and becoming active
with the OIA Wilderness Recreation Task Force, we looked for ways to burn
cleaner here at Black Diamond. When the Utah Clean Energy Alliance presented
their new Utah Blue Sky Wind Power program, we saw an opportunity to
practice what we preach.”
Nearly ninety-five percent of Utah¹s power is generated from coal fire power
plants. Coal burning makes up almost forty percent of the nation's mercury
pollution and produces hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions which
contributes to global warming. Black Diamond¹s initial commitment to wind
power will double every year for the next three years and in one year alone
will reduce by over 111 tons the amount of CO2 emissions released. Black
Diamond will institute the program at the end of January 2004, at a cost
that will increase into five figures over the next three years. A Green
Power Partner Designation is an EPA initiative.
“One of the pillars in Black Diamond¹s Mission Statement is to champion the
preservation of mountain, crag and canyon environments,” continues Metcalf,
“and we are as committed to this program as we are an employee owned company
of climbers and skiers who want to actively preserve the exceptional powder
skiing and ice climbing that defines our backyard, the Wasatch Range. Global
Warming is a significant strategic threat to our livelihood and our
passions.”
