http://www.solaraustin.org/docs/Press%20Releases/PRS_EFC_Austin_Joins.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2005 For more information contact: Joni Gilton: 512-306-0898 Eric Young: 202-223-6133

Austin Becomes First City to Accept Energy Freedom Challenge

City Pledges to Obtain 50 Percent of Electricity From Renewable Sources

Austin, Texas - Yesterday, Mayor Will Wynn announced that Austin will be the first city to enter a nationwide contest that challenges cities to obtain more than half of their electricity from clean renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and bioenergy.

“As your Mayor, I will accept the challenge that Austin remain the Number One city, the Number One utility in the country for renewable sales and that we in fact become the first city in the country to reach the 50 percent renewable goal,” he said. “We accept the challenge, and we’re going to figure out how to get there from here.”

The Energy Freedom Challenge: America's Race to Independence Through Renewable Energy is a national competition aimed at reducing our reliance on unstable, polluting energy sources. Launched in November 2005, the challenge will help accelerate home-grown clean energy technologies at the municipal level.

"The Energy Freedom Challenge will inspire U.S. cities to hasten their transition from fossil fuel based power to clean, renewable energy", said Jane Pulaski, Co-Chair of Solar Austin. "What city wouldn't want the coveted title of "Clean Energy Capital of the U.S.?"

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Million Solar Roofs (MSR) Initiative (http://www.millionsolarroofs.org) awarded funding for the challenge. Solar Austin will administer the campaign. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) will provide technical support by establishing a system to track each city's commitment.

"This contest will reduce harmful global warming pollution while creating jobs and boosting rural economies," said Kate Abend, UCS Energy Field Coordinator.

The challenge could also save consumers money. Analysis by the DOE and UCS shows that increasing U.S. reliance on renewable energy sources would reduce the demand for natural gas, resulting in lower electricity bills.

"With consumers facing a costly home heating season due to soaring natural gas prices, this is the perfect time to deploy affordable renewable energy alternatives", said Tom Smith of Public Citizen.

"The vast majority of Americans wants cleaner air and energy independence,” said Joni Gilton, Solar Austin’s Coordinator for the Energy Freedom Challenge. "This is a race that challenges us all to recognize that we can create a real sustainable energy future." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information on Solar Austin and the Energy Freedom Challenge, visit http://www.solaraustin.org For more information about the Union of Concerned Scientists, visit http://www.ucsusa.org ============================================================

Now that's what I call a Solar City. Who will be next? Wonder if they would like a SunBall production facility in Austin? It is a sister city to Adelaide you know.

By the way, as a mini SunBall update, I'm now putting together the production facility to make the first 100 1m2 SunBalls. Should be an interesting Jan 2006.

All the best, Greg Watson Green and Gold Energy Adelaide, South Australia +61 408 843 089 http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au Online SunBall discussion group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sunball