Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy

At Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), we believe addressing the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges requires innovation, creative problem solving and discovering a new way of doing business that values the natural resources we depend on. We also believe education plays a critical role in securing a clean energy, low-carbon future. Our nationally renowned Solar 4R Schools program is inspiring a new generation of clean energy leaders with the insight and innovative thinking necessary to solve the nation’s most pressing energy challenges. To get there, we’re transforming solar technology into a complete STEM classroom learning experience. With the help of our corporate, nonprofit and utility funding partners, our vision is to integrate engaging renewable energy education into every science classroom in the nation. Learn more at Solar4RSchools.org.

The Tulalip (pronounced Tuh’-lay-lup) Tribes are federally recognized successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and other allied tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott. The 22,000 acre Tulalip Indian Reservation is located north of Everett and the Snohomish River, and west of Marysville, Washington. The Tribes maintain an aggressive environmental preservation program, both on and off of the reservation to complement the Snohomish region’s natural resources. The economic development zone along the I-5 corridor provides revenue and services for the region. Tulalip provides health, human services, housing, utilities, technology services, education, recreation, entertainment, cultural, and historical activities. The Tribes have over 4,300 members, with half of the members living on the reservation.

Snohomish County Public Utility District’s Planet Power program provided funding for this project. The PUD supplies electricity and water service to one of the fastest growing counties in the Pacific Northwest.  PUD programs include low interest loans and cash rebates for residential home weatherization, rebates for efficient appliances and discounted compact fluorescent lights. In spring 2009, the PUD will launch a solar program, including loans and incentives for both photovoltaic and solar water heat systems.

The utility is also at the forefront of tidal and geothermal energy research. Additional PUD energy comes from renewable hydroelectric sources, co-generation projects fueled by biogas and biomass and wind energy. The Planet Power program provides all PUD customers the voluntary option of supporting the development of even more new renewable energy generation resources.

The Bonneville Power Administration is a federal nonprofit agency based in the Pacific Northwest. Although BPA is part of the U.S. Department of Energy, it is self-funding and covers its costs by selling its products and services. BPA markets wholesale electrical power from 31 federal hydro projects in the Columbia River Basin, one nonfederal nuclear plant and several other small nonfederal power plants. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation operate the dams. About one-third of the electric power used in the Northwest comes from BPA.