Lawrence, Kan. (December 4, 2006) – Free State Brewing Company, known for being the first legal brewery in Kansas in over 100 years, is now offsetting 100 percent of the energy it uses to brew its beer with clean, renewable power. The purchase will support Zephyr Energy™, a Green Tag mix of 50 percent wind energy from across North America and 50 percent low-impact certified hydropower from the Bowersock Mill and Power Company in Lawrence.
“Free State Brewery was eager for a local renewable energy choice,” said Chuck Magerl, owner and operator of the Free State Brewing Company. “We were grateful when Zephyr Energy came along.”
Free State Brewing’s commitment to supporting local, renewable electricity sources reinforces the company’s commitment to using community resources whenever possible. The brewery already uses fresh ingredients from local farms for many of its menu items. As Chuck Magerl explains, “We believe it is important for Kansans to have the opportunity to support renewable, non-polluting energy that comes from our own state and to support local businesses like Bowersock and farmers throughout Kansas.”
The Zephyr Energy program is designed to allow for investment in new renewable energy projects in Kansas. A portion of all Zephyr Energy revenues will support solar power demonstration projects for schools in the region. The solar array projects include an informational kiosk and teacher curriculum guides. The first project is planned for installation in 2007.
Green Tags offset the global warming pollution impacts of conventional electricity generation, air and ground travel. Green Tags are created when renewable energy sources – such as low-impact hydro and wind power – are substituted for energy traditionally generated by burning fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. All of Zephyr Energy Green Tag products are independently certified by Green-e®.
About the Free State Brewing Company
The Free State Brewery is the first legal brewery in Kansas in over 100 years. Located in a renovated inter-urban trolley station in historic downtown Lawrence, the Brewery was one of the first businesses to participate in the rejuvenation of the north end of the downtown business district in 1989. The Brewery prides itself on re-establishing the production of fine hand crafted beers, produced close to home. The Brewery has strong local roots, and a commitment to community-based businesses.
About Zephyr Energy™
Zephyr Energy is a Green-e certified Green Tag product offered by the nation’s leading non-profit marketer of green power products, the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. To promote new renewable power in the Midwest, the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and The Bowersock Mills and Power Co. collaborated to create a green power product derived from hydroelectric power produced at the Bowersock Dam in Lawrence, and wind power sourced from large-scale wind energy projects from across North America. The ultimate goal is to source Zephyr Energy entirely through renewable power projects in the central states region that meet strict environmental criteria. For more information, visit www.ZephyrEnergy.org.
About The Bowersock Mills and Power Company
The Bowersock Mills and Power Company was established in 1874, and is the oldest power producer in Northeast Kansas. The company first provided mechanical hydropower to the City of Lawrence in 1874, and has provided a continuous supply of clean renewable energy for the growth of the city for over 100 years. The Bowersock Dam is certified as a “low-impact” facility by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (http://www.lowimpacthydro.org) and qualifies as a “re-powered” facility in accordance with national Green-e certification standards. More information is available on the Web at
www.BowersockPower.com.
