10/8/2009
TOPEKA -- The Climate and Energy Project, started several years ago by Salina's Land Institute, was presented one of the Governor's Energy Achievement Recognition Awards on Wednesday morning in Topeka by Gov. Mark Parkinson at the 2009 Kansas Wind and Renewable Energy Conference.

The annual awards recognize leadership and accomplishment in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, according to a news release from the Kansas Corporation Commission.

The Climate and Energy Project received the Non-Profit Renewable Energy award.

According to the KCC news release, the Climate and Energy Project can be credited with much of the increase in public awareness on renewable energy benefits in Kansas. The organization has "helped educate the public and influence legislation that has resulted in the promotion of renewable energy in Kansas." Two of its major contributions are the Take Charge Challenge and Kansas Interfaith Power & Light.

In the Take Charge Challenge, six Kansas communities have challenged each other to make the greatest reduction in energy consumption during a year. The Kansas Interfaith Power & Light project works with churches and religious communities to reduce their energy use.