Aspen Skiing Company has taken the big step it needs to offset the power it consumes and gain greater credibility in the battle against climate change.

Skico is investing nearly USD 5.4 million to pay 90% of the construction cost of a plant that will capture methane vented from a coal mine at Somerset about 10 miles northeast of Paonia and convert it into electricity.

Mr Mike Kaplan president & CEO of Skico said that "It's a phenomenal project. Skico has worked on an agreement with two partners for about one year and finally got a contract signed last week. Skico formed a joint venture with Gunnison Energy, a sister company to the one that owns the Elk Creek Mine and with Vessels Coal Gas Inc which put together the plan. Gunnison Energy is owned by William Koch. The methane must be vented from the coal mine for worker safety. It's currently released into the atmosphere. Now it will be put to good use.”

Source - Aspen Times.com

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