Latest news with #IntermountainWest
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints installs water-wise landscaping, hopes to save 500M gallons of water
SALT LAKE CITY () — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is working to install water-wise landscaping and smart sprinkler systems on its meetinghouse properties in the Intermountain West, including Utah. The Church said they are working towards a major initiative that may save over 500 million gallons of water in a year. Their initiative involves installing smart sprinkler system controllers, and installing water-wise landscapes on meetinghouse properties. Water-wise plants are used in landscaping at Church meetinghouses in Mesa. Landscape managers monitor smart controllers on their mobile devices (Courtesy: Church Newsroom) They say they are installing over 3,000 smart controllers at various facilities across the Intermountain West. The smart controllers use operational adjustments that can save water and that can be controlled using mobile devices. 'These adjustments are made to maximize water absorption by plants based on factors such as weather, humidity, and soil composition,' Church officials said in a press release. Early estimates say the smart controllers should save over 500 million gallons of water, equivalent to filling over 750 Olympic-sized swimming pools, within the first year of operation. Church leaders add that they have also been installing water-wise landscaping on its properties since the early 2000s, 'gradually phasing out purely decorative or 'nonfunctional' grass for new meetinghouses and remodeled buildings around the area.' The Church is significantly reducing or completely removing nonfunctional turf within Washington County, Utah, and southern Nevada. Their water-wise landscaping also includes installing drought-tolerant grass mixes through reseeding the property, which uses less water and is more drought-tolerant. Latest headlines: Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day with discount deals Social Security marks 90th anniversary Keeping the wheels turning for adaptive sports Utah Jazz 2025-26 schedule released 21-year-old hit and killed on e-bike in Riverton, thrown over 180 feet Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
rPlus Energies Welcomes Jason Espersen as General Counsel
Jason Espersen Headshot Espersen joins to support rPlus Energies' 15-gigawatt portfolio and continued national expansion SALT LAKE CITY, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- rPlus Energies announced today the appointment of Jason Espersen as the company's General Counsel. Espersen brings several years of commercial and legal expertise in energy projects and infrastructure transactions, both domestically and internationally, with specialties in utility scale power plant development, construction, M&A, as well as with associated renewables supply chain, tariffs and trade compliance. 'rPlus Energies' demonstrated track-record and continued growth in the Intermountain West as well as the company's transition from developer and construction manager to independent power producer provides an exciting opportunity,' said Jason Espersen. 'I am thrilled to join their team of execution-oriented, community-minded experts.' Espersen's career includes high-level legal and commercial roles in different segments of the renewable energy industry. Prior to joining rPlus Energies, Espersen spent 10 years at SunPower Corporation and Maxeon Solar Technologies, the NASDAQ-listed spin-off from SunPower Corporation. Espersen began his legal career in energy at Vinson & Elkins LLP in Houston, TX. 'I'm pleased to welcome Jason to rPlus Energies,' said Luigi Resta, President and CEO. 'While he has big shoes to fill, Jason's depth of experience and expertise in utility scale transactions and policy will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow. In addition to his legal expertise, Jason's commitment to pro bono work supporting underserved communities aligns closely with the values we uphold at the company.' Espersen will transition into the role over the coming months as current General Counsel John Spilman begins his planned succession toward retirement. Through this transition period and beyond, Mr. Spilman will assume the role of General Counsel Emeritus for rPlus Energies. After a significant platform investment of up to $460 million from Sandbrook Capital last year, rPlus Energies secured over $1 billion in construction debt financing and over $500 million in tax equity financing for its Utah-based 800-megawatt (MW) Green River Energy Center. The company boasts a diversified portfolio of more than 15 gigawatts (GW) under development, including over 1 GW currently under construction and more than 600 megawatts of operating assets. About rPlus Energies rPlus Energies is a team of committed energy industry professionals working together to develop, own and operate utility scale renewable energy generation and electric storage projects in the United States. The company specializes in bringing projects to market through partnership with the private sector, municipalities, utilities, and industry-leading technology, service and finance providers. Its portfolio consists of a strategic mix of solar, battery, wind, and pumped storage hydro facilities. To date, rPlus Energies has raised over $690,000 to support local scholarships in the project communities. rPlus Energies is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and is backed by Sandbrook Capital and Gardner Group. rPlus Energies Media ContactMarjorie Bongamarjorie@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Medical News Today
12-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Life Flight and Medicare: Air ambulance costs
Medicare does not pay for a membership with Life Flight, a private air ambulance service that operates primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West of the United States. However, Life Flight can help pay the remaining air ambulance fees after Medicare kicks in. Medical transportation via helicopter or airplane may be needed if someone has an emergency in a place that is inaccessible to covered medical transportation. This can happen during bad weather or in locations where only an air ambulance can reach. Since an air ambulance can be costly, even with Medicare coverage, a person may consider enrolling in a private ambulance service. This service can assist with any remaining expenses after Medicare coverage is applied. However, an individual will need to pay an additional monthly fee for this service. This article discusses the relationship between Medicare and private ambulance services like Life Flight. Does Medicare cover the cost of Life Flight? Medicare does not cover the Life Flight membership fee. But during an emergency, Medicare might cover the cost of an air ambulance from Life Flight. This typically happens if a person resides in an isolated or hazardous area and lives with a chronic condition that may require emergency air transport. Private ambulance services like Life Flight step in to offer such emergency air transport options. These services bill Medicare for the flight and cover the person's remaining coinsurance. How much does it cost to fly in with Life Flight? A basic Life Flight membership for an air ambulance costs $85 per month. A person can select a higher tier membership depending on their needs: A person should be aware, though, that Life Flight only operates in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, serving the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. The service also partners with a few other air ambulance companies in California and Nevada. In Oregon specifically, a person can also enroll in ground transport only for a mid-tier fee. Individuals wishing to enroll in private air ambulance services outside these states can explore available options in their area. These options have varying costs. When does Medicare cover being airlifted? Generally, for people residing in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), the SNF is responsible for transport costs under Medicare Part A. In other cases, though, ambulance coverage falls under Medicare Part B. This includes both emergency and nonemergency ambulance services when medically required. It also applies to air ambulance services in emergencies when ground ambulances cannot access the location. A person enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan is entitled to the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). However, some Part C plans might require a person to use in-network ambulance services for coverage. » Learn more:Do Medicare plans cover medical transportation? How much does Medicare pay for medical transport for seniors? Paying for transportation via an air ambulance can be costly out of pocket. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners notes that a 52-mile flight in an air ambulance can range from $12,000 to $25,000. That said, if an individual has met their Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), Part B will cover 80% of this expense. The remaining balance becomes the person's responsibility as coinsurance. At this point, a service like Life Flight could cover the remaining cost. A person considering a membership with a service like Life Flight should remember that they must also pay their Part B premium to keep their Medicare coverage. In 2025, this premium begins at $185, depending on income. This means that a person's total minimum monthly fee for Medicare Part B and Life Flight would be $185 plus the $85 Life Flight membership fee. This works out to $270 per month ($3,240 per year). This amount will differ under Part C because these plans are managed by private insurers, meaning they have varying premiums, copays, and deductibles. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) states that the average monthly premium for Part C plans is approximately $17 in 2025. In addition to enrolling in a Part C plan, individuals also still need to pay the Part B premium. Some Part C plans might cover this Part B premium for them. Given the high costs associated with air ambulances, individuals might consider joining a private ambulance service that can help pay the remaining expenses after Medicare covers its portion. However, this typically involves an extra monthly fee that Medicare does not cover. Life Flight is a private air ambulance service primarily serving the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West of the United States. It can assist with covering the remaining air ambulance expenses after Medicare has been applied. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
