The Lovins described the 'hard energy path' as involving inefficient liquid-fuel automotive transport, as well as giant centralized electricity-generating facilities, often burning fossil fuels such as coal or petroleum, or harnessing a fission reaction, greatly complicated by electricity wastage and loss. By the mid-1980s, the Lovinses were featured on major network TV programs, such as 60 Minutes. RMI ultimately grew into an organization with a staff of around fifty. Together with a group of colleagues, the Lovinses fostered efficient resource use and policy development that they believed would promote global security. In 1982, Amory and Hunter founded Rocky Mountain Institute, based in Colorado. Hunter received her undergraduate degree in sociology and political studies from Pitzer College, and her J.D. Hunter Sheldon, a lawyer, forester, and social scientist. Lovins is the leading proponent of the soft energy path.

Oakland, California and Beijing, China.īy 1978, experimental physicist Amory Lovins had published many books, consulted widely, and was active in energy affairs in some fifteen countries as a synthesist and lobbyist. RMI is headquartered in Basalt, Colorado, and also maintains offices in Boulder, Colorado New York City Washington, D.C. The institute, which includes the Carbon War Room (which merged with RMI in December 2014), operates many global programs. RMI's work is independent and non-adversarial, with an emphasis on market-based solutions. RMI was established in 1982 and has grown into a broad-based institution with over 600 staff and an annual budget of $120+ million. RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) is an organization in the United States co-founded by Amory Lovins dedicated to research, publication, consulting, and lecturing in the field of sustainability, with a focus on profitable innovations for energy and resource efficiency.

Rocky mountain tanks