From an article by Ed Lowe in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
GREENVILLE — Town leaders are asking residents to discuss and debate how Greenville should try to preserve its land, natural resources and quality of life.
All town residents are invited to join the six-week discussion series that begins Jan. 7. However, those who take part are expected to buy and read a copy of a book that Town Chairman Randy Leiker says could serve as a guide for the future of this fast-growing town.
The two-hour Wednesday night discussion sessions will focus on sustainability concepts described in the book "The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns Can Change to Sustainable Practices."
The book, published in 2004, helped launch North America's growing eco- municipality movement. Participants in the book study circles are asked to purchase copies of the paperback and read assigned chapters before each discussion.
The book echoes some of the goals set forth in the town's new land-preserving conservation subdivision ordinance its proposed Smart Growth plan. . . .
Leslie Taylor of Appleton, a representative of the grassroots group Sustainable Fox Valley, said Natural Step study circles are forming in other Fox Cities communities, including Appleton and Grand Chute.
For more information on forming or joining Natural Step study circles, contact Taylor at 920-739-7307, or ltaylor@sustainfv.org.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Why Use a Rain Barrel?
Sustainable Green Bay answers the question:
Rain barrels capture and store free water that can be used in your yard, thereby lowering your water bills, particularly in the summer months. A rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months.
And provides a guide on making one.
Rain barrels capture and store free water that can be used in your yard, thereby lowering your water bills, particularly in the summer months. A rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months.
And provides a guide on making one.
Monday, December 29, 2008
De Pere council endorses sustainability principles
An article from the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
The City Council recently endorsed sustainability principles for the community as they apply to decision making, planning, policy making and municipal services.
City resident Fred Schnoock, a former mayor of Ashland, told the City Council he was part of a team that brought in the first eco-municipality in the country. Through sustainable practices, they were able to reduce overhead costs and increase federal and state funding, he said.
The council also adopted a similar resolution establishing a formal relationship with SEEDS – Social, Economic and Ecological Development, a group working to make the community more "green."
The City Council recently endorsed sustainability principles for the community as they apply to decision making, planning, policy making and municipal services.
City resident Fred Schnoock, a former mayor of Ashland, told the City Council he was part of a team that brought in the first eco-municipality in the country. Through sustainable practices, they were able to reduce overhead costs and increase federal and state funding, he said.
The council also adopted a similar resolution establishing a formal relationship with SEEDS – Social, Economic and Ecological Development, a group working to make the community more "green."
Friday, December 26, 2008
WPS completes deal for Iowa wind farm
An article by in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
GREEN BAY — Wisconsin Public Service Corp. has completed an agreement to purchase Crane Creek Wind Farm in Howard County, Iowa.
The 99-megawatt wind farm will be built by enXco, a California-based company, and turned over to WPS.
The agreement allows construction to begin. The 66 wind turbines will be operated by enXco Service Corp. for WPS.
The site is expected to be in operation in late December 2009. Wisconsin Public Service Corp., Green Bay, is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group of Chicago, and serves 420,000 customers across northern and central Wisconsin.
GREEN BAY — Wisconsin Public Service Corp. has completed an agreement to purchase Crane Creek Wind Farm in Howard County, Iowa.
The 99-megawatt wind farm will be built by enXco, a California-based company, and turned over to WPS.
The agreement allows construction to begin. The 66 wind turbines will be operated by enXco Service Corp. for WPS.
The site is expected to be in operation in late December 2009. Wisconsin Public Service Corp., Green Bay, is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group of Chicago, and serves 420,000 customers across northern and central Wisconsin.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Program on energy efficiency for businesses and local ngovernments, Jan. 6
An article from the Fond du Lac Reporter:
The UW-Extension Building Communities Sustainability series continues with a free presentation Tuesday, Jan. 6, on energy efficiency for businesses and local governments.
The program will be presented from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the UW-Extension offices, Room AE 205/206, at UW-Fond du Lac, 400 University Drive.
Don Wichert from Focus on Energy will discuss on-site renewable energy systems at government, business and school facilities, according to a UW-Extension press release.
He will describe how solar, wind, biomass and anaerobic digestion systems work and then review price, potential energy savings, how to know whether a site is appropriate, and what incentives are available to make feasibility studies and installation cost-effective.
Those attending can bring a lunch or purchase it in the university café. Beverages will be provided.
Each session is approved for Continuing Education credits from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association. RSVP is appreciated (920-929-3170).
The UW-Extension Building Communities Sustainability series continues with a free presentation Tuesday, Jan. 6, on energy efficiency for businesses and local governments.
The program will be presented from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the UW-Extension offices, Room AE 205/206, at UW-Fond du Lac, 400 University Drive.
Don Wichert from Focus on Energy will discuss on-site renewable energy systems at government, business and school facilities, according to a UW-Extension press release.
He will describe how solar, wind, biomass and anaerobic digestion systems work and then review price, potential energy savings, how to know whether a site is appropriate, and what incentives are available to make feasibility studies and installation cost-effective.
Those attending can bring a lunch or purchase it in the university café. Beverages will be provided.
Each session is approved for Continuing Education credits from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association. RSVP is appreciated (920-929-3170).
Monday, December 22, 2008
Town of Menasha installation to be Valley largest solar energy system
From an article by Michael King in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
TOWN OF MENASHA — George Dearborn believes the town will become a renewable energy leader by example with the installation of a large solar system next spring.
Dearborn, the town's community development director, said last week's action by the Town Board to award a $240,453 contract to Energize LLC, Winneconne, will give the town three large solar installations on the west side.
"We're anxious to make this happen," Dearborn said.
Energize owner Jim Funk said the 25.2-kilowatt system would be the largest in the Fox Cities and one of the largest solar installations north of Milwaukee.
Earlier this year, two town businesses, Neuroscience Group of Northeast Wisconsin and SCA Tissue, installed large solar energy systems on their rooftops.
TOWN OF MENASHA — George Dearborn believes the town will become a renewable energy leader by example with the installation of a large solar system next spring.
Dearborn, the town's community development director, said last week's action by the Town Board to award a $240,453 contract to Energize LLC, Winneconne, will give the town three large solar installations on the west side.
"We're anxious to make this happen," Dearborn said.
Energize owner Jim Funk said the 25.2-kilowatt system would be the largest in the Fox Cities and one of the largest solar installations north of Milwaukee.
Earlier this year, two town businesses, Neuroscience Group of Northeast Wisconsin and SCA Tissue, installed large solar energy systems on their rooftops.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wind power's windfall
From a story by Steve Prestegard in the Northeast Wisconsin Marketplace Magazine:
Like giant metal flowers, wind turbines are popping up all over the Northeast Wisconsin landscape.
The combination of geography, electric infrastructure and governmental and organizational emphasis is why the area between Lake Winnebago and the lower Fox River and Lake Michigan is seeing explosive growth in wind power projects, with more on the way.
“Fond du Lac County is the epicenter of wind power production in Wisconsin, no question about it,” says Michael Vickerman, executive director of Renew Wisconsin, a “clean energy” organization. “Calumet and Manitowoc counties are the two windiest counties in the state — within the Wind Belt, that is the windiest of the Wind Belt.”
While the projects meet state law that requires that electric utilities generate a certain percentage of their electricity from alternative sources, the benefits go beyond the utilities.
“These turbines not only generate kilowatts of electricity, but they’re pumping a lot of money into the economy, including rental payments to landowners and payments to towns and counties that’ll come in handy if there’s a shortfall in property tax revenues,” says Vickerman. “These jurisdictions will be able to weather a shortfall in property tax revenues better than municipalities without them.”
Where the wind blows
The majority of proposed wind projects in Northeast Wisconsin are between Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan, near the Niagara Escarpment. Wind speeds are higher in that area because, as wind blows from west to east up the Escarpment, air is concentrated and wind speeds increase.
Other projects are proposed closer to Lake Michigan, where the sun’s heating of the lake and nighttime cooling of the lake produces changes in atmospheric pressure that create wind from different directions depending on the time of day.
One of the larger projects is in the Town of Glenmore in Brown County. Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, LLC of Hubertus will install eight turbines on four properties to generate up to 20 megawatts of power in 2009.
“We’re excited to develop as much wind [power] as we can in Wisconsin,” says partner Bill Rakocy. “The sooner the work can happen, the sooner the benefits to the community.”
Like giant metal flowers, wind turbines are popping up all over the Northeast Wisconsin landscape.
The combination of geography, electric infrastructure and governmental and organizational emphasis is why the area between Lake Winnebago and the lower Fox River and Lake Michigan is seeing explosive growth in wind power projects, with more on the way.
“Fond du Lac County is the epicenter of wind power production in Wisconsin, no question about it,” says Michael Vickerman, executive director of Renew Wisconsin, a “clean energy” organization. “Calumet and Manitowoc counties are the two windiest counties in the state — within the Wind Belt, that is the windiest of the Wind Belt.”
While the projects meet state law that requires that electric utilities generate a certain percentage of their electricity from alternative sources, the benefits go beyond the utilities.
“These turbines not only generate kilowatts of electricity, but they’re pumping a lot of money into the economy, including rental payments to landowners and payments to towns and counties that’ll come in handy if there’s a shortfall in property tax revenues,” says Vickerman. “These jurisdictions will be able to weather a shortfall in property tax revenues better than municipalities without them.”
Where the wind blows
The majority of proposed wind projects in Northeast Wisconsin are between Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan, near the Niagara Escarpment. Wind speeds are higher in that area because, as wind blows from west to east up the Escarpment, air is concentrated and wind speeds increase.
Other projects are proposed closer to Lake Michigan, where the sun’s heating of the lake and nighttime cooling of the lake produces changes in atmospheric pressure that create wind from different directions depending on the time of day.
One of the larger projects is in the Town of Glenmore in Brown County. Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, LLC of Hubertus will install eight turbines on four properties to generate up to 20 megawatts of power in 2009.
“We’re excited to develop as much wind [power] as we can in Wisconsin,” says partner Bill Rakocy. “The sooner the work can happen, the sooner the benefits to the community.”
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Forward Wind sound levels below projections
Like an earlier sound study on Blue Sky Green Field, a September study on sound levels at the Forward Wind Energy Center found positive results, as reported to the Public Service Commission:
Forward Energy LLC owns and operates the Forward Wind Energy Center (FWEC), a nominal 129-megawatt power generation facility consisting of eighty-six (86) General Electric Model 1.5sle wind turbines located in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties, Wisconsin. As stipulated by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (WPSC) in their Final Decision for the project, (Docket No. 9300-CE-100, July 14, 2005) FWEC is required to measure post-construction noise levels within three months of commencing commercial operations. In May 2008, Michael Theriault Acoustics, Inc. (MTA) was retained by Forward Energy to perform these tests.
Noise tests were conducted in accordance with the WPSC’s "Measurement Protocol for Sound and Vibration Assessment of Proposed and Existing Electric Power Plants,” as modified by the Commission for wind turbine power projects. This report summarizes the test results and concludes that noise levels produced by the Facility, as well as noise impacts potentially generated during operations, were generally lower than originally presented in the project’s Certificate for Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) Application.
Forward Energy LLC owns and operates the Forward Wind Energy Center (FWEC), a nominal 129-megawatt power generation facility consisting of eighty-six (86) General Electric Model 1.5sle wind turbines located in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties, Wisconsin. As stipulated by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (WPSC) in their Final Decision for the project, (Docket No. 9300-CE-100, July 14, 2005) FWEC is required to measure post-construction noise levels within three months of commencing commercial operations. In May 2008, Michael Theriault Acoustics, Inc. (MTA) was retained by Forward Energy to perform these tests.
Noise tests were conducted in accordance with the WPSC’s "Measurement Protocol for Sound and Vibration Assessment of Proposed and Existing Electric Power Plants,” as modified by the Commission for wind turbine power projects. This report summarizes the test results and concludes that noise levels produced by the Facility, as well as noise impacts potentially generated during operations, were generally lower than originally presented in the project’s Certificate for Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) Application.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wind energy development could mean $1.1 billion for Wisconsin
From a report by the U.S. Department of Energy:
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America Program is committed to educating state-level policy makers and other stakeholders about the economic, CO2 emissions, and water conservation impacts of wind power. This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in Wisconsin. Although construction and operation of 1000 MW of wind power is a significant effort, six states have already reached the 1000-MW mark. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Wisconsin to be $1.1 billion, annual CO2 reductions are
estimated at 3.2 million tons, and annual water savings are 1,476 million gallons.
Building and operating 1000 MW of wind power requires a significant investment. But this investment will generate substantial direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits for Wisconsin. Direct benefits include jobs, land-lease payments, and increased tax revenues. Indirect benefits include benefits to businesses that support the wind farm. Induced benefits result from additional spending on goods and services in the area surrounding the development.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America Program is committed to educating state-level policy makers and other stakeholders about the economic, CO2 emissions, and water conservation impacts of wind power. This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in Wisconsin. Although construction and operation of 1000 MW of wind power is a significant effort, six states have already reached the 1000-MW mark. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Wisconsin to be $1.1 billion, annual CO2 reductions are
estimated at 3.2 million tons, and annual water savings are 1,476 million gallons.
Building and operating 1000 MW of wind power requires a significant investment. But this investment will generate substantial direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits for Wisconsin. Direct benefits include jobs, land-lease payments, and increased tax revenues. Indirect benefits include benefits to businesses that support the wind farm. Induced benefits result from additional spending on goods and services in the area surrounding the development.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Cedar Ridge wind farm goes online in Fond du Lac County
From a media release issued by Alliant Energy:
MADISON, WI - December 15, 2008 - Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), has begun commercial operation of Cedar Ridge Wind Farm, providing an additional 68 megawatts of emissions-free wind energy for its customers.
"This is an important day for Alliant Energy and our customers as we continue to strive to meet the increasing demand for green energy," said Bill Harvey, President and Chief Executive Officer for Alliant Energy. "The addition of Cedar Ridge to our renewable energy portfolio moves us further down the path to a greener energy future."
Cedar Ridge consists of 41 wind turbines spread out over 12.2 square miles in the townships of Eden and Empire in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. Its 68 megawatts are enough to power approximately 17,000 homes. After construction was completed this fall, tests were conducted by Alliant Energy and American Transmission Company (ATC) prior to beginning commercial operation.
"Our investment in Cedar Ridge helps us balance the need to provide affordable energy to our customers while at the same time making sure weüre utilizing new technologies to reduce our impact on the environment," said Barbara Swan, President WPL. "We are extremely grateful to the community leaders and residents of the Towns of Eden and Empire for their tremendous support throughout this process."
In the next 20 years, Cedar Ridge Wind Farm is expected to offset as much as 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide, 3,500 tons of nitrogen oxides, 6,000 tons of sulfur dioxides and 50 pounds of mercury. The carbon dioxide avoided is roughly the equivalent of taking 155,000 standard-size automobiles off the road each year.
WPL's commitment to the environment extends beyond the wind energy being generated at Cedar Ridge. The Administration Building is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certified. LEED is a performance-oriented rating system where building projects earn points for satisfying criteria designed to address specific environmental impacts inherent to the design, construction and
operation of the building.
MADISON, WI - December 15, 2008 - Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), has begun commercial operation of Cedar Ridge Wind Farm, providing an additional 68 megawatts of emissions-free wind energy for its customers.
"This is an important day for Alliant Energy and our customers as we continue to strive to meet the increasing demand for green energy," said Bill Harvey, President and Chief Executive Officer for Alliant Energy. "The addition of Cedar Ridge to our renewable energy portfolio moves us further down the path to a greener energy future."
Cedar Ridge consists of 41 wind turbines spread out over 12.2 square miles in the townships of Eden and Empire in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. Its 68 megawatts are enough to power approximately 17,000 homes. After construction was completed this fall, tests were conducted by Alliant Energy and American Transmission Company (ATC) prior to beginning commercial operation.
"Our investment in Cedar Ridge helps us balance the need to provide affordable energy to our customers while at the same time making sure weüre utilizing new technologies to reduce our impact on the environment," said Barbara Swan, President WPL. "We are extremely grateful to the community leaders and residents of the Towns of Eden and Empire for their tremendous support throughout this process."
In the next 20 years, Cedar Ridge Wind Farm is expected to offset as much as 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide, 3,500 tons of nitrogen oxides, 6,000 tons of sulfur dioxides and 50 pounds of mercury. The carbon dioxide avoided is roughly the equivalent of taking 155,000 standard-size automobiles off the road each year.
WPL's commitment to the environment extends beyond the wind energy being generated at Cedar Ridge. The Administration Building is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certified. LEED is a performance-oriented rating system where building projects earn points for satisfying criteria designed to address specific environmental impacts inherent to the design, construction and
operation of the building.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sustainable Green Bay gets new chairman
From a media release issued by Green Bay mayor:
Mayor Jim Schmitt announced today that former Bay Towel Inc. CEO and past Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Chair Paul Linzmeyer will formally replace Gary Delveaux of WPS and Ian Griffiths of Berners-Schober Architects as chair of the Mayor’s Sustainable Greater Green Bay (SGGB) Committee, beginning with tomorrow’s taskforce meeting. Linzmeyer currently serves as Sustainability Chair for the 18 county NEW North economic development organization, and returned to Wisconsin as President of the Green Bay-based Bay Towel, Inc. from 1994 through 2007 after successfully leading and transforming companies in San Francisco, Chicago and Denver. Delveaux and Griffiths had previously announced their intention to bring a transition to new leadership and will continue their active membership on the committee.
Mayor Jim Schmitt announced today that former Bay Towel Inc. CEO and past Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Chair Paul Linzmeyer will formally replace Gary Delveaux of WPS and Ian Griffiths of Berners-Schober Architects as chair of the Mayor’s Sustainable Greater Green Bay (SGGB) Committee, beginning with tomorrow’s taskforce meeting. Linzmeyer currently serves as Sustainability Chair for the 18 county NEW North economic development organization, and returned to Wisconsin as President of the Green Bay-based Bay Towel, Inc. from 1994 through 2007 after successfully leading and transforming companies in San Francisco, Chicago and Denver. Delveaux and Griffiths had previously announced their intention to bring a transition to new leadership and will continue their active membership on the committee.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Town of Greenville plan includes sustainability principles
An article from the Appleton Post Crescent:
GREENVILLE — The town's vision for the future will be presented to the public next week.
The Town of Greenville Comprehensive Steering Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Town Hall, W6860 Parkview Drive, to review the preliminary draft of the Town of Greenville 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and discuss the steps needed to adopt it.
The committee has been working with the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to prepare the plan, which sets forth a vision for the community, and provides guidance as to how the town can achieve it.
Greenville's plan incorporates sustainability principles into many of the recommendations within the plan.
For more information or to view the preliminary draft plan, visit www.east centralrpc.org/PlanGreenville.
GREENVILLE — The town's vision for the future will be presented to the public next week.
The Town of Greenville Comprehensive Steering Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Town Hall, W6860 Parkview Drive, to review the preliminary draft of the Town of Greenville 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and discuss the steps needed to adopt it.
The committee has been working with the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to prepare the plan, which sets forth a vision for the community, and provides guidance as to how the town can achieve it.
Greenville's plan incorporates sustainability principles into many of the recommendations within the plan.
For more information or to view the preliminary draft plan, visit www.east centralrpc.org/PlanGreenville.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
$2.5 million available in grants for Fuels for Schools and Communities
From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (Dec. 8, 2008) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced today the inception of a new renewable energy program called Fuels for Schools & Communities. The new program is meant to help Wisconsin schools and communities save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood or other biomass.
"Schools and local governments today are feeling squeezed by energy prices. This new program will allow interested school districts and local governments, especially in the north and southwest portions of the state, the ability to adopt biomass technology as a cost effective and environmentally responsible solution to increasing energy costs," said Don Wichert, director for Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program.
The new program offers interested schools and communities pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies at no cost and up to $250,000 toward the implementation of a biomass system. The program complements Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle's strategy to strengthen Wisconsin's energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency and improving the environment.
A recent study funded by Focus on Energy and conducted by the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), "Heating with Biomass: A Feasibility Study of Wisconsin Schools Heated with Wood," found that as many as 25 percent of Wisconsin schools could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood, or other biomass. Biomass, a renewable resource, typically consists of clean wood chips, wood pellets, switchgrass or other agricultural based pellets. This is a significant finding considering Wisconsin schools spend close to $200 million a year on energy costs.
The study concludes that the annual energy costs from wood biomass systems could be 29 percent to 57 percent less expensive than natural gas and save schools between $53,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on current fuel prices. The study included case studies from Barron, Hayward, Shell Lake and Rice Lake, Wis., high schools.
MADISON, Wis. (Dec. 8, 2008) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced today the inception of a new renewable energy program called Fuels for Schools & Communities. The new program is meant to help Wisconsin schools and communities save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood or other biomass.
"Schools and local governments today are feeling squeezed by energy prices. This new program will allow interested school districts and local governments, especially in the north and southwest portions of the state, the ability to adopt biomass technology as a cost effective and environmentally responsible solution to increasing energy costs," said Don Wichert, director for Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program.
The new program offers interested schools and communities pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies at no cost and up to $250,000 toward the implementation of a biomass system. The program complements Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle's strategy to strengthen Wisconsin's energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency and improving the environment.
A recent study funded by Focus on Energy and conducted by the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), "Heating with Biomass: A Feasibility Study of Wisconsin Schools Heated with Wood," found that as many as 25 percent of Wisconsin schools could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs by switching from natural gas to heating their buildings with wood, or other biomass. Biomass, a renewable resource, typically consists of clean wood chips, wood pellets, switchgrass or other agricultural based pellets. This is a significant finding considering Wisconsin schools spend close to $200 million a year on energy costs.
The study concludes that the annual energy costs from wood biomass systems could be 29 percent to 57 percent less expensive than natural gas and save schools between $53,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on current fuel prices. The study included case studies from Barron, Hayward, Shell Lake and Rice Lake, Wis., high schools.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Petri inspects alternative cars
A media release issued by Rep. Tom Petri:
WASHINGTON - With Detroit auto executives in town seeking a loan from the government, General Motors thought it would be a good time to display new technology next to the Capitol Building. Rep. Tom Petri took the opportunity to inspect experimental hydrogen-powered vehicles and to learn about the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in electric-gasoline hybrid which GM has scheduled for commercial production in Nov. 2010.
Greg Cesiel, GM's Program Director for the Volt and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Program, told Petri that the Volt drives 40 miles before depleting its battery, at which point a gasoline motor kicks in.
"And almost 80 percent of the people in this country drive less than 40 miles a day on a daily commute, which means they would drive every day using no petroleum, no emissions, and be able to just charge at home to be able to fuel the vehicle," he said.
Cesiel said that electricity from the grid can power a car for 2 cents per mile while gasoline in a conventional vehicle can cost 12 cents per mile.
"One of the keys to energy independence and to controlling the cost of energy is to use off-peak power," Petri noted. "If we can plug in our cars at night and then run them during the day, we won't even need new generating capacity. We can use what we already have."
WASHINGTON - With Detroit auto executives in town seeking a loan from the government, General Motors thought it would be a good time to display new technology next to the Capitol Building. Rep. Tom Petri took the opportunity to inspect experimental hydrogen-powered vehicles and to learn about the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in electric-gasoline hybrid which GM has scheduled for commercial production in Nov. 2010.
Greg Cesiel, GM's Program Director for the Volt and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Program, told Petri that the Volt drives 40 miles before depleting its battery, at which point a gasoline motor kicks in.
"And almost 80 percent of the people in this country drive less than 40 miles a day on a daily commute, which means they would drive every day using no petroleum, no emissions, and be able to just charge at home to be able to fuel the vehicle," he said.
Cesiel said that electricity from the grid can power a car for 2 cents per mile while gasoline in a conventional vehicle can cost 12 cents per mile.
"One of the keys to energy independence and to controlling the cost of energy is to use off-peak power," Petri noted. "If we can plug in our cars at night and then run them during the day, we won't even need new generating capacity. We can use what we already have."
Friday, December 5, 2008
Utility gives green power customers certified assurance
From a media release issued by Wisconsin Public Power Incorporated:
WPPI has been awarded Green-e Energy certification by the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) for WPPI’s renewable energy programs, including Green Power for Business and its companion program for residential customers.
Green-e Energy is a renewable energy certification program established by the nonprofit CRS to provide an objective standard for consumers to compare renewable energy options.
Both programs enable customers to make voluntary purchases of renewable energy from WPPI member utilities. By purchasing WPPI renewable electricity, customers will support currently available renewable resources as well as aid the development of new renewable resources.
WPPI serves the utilities in the following Wisconsin cities: Algoma, Black River Falls, Boscobel, Brodhead, Cedarburg, Columbus, Cuba City, Eagle River, Evansville, Florence, Hartford, Hustisford, Jefferson, Juneau, Kaukauna, Lake Mills, Lodi, Menasha, Mount Horeb, Muscoda, New Glarus, New Holstein, New London, New Richmond, Oconomowoc, Oconto Falls, Plymouth, Prairie du Sac, Reedsburg, Richland Center, River Falls, Slinger, Stoughton, Sturgeon Bay, Sun Prairie, Two Rivers, Waterloo, Waunakee, Waupun, Westby, Whitehall.
WPPI has been awarded Green-e Energy certification by the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) for WPPI’s renewable energy programs, including Green Power for Business and its companion program for residential customers.
Green-e Energy is a renewable energy certification program established by the nonprofit CRS to provide an objective standard for consumers to compare renewable energy options.
Both programs enable customers to make voluntary purchases of renewable energy from WPPI member utilities. By purchasing WPPI renewable electricity, customers will support currently available renewable resources as well as aid the development of new renewable resources.
WPPI serves the utilities in the following Wisconsin cities: Algoma, Black River Falls, Boscobel, Brodhead, Cedarburg, Columbus, Cuba City, Eagle River, Evansville, Florence, Hartford, Hustisford, Jefferson, Juneau, Kaukauna, Lake Mills, Lodi, Menasha, Mount Horeb, Muscoda, New Glarus, New Holstein, New London, New Richmond, Oconomowoc, Oconto Falls, Plymouth, Prairie du Sac, Reedsburg, Richland Center, River Falls, Slinger, Stoughton, Sturgeon Bay, Sun Prairie, Two Rivers, Waterloo, Waunakee, Waupun, Westby, Whitehall.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Groups launch Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign
From a media release issued at a press conference in Green Bay:
For More Information Contact:
Adrienne Joseph or Sue Beitlich
715-723-5561/715-379-2712 or 608-769-7625
wfuadriennej@charterinternet.com or wfusueb@charter.net
WFU and partners announce launch of
Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign
Madison, Wis. (December 3, 2008) – Wisconsin Farmers Union officials gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol today to announce the launch of the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign. WFU and its campaign partners laid out four state policy initiatives that will address the challenge of global climate change.
“The Wisconsin agriculture and forestry industries are essential to expanding a renewable energy economy in our state,” said Sue Beitlich, WFU president. “Renewable energy will help us to achieve greater energy and economic security, create new jobs, strengthen agricultural markets and reduce carbon emissions.”
Building on Gov. Jim Doyle’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand renewable energy, and the recommendations of his Global Warming Task Force, WFU along with Clean Wisconsin, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and RENEW Wisconsin, have developed a campaign to support the following initiatives to expand energy and heat production from biomass:
• Create the Biomass Energy Crop Reserve Program, establishing 10-year contracts to pay landowners in exchange for planting bioenergy crops that are energy efficient and preserve natural resources.
• Expand Renewable Fuels for Schools and Communities by setting up funding sources for those who would like to purchase equipment for biomass systems that replace fossil fuel and save tens of thousands of dollars in fuel savings.
• Launch a Renewable Energy Buyback Program that will fairly compensate small-scale renewable energy producers who generate renewable electricity (biomass, solar, wind and hydro).
• Encourage the establishment of a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard to reduce carbon intensity of transportation fuels.
For More Information Contact:
Adrienne Joseph or Sue Beitlich
715-723-5561/715-379-2712 or 608-769-7625
wfuadriennej@charterinternet.com or wfusueb@charter.net
Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign
Madison, Wis. (December 3, 2008) – Wisconsin Farmers Union officials gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol today to announce the launch of the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign. WFU and its campaign partners laid out four state policy initiatives that will address the challenge of global climate change.
“The Wisconsin agriculture and forestry industries are essential to expanding a renewable energy economy in our state,” said Sue Beitlich, WFU president. “Renewable energy will help us to achieve greater energy and economic security, create new jobs, strengthen agricultural markets and reduce carbon emissions.”
Building on Gov. Jim Doyle’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand renewable energy, and the recommendations of his Global Warming Task Force, WFU along with Clean Wisconsin, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and RENEW Wisconsin, have developed a campaign to support the following initiatives to expand energy and heat production from biomass:
• Create the Biomass Energy Crop Reserve Program, establishing 10-year contracts to pay landowners in exchange for planting bioenergy crops that are energy efficient and preserve natural resources.
• Expand Renewable Fuels for Schools and Communities by setting up funding sources for those who would like to purchase equipment for biomass systems that replace fossil fuel and save tens of thousands of dollars in fuel savings.
• Launch a Renewable Energy Buyback Program that will fairly compensate small-scale renewable energy producers who generate renewable electricity (biomass, solar, wind and hydro).
• Encourage the establishment of a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard to reduce carbon intensity of transportation fuels.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Local laws leave wind farms out to pasture
From an article by Sean Ryan and Paul Snyder in The Daily Reporter:
Lawmakers will rally again for statewide regulations on wind farm development in the upcoming legislative session, and, if the standards pass, local regulation could be a thing of the past.
“We will push for the (Public Service Commission of Wisconsin) to create uniform standards and regulation of wind energy for all projects,” said Curt Pawlisch, an attorney with Cullen Weston Pines & Bach LLP, Madison. Pawlisch is revising wind farm standards that failed to get out of legislative committees last session.
“I wouldn’t say local regulations would be for naught,” he said, “but the PSC would determine what works and what doesn’t.”
And that could mean the state getting final say on any wind project.
For some, it’s encouraging news. Mike Donahue, executive vice president of Midwest Wind Energy in Chicago said statewide rules would help Wisconsin attract more wind farm projects because clarity and consistency in law is the key.
“In Wisconsin, (laws) vary so wildly,” Donahue said. “Oftentimes, they will change on you in the middle of the development process.”
And with the state scrambling to reach its goal of obtaining 25 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2025, state officials are increasingly wary of local obstacles.
Wisconsin’s biggest competitors for wind farm projects are Iowa and Minnesota, both of which have statewide rules and permitting systems, Donahue said. Localized control of wind farm legislation in Wisconsin puts the state at a competitive disadvantage, he said.
“That’s sort of the great irony of Wisconsin,” he said. “You have an excellent state policy framework that supports wind energy development, but you don’t necessarily have that kind of support at the local government (level).”
Lawmakers will rally again for statewide regulations on wind farm development in the upcoming legislative session, and, if the standards pass, local regulation could be a thing of the past.
“We will push for the (Public Service Commission of Wisconsin) to create uniform standards and regulation of wind energy for all projects,” said Curt Pawlisch, an attorney with Cullen Weston Pines & Bach LLP, Madison. Pawlisch is revising wind farm standards that failed to get out of legislative committees last session.
“I wouldn’t say local regulations would be for naught,” he said, “but the PSC would determine what works and what doesn’t.”
And that could mean the state getting final say on any wind project.
For some, it’s encouraging news. Mike Donahue, executive vice president of Midwest Wind Energy in Chicago said statewide rules would help Wisconsin attract more wind farm projects because clarity and consistency in law is the key.
“In Wisconsin, (laws) vary so wildly,” Donahue said. “Oftentimes, they will change on you in the middle of the development process.”
And with the state scrambling to reach its goal of obtaining 25 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2025, state officials are increasingly wary of local obstacles.
Wisconsin’s biggest competitors for wind farm projects are Iowa and Minnesota, both of which have statewide rules and permitting systems, Donahue said. Localized control of wind farm legislation in Wisconsin puts the state at a competitive disadvantage, he said.
“That’s sort of the great irony of Wisconsin,” he said. “You have an excellent state policy framework that supports wind energy development, but you don’t necessarily have that kind of support at the local government (level).”
Monday, December 1, 2008
Green Online Holiday Auction
From the online auction site of Wisconsin Partners for Sustainability:
The Green Online Holiday Auction helps Wisconsin Partners for Sustainability support local, independently-owned businesses and educational outreach year round, not only for the communities where we live and work but for our fellow global citizens.
Auction items range from business-to-business services to vacation getaways (Bed & Breakfasts!) and a wide variety of gift certificates for food, home improvement services, health and garden products, and much more.
According to the organization's mission statement:
We recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of society, our environment and the economy, and the need to live in balance with nature. As an organization, we are committed to applying the principles of sustainability to our work and our lives. As such, we, the Wisconsin Partners for SustainAbility, are committed to facilitating Wisconsin's leadership on the local, state and national levels.
The Green Online Holiday Auction helps Wisconsin Partners for Sustainability support local, independently-owned businesses and educational outreach year round, not only for the communities where we live and work but for our fellow global citizens.
Auction items range from business-to-business services to vacation getaways (Bed & Breakfasts!) and a wide variety of gift certificates for food, home improvement services, health and garden products, and much more.
According to the organization's mission statement:
We recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of society, our environment and the economy, and the need to live in balance with nature. As an organization, we are committed to applying the principles of sustainability to our work and our lives. As such, we, the Wisconsin Partners for SustainAbility, are committed to facilitating Wisconsin's leadership on the local, state and national levels.
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