Students to rally for high speed rail

From a news release issued by WISPIRG:

While many students head home, start their summer jobs, or begin long vacations, some students in the WISPIRG Student Chapters are hitting the road in support of high speed rail. Forty students will travel next week from Green Bay to Milwaukee to Madison to La Crosse over four days to show support for Wisconsin’s proposed high speed rail route.

President Obama seeks to connect our cities in “priority corridors” (including the Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison-Twin Cities route) with high speed rail. Congress this year passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will spend $8 billion for high speed rail on projects that have not yet been determined. Governor Doyle and WISDOT Secretary Busalacchi are advocating to bring high speed rail to Wisconsin; they are seeking Recovery funds to connect Madison and Milwaukee with intercity rail as part of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, a nine-state project that would connect over 100 Midwestern cities and link the region’s major economic centers. Doing so will give us more transportation choices, alternatives to lengthy airport delays, and reduced dependence on oil, while helping to rebuild our economy. Wisconsin would especially benefit because it is perfectly situated in the corridor connecting Chicago to the Twin Cities.

Enthusiasm for the project among students and other young people is infectious. At most stops students are planning a short bike route through each town to the location of the media event. WISPIRG students will wear matching t-shirts and carry a giant map of the proposed train route. Events will also include a human-powered train with many people, much like a Chinese dragon costume.

Come join us to show support for bringing high speed rail to Wisconsin!

Monday, May 25
10am Green Bay - National Railroad Museum
1pm Appleton - Houdini Plaza, downtown Appleton
3pm Oshkosh - Opera House Square

Tuesday, May 26
10am Milwaukee - Downtown Transit Center
1pm Brookfield - Town Hall
3pm Oconomowoc - Maxims, 115 E. Collins St.

A few hundred visitors toured We Energies' Blue Sky Green Fields wind farm near Johnsburg in Foc du Lac County. RENEW Wisconsin, Focus on Energy, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, along with We Energies, set up displays in the registration tent.

Wisconsin Public Service partners with Google in effort to understand energy usage

From a news release issued by Wisconsin Public Service:

Green Bay, WI – Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), Google and eight utility companies around the globe have recently joined forces to test a software tool that allows customers to view their home electricity use online. Google PowerMeter will enable a limited number of users to access detailed information about their power consumption through a secure Google gadget that displays data on a personalized iGoogle homepage.

Fifty WPS electric customers, (mostly WPS employees and their families) are testing Google PowerMeter on their iGoogle homepage. "This pilot isn't about watching your electric meter; it's about understanding how you use energy, how to conserve, and how you save money," stated Barb Nick, Senior Vice-President – Energy Delivery & Customer Services for WPS. "By seeing their electric consumption on the Google gadget, pilot customers will understand their energy patterns. The theory is you can change what you can measure. Since electricity is "invisible" the gadget is a way for customers to literally see their use. Our hope is that customers make more informed choices about conservation and energy efficiency. That is good for their pocketbooks and good for the environment."

"Comprehensive Energy information can help people make smarter choices about how they use electricity," said Ed Lu, lead engineer for Google PowerMeter. "We are excited to work with WPS to test the potential of this software."

Open house and tour of We Energies wind farm, May 20

A view of the Blue Sky Green Fields wind farm from the project's operations center.

An announcement from We Energies:

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Blue Sky Green Field Office
N9470 County Highway W
Malone, WI 53049

Tours will be given approximately every 30 minutes. Please stop by at your convenience during the tour hours listed above. No reservations required. The turbine is located a short walking distance from the parking area. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on a graveled surface.

The Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center, located in the towns of Calumet and Marshfield in northeast Fond du Lac County, is designed to generate 145 megawatts (MW) of electricity, and is capable of powering approximately 36,000 average residential homes. The site consists of 88 wind turbines.

Construction of the project began in June 2007. On May 19, 2008, Blue Sky Green Field was placed into commercial operation. We invite you to visit our facility and learn more about wind energy.

If you have any questions, call 920-980-3224.

Northeast Wisconsin economy could grow substantially with clean energy solutions

A participant at the Green Bay event creatively expresses her opinion on clean energy.

From the blog of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters:

Green Bay , Wis- Business, education, faith, farm, and environmental interests met with local residents at Heritage Hills State Historical Park in Green Bay last night to highlight how clean energy initiatives can help the region overcome the economic recession.

“With its robust manufacturing and agricultural history, vast natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit, northeastern Wisconsin is ideally suited to benefit from a transition into a clean energy economy,” said Ryan Schryver, clean energy advocate at Clean Wisconsin.

David Jungbluth of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 158 agrees, “The production, construction and maintenance of clean energy technology as well as investment in energy efficiency holds the potential to employ thousands of residents in northeastern Wisconsin .”

With no gas, coal, or oil reserves of its own, Wisconsin residents send over $21 billion annually to import energy resources. According to panelists, various policies such as energy efficiency incentives, growth in renewable resources, and a cap and trade system will help keep some of that money within the state to invest in our communities.

“By transitioning toward a clean energy economy, we can keep billions of dollars right here in Wisconsin instead of sending it out of state,” said Schryver. “That would provide a major economic stimulus for our state.”

The discussion over the economic benefits of clean energy solutions comes as state leaders prepare to draft legislation to implement the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force recommendations finalized by a broad spectrum of stakeholders last year.

“With strong legislation and a commitment to developing a clean energy economy, northeast Wisconsin could become a leader in the research, production and manufacturing of clean energy solutions,” said Schryver. “Beyond cleaning our environment and reducing the threat of global warming, investment in clean energy will provide much-needed relief in these tough economic times.”

Alliant Energy offers free, online business efficiency check up

From the site for Alliant's Business Efficiency Check Up:

Have you ever wondered how energy-efficient your business is? Alliant Energy's Business Efficiency Check Up can help!

This free interactive, online tool will help you find where your energy is going and how you can cut energy costs throughout your facility.

- Efficiency Fast Track: Identify energy-saving opportunities and get started on them - fast!
- Detailed Analysis: Make an in-depth energy assessment to get detailed recommendations and project assistance specifically for your business.
- My Benchmark: Compare your energy use to see how you stack up against the competition.
- Case Studies: View quick tips and examples of how similar businesses save energy.

After you've completed your check up, you can return at any time to review, track and evaluate the projects you've selected for your facility.

Green Bay legislator testifies in support of bill to reform wind siting process

State Rep. James Soletski (left), Green Bay, waits to testify as State Senator Jeff Plale (right) testifies on May 12 in support of identical companion bills (Senate Bill 185 and Assembly Bill 256) that they co-authored. The bills direct the Public Service Commission to begin a process to set state-wide uniform standards for wind project permitting.

From an article by Paul Snyder in The Daily Reporter:

In addition to missing out on an estimated $3.5 million of economic opportunity for each wind turbine not built in Wisconsin, the state also is missing out on new energy without uniform standards.

“We’re looking at about 600 megawatts of stalled energy right now,” said R.J. Pirlot, director of legislative relations for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

State Sen. Jeff Plale, D-South Milwaukee, author of the statewide wind farm siting bill and chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy and Rail said the inactivity is disappointing.

“That’s a lot of missed opportunity,” he said. “And it’s a sad commentary for this state when we’re out there saying we want more renewable energy.”

RENEW Wisconsin's executive director Michael Vickerman also testified.

LTC offering Green Energy Systems course

From a news release issued by Lakeshore Technical College:

LTC will offer "Planning and Incorporating Energy Efficient Systems" on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. beginning May 26 and ending June 25. The course is the first in an ongoing series aimed at converting a camping trailer into a mobile clean energy demonstration platform.

During this hands-on course, participants will examine LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, design potential products and systems that gain points toward LEED certification, plan the green trailer remodel project, remove existing materials, and re-install energy efficient building materials.

The course is open to the public and will be taught by a LEED certified project designer and an experienced carpenter who has worked with energy efficient building systems for many years. The class will meet in the Ag & Apprenticeship Building on the LTC Cleveland campus.

The fee for the 10-session class is $105.40. Register by calling 920.693.1366. Ask for catalog number 41035.

Strong Clean Energy Economy Forum, May 14, Green Bay

From a post on the blog of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters:

You can’t turn on the television or the radio without hearing something about climate change!

In fact, people ask questions about global warming all the time: What is Wisconsin doing to address the issue? How is it affecting us locally in Northeast Wisconsin? What is already happening here in the area? And what do we stand to gain by tackling this issue now?

All great questions! Join us for a great event on May 14th for some answers!

Strong Clean Energy Economy Forum
Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 pm
Heritage Hill State Historical Park
2640 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay, WI 54301

Please let us know if you plan to attend. *RSVP HERE*

Speakers include:
+ Rick Adamski, Owner of Full Circle Farms
+ Brother Steve Herro, O. Praem,, Chair–St. Norber Abbey Justice and Peace Ministry and Social Concerns Director of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
+ David Jungbluth, Business Development Director for IBEW Local 158 (invited)
+ Paul Linzmeyer, Co-founder and Partner of Innovative Sustainability for Organizations International LLC
+ Ryan Schryver, Clean Energy Advocate, Clean Wisconsin
+ Dan Waibel, President of Asset Management for Orion

RENEW Wisconsin's spring newsletter now online

The spring edition of RENEW's newsletter includes the following articles:

Legislature to Tackle Wind Permitting
The Importance of Doing the Math
Stimulus Package 101
Policy Drives Solar Hot Water Market
PSC Investigates Renewable Tariffs
Open Letter from RENEW President
Calendar

Northeast Wisconsin represented at national wind power event

The New North, an economic development organization for northeastern Wisconsin, encouraged wind-industry manafacturers at WindPower2009 to locate in the counties served by New North.

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Midwestern governors on Tuesday endorsed a national renewable energy standard that they said would stimulate creation of more manufacturing jobs in the Midwest.

A poll conducted for the American Wind Energy Association and released at the association's annual conference in Chicago found that voters back a national mandate to require 25% of the nation's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025.

The poll, which has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points, found bipartisan support for the renewable power standard, said Denise Bode, the association's chief executive, with 86% of Democrats, 71% of independents and 62% of Republicans backing 25% renewable power by 2025.

Bode and four Midwestern governors spoke on a conference call on the opening day of the wind industry's annual conference, which takes place as Congress debates energy legislation that includes a renewable energy mandate and measures aimed at boosting the nation's transmission grid.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle pointed to the creation of jobs in Wisconsin Rapids, a town hit hard by cutbacks in the paper industry, with the expansion of Energy Composites Corp., a supplier to the wind industry.

"Initially they're hiring 400 people and hope to be going to 1,000 people that will be building blades" for wind turbines, Doyle said.

Wind power development is expanding in Wisconsin and across the Midwest, and states hit hard by cuts in the manufacturing sector need to look at options other than the traditional industries such as automobile assembly, said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Let's Get Green Together!

An invitation from Tracey Koenig, executive director, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Nature Center:

Date: Saturday May 16, 2009 (Rain or shine)
Time: Noon – 4 PM
Where: Heckrodt Wetland Reserve Nature Center, 1305 Plank Rd, Menasha
Fee: FREE!

For more information: (920)720-9349 or see our website at www.heckrodtwetland.com

Join us for an afternoon of family hands-on fun as we explore the world of green and sustainability. Exhibitors providing exploration include:

Green Scene and Heard (recycled papermaking), Valley Transit (check out the bus!), Wild Ones Natural Landscapers (native plants in rain gardens), Elemental Services (biodegradable dinnerware and worm composting), Winnebago County Recycling (what recycles?), Valley Homebuilders (greening your home), Mia Bella Candles (Save the Honeybees), Christopher Rock, Eagle Scout Candidate (Rain Garden Habitats), Kevin Stadler, Americorps Connects (invasive plants), Passport to Nature (summer fun!). Plus calculate your carbon footprint and take part in the Compost Relay.

Visit all the exhibits and get a prize! Bring your old batteries, cell phones, Ipods and MP3 players, digital cameras, printer ink cartridges for recyling. No large electronics or computers please!.

Participate in the Wetland Waddle! You sponsor a rubber duck and cheer as they race down Lopas Channel in hopes yours will be the winner. Prizes for the first three places. Sponsorships are $5/duck. Proceeds benefit HWR educational programming. Duck race begins at 2:30 PM.

Door County Silent Sports Alliance to Host Bike Summit

A news release from the Door County Silent Sports Alliance:

Date: Thursday, May 14 2009
Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Location: City of Sturgeon Bay City Hall Community Room
421 Michigan Street
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin – In an effort to promote and encourage bicycling for recreational and commuting purposes, the DCSSA proudly hosts its first Bike Summit on May 14th, 2009.

Improvements to the county’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are economic development investments which would allow for more visitors and residents to access amenities and the natural beauty of the county using alternative modes of transportation. Our goal is to prepare Door County to take full advantage of available funding opportunities in order to make the county more bicycle-friendly.

DCSSA continues to advocate for bicycling improvements throughout the county. This forum will present some of the accomplishments of DCSSA related to bicycling and discuss opportunities for increased community involvement. In addition, Reed Dunbar and Sarah Gaskell, bicycle and pedestrian planners from Schreiber/Anderson Associates, will discuss current efforts to improve bicycle infrastructure and bicyclist safety within the State of Wisconsin.

Attendees will be encouraged to provide input about existing riding conditions, preferred destinations, and other advocacy or planning efforts necessary to improve conditions for bicycling in Door County.

The success of a bicycle friendly community relies on local support and participation.

To find out how you can get involved, please contact:
Bob Dickson at rdickson@itol.com 920/868-3458 or
Paul Anschutz at panschutz@itol.com 920/743-6331

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Door County Silent Sports Alliance, Inc. mission is to promote and enhance participation in the silent sports in Door County, including running, bicycling, XC skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and paddling. These sports contribute to a healthy & active lifestyle, and promote community involvement & preservation of our public land and water.This is accomplished through youth programs, advocacy, education, partnerships with other groups, and event sponsorship, and is largely funded by member and public donations and grant funding."

ECOS-Fox Valley sets meeting, May 7

This spring has been an incredibly active for ECOS.

Activities included the following presentations:
+ Sustainability Boards of the City and Town of Menasha
+ Valley Transit
+ Wild Ones
+ Two members facilitated The Natural Step book study at Heckrodt Nature Preserve.

It is now time for us to sit down and discuss the plans for ECOS activity for the rest of the coming year!

The May Open Discussion meeting of ECOS-FV will be held:
Date: May 7th
Time: 6 to 8 PM
Place: Menasha Library (located on the corner of 1st and Racine Streets in Menasha)
Room: Activity Room, lower level

This Meeting is Free and Open to the Public

We will be meeting to:

1) Reflect on the results of the programs and meetings that we developed this spring
2) Develop the program and networking plans that we wish to mutually develop and work on this summer and fall
3) Evaluate how we can improve and expand on our communication (web-site and e-mail) efforts
4) Discuss any open topics of interest to the membership

Come and share your ideas with the group! We hope to see you there!

Renewable energy education and training opportunities in Wisconsin

Focus on Energy provides links to renewable energy training courses -- professional development, technical colleges, and universities.

Regional transit authority for Fox Cities gets state budget panel OK

From a story by Scott Bauer in The Capital Times:

The Legislature's budget committee on Friday approved a plan to use a mixture of higher sales taxes and car rental fees to pay for high-speed rail and other transit projects in the two most populated parts of the state.

The measures, part of the two-year state budget, must pass the full Legislature and be approved by Doyle before it becomes law.

In Dane County, a half-cent sales tax could be imposed to pay for commuter rail and other transit projects.

In Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties up to $16 could be charged on car rentals to pay for a commuter rail line connecting the three southeastern Wisconsin cities. A new board created to oversee the rail line's construction also could levy $50 million in bonds to help pay for it. The project has been discussed for years but always stalled over ways to pay for it.

Also, Milwaukee County would be allowed to impose a 1 percent sales tax to pay for a countywide regional transit authority. The $132 million raised each year would pay for transit, parks, cultural and emergency medical services. Fifteen percent would go to the city of Milwaukee.

On a 9-7 vote, the committee voted against Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to create a regional transit authority in the Fox Cities to help pay for the existing regional bus system using up to half a cent sales tax. . . .

Commuter rail supporters include environmentalists, business groups, organized labor and local governments, and organizations representing the disabled and elderly. They supported commuter rail to ease congestion, create jobs and spur economic development.