Video celebrates 10th anniversary of Kewaunee County wind farm

From a news release issued by Madison Gas and Electric:

MADISON, Wis. - (Business Wire) Wisconsin's first large-scale wind farm began producing clean, renewable electric power 10 years ago today in Kewaunee County. The 17-turbine, 11.22-megawatt facility built and owned by Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is located near Rosiere. Since 1999, the facility has produced over 215,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, enough power to supply 3,000 homes annually.

The facility was built in direct response to MGE customers who wanted to purchase green energy for their homes and businesses. The wind farm's generating capacity available for green energy sales was sold out in less than four months. Over the last 10 years, MGE has increased its wind energy portfolio by 12 times as strong customer support for renewable energy continues. MGE customers have one of the highest participation rates nationally in green energy programming offered by investor-owned utilities.

"We are grateful to the landowners and communities that support this project," said Lynn Hobbie, MGE senior vice president. "We also thank the customers who have made our green pricing program so successful."

"In 10 years, wind generation has completed the transition from boutique energy to bulk power," said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin. "Early commitments to wind power from utilities like MGE helped make that happen and were instrumental to that industry's subsequent growth and maturation."

At the time, MGE's Rosiere facility was the largest wind farm in the Eastern United States. Today the wind farm is one of nine commercial facilities in Wisconsin. Wind-generating capacity in Wisconsin totals nearly 450 megawatts.

Pride Alive Five Run/Walk--July 11th--Green Bay

From the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters (WLCV):

Pride Alive Five Run/Walk--July 11th--Green Bay

Here’s a great way to help the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute and get some exercise at the same time!

The 1st annual Pride Alive Five Run/Walk will be taking place on Saturday, July 11th as part of this year’s expanded Pride Alive Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender celebration. Participants are able to direct a portion of their registration fee to one, two or three worthy causes, including WLCVI. So the more runners and walkers we can get out, the more funds will be raised to protect natural resources.

The 5k Run/2-Mile Walk begins at 9:30 Saturday morning, beginning and ending at Joannes Park, 1430 Baird Street, Green Bay, WI.

Registration is $20, or participants can still get the early registration amount of $16 by using the form located in the June 11th issue of Quest Magazine. (www.quest-online.com)

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each male and female division. All participants will receive a goodie bag filled with prizes, including a Pride Alive Five t-shirt, while supplies last.

So join WLCVI on Saturday, July 11th at Joannes Park for some fresh air for a good cause! More information can be found at www.newpride.org or by calling 920-471-3260.

King Corn film showing, July 1, 2009, Appleton

King Corn
Film Showing
July 1, 2009
6:30 PM
Bubolz Nature Center
4815 N. Lynndale Drive (CtyA)
Appleton

Two college graduates grow an acre of corn in Iowa where their families have their roots. In the process they uncover the devastating impact that the corn agribusiness is having on the environment, public health and family farm.

EPA, DOT, HUD set six principles for sustainability

From an article on Environmental Protection Online:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan have teamed up to help improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Testifying together at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing chaired by U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, LaHood, Donovan, and Jackson outlined the six guiding "livability principles" they will use to coordinate federal transportation, environmental protection, and housing investments at their respective agencies.

LaHood said, "Creating livable communities will result in improved quality of life for all Americans and create a more efficient and more accessible transportation network that services the needs of individual communities. Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects and programs will help America's neighborhoods become safer, healthier and more vibrant."

Donovan added, "These principles mean that we will all be working off the same playbook to formulate and implement policies and programs. For the first time, the federal government will speak with one voice on housing, environmental, and transportation policy."

The six livability principles are:

+ Provide more transportation choices. Develop safe, reliable and economical transportation choices to decrease household transportation costs, reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote public health.
+ Promote equitable, affordable housing. Expand location- and energy-efficient housing choices for people of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities to increase mobility and lower the combined cost of housing and transportation.
+ Enhance economic competitiveness. Improve economic competitiveness through reliable and timely access to employment centers, educational opportunities, services, and other basic needs by workers as well as expanded business access to markets.
+ Support existing communities. Target federal funding toward existing communities—through such strategies as transit-oriented, mixed-use development and land recycling—to increase community revitalization, improve the efficiency of public works investments, and safeguard rural landscapes.
+ Coordinate policies and leverage investment. Align federal policies and funding to remove barriers to collaboration, leverage funding, and increase the accountability and effectiveness of all levels of government to plan for future growth, including making smart energy choices such as locally generated renewable energy.
+ Value communities and neighborhoods. Enhance the unique characteristics of all communities by investing in healthy, safe and walkable neighborhoods—rural, urban, or suburban.

Oshkosh vision survey show preferences for green, downtown development

From an article by Amie Jo Schaenzer of The Northwestern (Oshkosh):

Results from a citywide visioning survey presented Monday evening during a public meeting are meant to pave the way for Oshkosh’s future, said consultant Tony Nelessen, of A. Nelessen Associates.

Nelessen, who conducted the survey, said other cities have overwhelmingly adopted results his firm has suggested and hopes to see Oshkosh do the same. The final draft of the survey should be available Friday.

“We did the same sort of survey in Milwaukee nine years ago and 80 percent of those results are now in place there,” said Nelessen in an interview following the packed meeting held at the Oshkosh Convention Center, 2 N. Main St.

So if that’s the case for Oshkosh, what lies ahead? Results showed that the overwhelming majority of the 2,321 people that participated in the survey wanted to see Oshkosh further utilize its waterfront, create a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere, adopt initiatives that promote healthy choices for residents and pursue sustainability efforts.

Nelessen laid out priorities the city should take hold of first. Some of those include: having the city council adopt his vision plan as a non-binding resolution, completing construction of a walkway along the Fox River and adopting a sustainability action plan that includes an extensive tree-planting program.

He also pointed to Oshkosh’s poor infrastructure as one reason why the city’s image suffered. He said the survey showed people wanted narrower streets with wider sidewalks, landscaping and decorative lighting and bike paths.

Appleton stimulus aid will boost energy conservation

From an article by Steve Wideman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON — The city should see its first influx of federal economic stimulus money this coming week.

City grants administrator Sarah Higgins said $689,800 from a grant fund is expected to be used in energy conservation projects.

"We are looking to upgrade energy systems at the city level that will ultimately lower property taxes," Higgins said.

The grant is part of $3.5 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds headed to Appleton in the coming months and at least $49.8 million in stimulus funds earmarked for Outagamie County, according to information released by the Wisconsin Recovery and Reinvestment office.

Higgins said the $689,8000 in energy funds will be used for projects to cut energy costs, including placing mechanical and electrical devices in city-owned buildings that will shut off lights and power down heating and air conditioning system when no one is using the building.

"We hope the city will lead (energy conservation efforts) by example," Higgins said.

Solar power heats up in Town of Menasha

From an article by Michael King in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

TOWN OF MENASHA — The largest solar installation in the Fox Cities is about to start converting sunshine to electricity.

Four large solar arrays recently installed on the west side of the town's municipal complex at 2000 Municipal Drive are expected to harness the sunshine and generate 28-kilowatts of power.

"It's the largest (solar display) in the Fox Cities and probably one of the largest north of Milwaukee," said Jim Funk of Energize LLC, Winneconne, the firm awarded the low bid of $240,453 for the project. He estimated the payback at 14 to 15 years.

"It's money you're going to send to the utility anyway," said Funk. "It's like you're buying 15 to 20 years of electrical energy upfront."

The town's net cost was projected to be $95,588 after grants are figured in. Funk said the town is taking advantage of financial incentives from Focus on Energy, We Energies' solar incentive and We Energies' direct incentive grant for nonprofits and local governments. The life expectancy of the modules, according to Focus on Energy, is 30 to 50 years.

Greening Your Life: A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainability

MENASHA, Wis. – Green Scene & Heard and Heckrodt Wetland Reserve will host a free seminar on greening your life on Thursday, June 25, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Heckrodt Nature Center, 1305 Plank Road, Menasha.

The program will feature an overview of how anyone can bring a level of sustainable activity into their daily lives. Presenting the session is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Accredited Professional, Amanda Saylor, Interior Designer at Hoffman LLC of Appleton. Learn what “sustainability” means as well as basic concepts in living “green”.

Other area "green" experts and businesses will be available from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to answer questions and showcase "green" products. Vendors include Just Act Natural, Kindred Spirit Organics, The Mom & Pop Place, and Globally Sound.

The program will also include a drawing for "green" door prizes and the
Save the Earth challenge.

This presentation is sponsored by Hoffman LLC and SCA.

Wind siting bill passes major legislative hurdle with strong bipartisan support

From a news release issued by Clean Wisconsin:

Madison, Wis. – Wisconsin could soon see greater growth in the promising wind energy industry after the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities passed Assembly Bill 256 today, a bipartisan bill that would encourage growth in the clean energy industry by replacing a chaotic patchwork of local regulations with sensible statewide standards for permitting safe wind farms.

“Wind energy holds the potential to address many of the greatest problems facing our state –it can clean our environment and reduce global warming pollution while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and creating jobs for hard working Wisconsinites,” said Amber Meyer Smith, program director at Clean Wisconsin the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. “With so much to gain, we’re extremely encouraged that the legislature seems poised to eliminate administrative barriers holding up the development of this promising infant industry.”

As other industries struggled in poor economic times and cut workers, the wind energy industry grew immensely in 2008 – increasing its national workforce by 70 percent to over 85,000 workers. Unfortunately, while wind developers stand ready to invest in Wisconsin’s economy and put Wisconsinites to work building safe wind farms, a complicated system of over-stringent local regulations currently puts our state at a disadvantage to neighboring states, holding up more than an estimated 500 megawatts of wind farm development in the state.

Assembly bill 256 would charge the Wisconsin Public Service Commission with studying and determining safe permitting standards for wind farms, then replacing the current disorganized system that discourages the growth of the wind energy industry with sensible statewide standards.

Two Rivers approves ordinance on small wind-energy systems

From an article by Cindy Hodgson in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:

TWO RIVERS — After a public hearing at which only one person spoke, the Two Rivers City Council on Monday evening approved a new ordinance regulating small wind energy systems. The vote was 8-0 with Mark Matthews absent, according to City Manager Greg Buckley.

The ordinance repeals and replaces a previous wind-energy ordinance. It specifically addresses small wind-energy systems, which are those used primarily to provide power for the property on which they are located and that have a rated capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts per turbine generator.

One provision of the new ordinance is that it allows people to purchase noise easements. Essentially, if their wind turbine is making more noise than the ordinance allows, they can negotiate with their neighbors to buy the right for their turbines to produce the additional noise, according to Buckley.

Small wind-energy systems may be permitted, with a conditional use permit, in industrial, conservancy or institutional/ public facilities districts. They may not be taller than 170 feet and they must be set back a distance of at least 110 percent of their total height from property lines, road rights-of-way and communication and electrical lines.

"This ordinance is meant to encourage the use of such wind turbines, while maintaining reasonable protections for nearby property owners," Buckley said via e-mail.

The Plan Commission will discuss large-scale, commercial wind turbines at its July meeting, according to Buckley.

Wind siting reform and local control

From Wind for Wisconsin:

SB 185/AB 256 would direct the PSC to establish statewide siting standards for wind energy projects. Projects fewer than 100 MW in size would still be reviewed and approved by a local unit of government after the rules are adopted.

+ The status quo is the only approach to wind siting that would leave local control completely unchanged. The status quo has stalled over 600 MW of potential wind projects forfeiting thousands of Wisconsin jobs and millions of investment dollars.
+ The bill draft requires the PSC to establish an advisory committee of diverse interests to advise the Commission on the rules. Representatives from local units of government will be part of that advisory committee.
+ In 2006 the WTA passed a resolution at its annual convention entitled “Uniform Standards for Public Health or Safety of Wind Energy Systems.” The resolution called for uniform standards, and was the impetus for wind siting reform legislation.
+ The bill draft from the previous legislative session was negotiated with the Wisconsin Counties Association and the Wisconsin Towns Association. The WTA was in favor of wind siting reform last session while the WCA was neutral.1 The bill draft for the current legislative session is substantively similar.
+ An amendment from the Wisconsin Realtors Association (supported by Wind for Wisconsin) allows local governments to deny a project application if a project would be sited in an area that has been primarily designated for future residential or commercial development.2
+ Under SB 185/AB 256, local units of government would maintain their central role in the regulatory process for wind energy systems. Applications for wind energy projects under 100 MW in size would still be subject to review and approval at the local level.

Local governments would be responsible for enforcing permit standards. Local governments would maintain control over their roads including restoration requirements and regulating driveway use (access roads).

In the coming weeks, the state Legislature will have a chance to make it easier for clean energy creating wind turbines to proliferate in Wisconsin…Critics likely will charge that the bill is an attack on local control. However, it still lets local governments make wind-siting decisions, and allows those who disagree with them to appeal to the PSC and the courts.3
-Eau Claire Leader-Telegram

References
1 The WTA has registered in opposition in 2009. The WCA has remained neutral.
2 Maps adopted under s. 66.1001(2)(b) on or before June 1, 2009.
3 http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-opinions.asp?id=BJP8BE09JFU

World's largest energy fair held in central Wis. begins this weekend

From the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:

The world’s largest and longest-running energy fair is being held in central Wisconsin.

Midwest Renewable Energy Association is holding its 20th annual Energy Fair next Friday through Sunday at the ReNew the Earth Institute in Custer.

It feature hundreds of workshops and exhibits emphasizing clean energy and sustainable living.

General admission for the fair is $15 each day or $35 for all three days.

A major sponsor is Madison-based Focus on Energy. It works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency projects.

Outagamie recycling program in the dumps

From an article in the Appleton Post-Crescent by Susan Squires:

APPLETON — Outagamie County could lose $579,763 on its new recycling plant during the first full year it operates, and the entire county recycling program may post a $1.4 million deficit in 2010.

"Something has to be done," Finance Director Ed Czaja told the county's finance committee Tuesday.

That "something" will probably entail passing at least some of the projected deficit on to cities, villages and towns through increased residential tipping fees.

The county now charges $24 a ton for dumping garbage and $4 for processing recycling. Covering the entire projected deficit would add $20 a ton, which Czaja said he doesn't plan to propose. Nevertheless, he said, the county needs to find a way to break even. He said he would suggest specific alternatives after further analysis.

Of the projected deficit, $579,763 is the county's estimated loss for operating its share of the new $9.9 million processing plant it owns with Brown and Winnebago counties.

The plant, which will allow residents to combine everything they recycle in one container, is running on a test basis, and should open officially by July 1. It is the largest publicly owned recycling plant in Wisconsin.

The county had planned to cover construction and interest costs with proceeds from selling recycled materials, but the market for used paper, glass, tin and aluminum has tumbled from an average of more than $88 per ton between 2003 and 2007 to $40 a ton today.

TR moves toward becoming an Energy Independent Community

From an article by Cindy Hodgson in the Manitowoc Hearld Times Reporter:

TWO RIVERS — City Council members passed a resolution Monday evening that will result in the city being designated an Energy Independent Community, giving it a better chance at environmental block grant funding.

The council voted 7-2, with Brian Powell and Mike Panosh voting no, to approve a resolution indicating the city's support of the state's "25x25 Goals."

While there are other specific components, essentially the state's goal is to generate 25 percent of its electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025, said Tom Bushman, electric utility director with Two Rivers Water & Light.

Passing the resolution is one of three steps needed to become an Energy Independent Community with a one-star rating, the lowest of three levels. The other requirements are to post on the Two Rivers Water & Light Web site information about the city's efforts toward energy independence and include a link to the Office of Energy Independence Web site, and conduct three community events related to energy independence.

Iowa economy and workers benefit from Wisconsin's renewable commitment

From an article by Sara Daehn in the Cresco Times-Plain Dealer:

Cresco, Iowa - Construction is underway on a 99-megawatt wind farm near Riceville.

The Crane Creek Wind Project will consist of 66 GE 1.5 megawatt wind turbines and is expected to generate electricity to provide for the energy needs of approximately 27,000 homes serviced by investor-owned electric and natural gas utility Wisconsin Public Service, who will take over ownership of the project upon completion.

About 50-60 construction workers began working at the site of the Crane Creek Wind Project, located at 9895 Fir Ave. in rural Riceville, on April 13. So far, crews have been busy mobilizing the construction site, pouring foundations for each turbine and creating access roads.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin wind site development stands still because of local opposition to wind siting. In other words, local opposition hasn't stopped Wisconsin utilities from developing and electricity customers from using wind-generated electricity. The opposition just hands the jobs to workers in Iowa and Minnesota.

Spotlight shines on Ashwaubenon School District's energy record

From an article by Sara Boyd in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

ASHWAUBENON — The Ashwaubenon School District was recognized . . . as the 100th district across the state that agreed to improve energy efficiency by at least 10 percent as part of a program promoted by Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton.

Districts participating in the Energy Star Schools Challenge also agree to measure and track the energy performance of their facilities, develop an energy-saving plan and educate staff and area residents about energy efficiency.

"At a time of tight budgets, finding additional ways to conserve energy and save money for taxpayers could not be more important," said David Schmidt, Ashwaubenon School District superintendent.

Mike Beno, Ashwaubenon High School's building and grounds coordinator, pointed to a number of efforts the school has done to achieve a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption since 2003, including a computerized energy management program that controls the heating and cooling for four of the five schools in the district.

"The students have actually become some of our greatest advocates of this program," he said. "It's amazing how quickly they catch on and how quickly they get to lead the program."

We're not on board with train travel

From an editorial in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

If gas prices tripled and quadrupled, train travel might make sense.

If traffic and congestion were stifling, train travel might make sense.

If we could easily get to wherever we wanted to go after getting off a train, train travel might make sense.

If trains were fast enough to overcome all their other inconveniences, train travel might make sense.

If we somehow no longer cared about the freedom to drive wherever and whenever we wanted to, train travel might make sense.

Do you get where we're headed here?

A group of passenger rail advocates called NEWRails seeks to re-establish passenger rail service between Milwaukee and Green Bay by 2011. It suggests that Amtrak establish a pilot route, with stops in Appleton, Neenah and Menasha.

Travelers going to Milwaukee could connect with other trains going to Chicago. The train would travel as fast as 79 mph, using the current Canadian National tracks.

Proponents say that, if enough people ride the train, it'll be an overall fuel-saver. The project would cost $125 million, expected to come from federal funds, to upgrade the tracks and signals.

As noble as the effort is, we're extremely skeptical about its chances for success in today's times. It's just too easy, convenient and cheap for people to drive. The train would be less easy, less convenient and less cheap. That's a deal-breaker.

Advocates push for passenger rail route through Fox Valley

From an article by Steve Wideman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON — Local passenger rail advocates want Amtrak to establish an experimental passenger train route between Chicago and Green Bay.

Bringing passenger trains back to the Fox Valley would connect this area to the world economy and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of travelers, said a spokesman for NEWRails, a group dedicated to renewing passenger rail service after a 39-year absence.

"We could transport people from here and get them connected to Chicago, one of the biggest economic engines in the country and the world. That's an incredibly powerful thing to have," said Paul Linzmeyer, president of NEWRails and a founder of New North, an economic development consortium of 18 northeastern Wisconsin counties.

The last passenger train traveled through the Fox Valley on April 30, 1971.

"What if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics? If we had a passenger rail system in northeast Wisconsin we could be a part of that whole venue," Linzmeyer said.

NEWRails leaders brought their rail travel wish list to Appleton last week, including a plan to convince state transportation leaders to ask federal officials to approve an experimental Amtrak route on existing Canadian National Railway tracks with local stops in Appleton, Neenah and Menasha, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.

ECOS-FV meets June 4

The next meeting of ECOS-Fox Valley will be held
Thursday, June 4th , at 6 PM
Company E room of Menasha Library

Your participation will enhance what ECOS can accomplish.
As always, this meeting is free and open to the public!

Agenda:
1) Report on our assigned activities from our May meeting

a) Roger – Program listings and networking ideas, Report from Ed Blume

b) Catherine--Networking ideas

c) Connie – Communications report on e-mail, library program needs, MREA car-pool

d) Sadie – Website advertising options

e) Cindy – Rail transit meeting report

2) Listen to reports from member activities in related community groups

3) Continue our discussion regarding how to better implement our networking and communication efforts on sustainability here in the Valley.

4) Develop plans for our August meeting

5) Establish plans that we can ask members to support and volunteer for

6) Be open to any new ideas that our members wish to discuss

Wind Energy = Wisconsin Investment

A legislative fact sheet on wind siting reform from Wind for Wisconsin features comments of Jerry Murhpy, executive director of The New North, 501(c)3 corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout Northeast Wisconsin:

SB 185/AB 256 as drafted will signal the growing wind industry that Wisconsin is open for business, making our state more competitive in attracting investment capital. Please support SB 185/AB 256 to help secure Wisconsin’s economic future.

+ 1,000 MW of new wind development in Wisconsin would create over 3,000 new jobs and provide $1.1 billion in economic benefit.
+ Wisconsin ranks fourth among states in terms of potential job gain, and fifth nationally for potential investment.2 The 396 MW of wind energy installed in Wisconsin in 2008-09 will contribute nearly $3 million a year to local economies.
+ Municipalities and counties hosting wind facilities can receive $2,000 per megawatt of capacity per year under the state utility credit (subject to per capita limits) and an additional $2,000 per megawatt of capacity per year because wind facilities produce renewable energy (not subject to per capita limits).3 A 100 megawatt wind facility would contribute up to $400,000 per year in property tax relief.
+ The New North, Inc. is a regional collaboration effort focused on promoting regional cooperation and economic development in an 18-county region in Northeast Wisconsin.

“This [American Wind Energy Association] report illustrates the economic growth opportunities that exist in the wind energy industry for the New North…this emerging industry is developing rapidly and we’re well-positioned as a region to take dvantage of it.”

“We’re excited about the growth potential this industry has, as well as the potential impact it has on job growth and expansion in our region.”
-Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of New North