An announcement from Focus on Energy:
Now more than ever, customers of Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) have the tools and resources available to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and small businesses, reduce energy costs and generate new, clean energy from renewable resources. Recently, WPS partnered with Focus on Energy to offer several exciting and new energy efficiency and renewable energy programs throughout their service territory in Wisconsin.
Intrigued? Click on the links to learn more about how you, as a customer of WPS, can boost your potential for saving energy and money. Special offers will begin to roll out in October 2009, with additional information provided here as each new program is made available. Funding is provided through a rate agreement between Wisconsin Public Service and the Citizens Utility Board, with approval from Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR – get increased incentives when you install multiple recommended measures at once! Ask your consultant for more information.
Multi-family buildings – complete a site assessment of your property and you could be eligible for multiple energy-saving measures.
Renewable Energy Projects – earn increased incentives if you're a nonprofit, if you're installing large renewable energy projects, or if you're installing a commercial solar space-heating project.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Report on Sustainability Action Summit
ECOS Fox Valley in conjunction with the many of the sustainability groups in the Fox Valley area held a sustainability Summit on October 22 from 6pm -9pm at Heckrodt Nature Reserve in Menasha, WI. Thirty two representatives from area sustainability committees and organizations (see Appendix A) heard an opening presentation by Kevin Crawford, Orion Energy Systems and former mayor of the city of Manitowoc, WI on his experience in developing sustainable communities. This presentation was followed by a “World Café” dialogue process led by Linda Stoll and Margie Weiss. Two questions were addressed in the discussion.
1. How can organizations and committees working on sustainability issues improve communications between the groups as well as with the citizens of the Fox Valley?
2. How can these groups provide support for each other on new and existing projects?
Continued
1. How can organizations and committees working on sustainability issues improve communications between the groups as well as with the citizens of the Fox Valley?
2. How can these groups provide support for each other on new and existing projects?
Continued
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Doyle announces $500,000 for communities to plan for clean energy future
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:
MADISON – Governor Doyle announced today that $500,000 in funds from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program are available to communities working toward energy independence. The grants are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will help communities create a plan to reach the Governor’s “25x25” goal of generating 25 percent of the state’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.
“Local communities are critical leaders in the state’s efforts to work toward energy independence,” Governor Doyle said. “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants will build on local leadership and invest in a clean energy future that will clean our air and water, create jobs, and save money for our citizens.”
The “25x25” Plan will help Energy Independent Communities understand their community’s overall energy consumption and create a plan to address opportunities in energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
The Wisconsin Energy Independent (EI) Community Partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle’s plan to move Wisconsin toward energy independence. The partnership includes counties, cities, villages, towns, tribes, and schools in the state that have committed to Governor Doyle’s “25x25” challenge. Currently, there are over 100 EI Communities, with 10 EI Pilots working on the inaugural “25x25” Plan.
Governor Doyle and the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence encourage communities to apply for the “25x25” Plan Grant. Communities that join the EI Community Partnership before the December 15, 2009 deadline are eligible to apply. To access the application go to: http://energyindependence.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=18164&locid=160
MADISON – Governor Doyle announced today that $500,000 in funds from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program are available to communities working toward energy independence. The grants are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will help communities create a plan to reach the Governor’s “25x25” goal of generating 25 percent of the state’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.
“Local communities are critical leaders in the state’s efforts to work toward energy independence,” Governor Doyle said. “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants will build on local leadership and invest in a clean energy future that will clean our air and water, create jobs, and save money for our citizens.”
The “25x25” Plan will help Energy Independent Communities understand their community’s overall energy consumption and create a plan to address opportunities in energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
The Wisconsin Energy Independent (EI) Community Partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Clean Energy Wisconsin, Governor Doyle’s plan to move Wisconsin toward energy independence. The partnership includes counties, cities, villages, towns, tribes, and schools in the state that have committed to Governor Doyle’s “25x25” challenge. Currently, there are over 100 EI Communities, with 10 EI Pilots working on the inaugural “25x25” Plan.
Governor Doyle and the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence encourage communities to apply for the “25x25” Plan Grant. Communities that join the EI Community Partnership before the December 15, 2009 deadline are eligible to apply. To access the application go to: http://energyindependence.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=18164&locid=160
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Renewable energy policies would benefit farmers
From a column by Margaret Krome in The Capital Times:
President Obama toured renewable energy research facilities recently at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He wanted to drive home the point that homegrown, low-carbon energy sources and energy conservation strategies are crucial to steer the planet toward a safer climate and the nation toward greater energy security. In addition, policy based on renewable energy and conservation creates jobs.
The president could just as well have toured Wisconsin to make his point. Wisconsin's researchers are forging ahead on many fronts, such as ways to grow biomass crops in a sustainable manner; economically viable processes to convert biomass into transportation fuels; and the siting, processing, and transportation protocols associated with using biomass for heat and power. Given the state's large biomass capacity in forests and crops like switchgrass, researchers are making an investment in the state's future.
But more is happening. The Legislature will soon consider recommendations from the Governor's Global Warming Task Force, some of which offer opportunities for new jobs across the state, in small towns as well as cities. Inevitably, vested interests always fight even obviously necessary change. So it should surprise nobody when coal companies and others who depend on fossil fuels mount campaigns to oppose renewable energy policies. But many objections are borne of fear and misinformation.
For example, some farm groups express concerns about the low carbon fuel standard, a policy that is actually likely to benefit Wisconsin's farmers. This policy uses a market mechanism to require fuel providers to reduce the total carbon content of fuels sold in the state. Rather than deprive farmers of fuels currently available, it would diversify farmers' fuel options and reduce volatility. And because the state does not produce fossil fuels but does produce biomass-based energy, this policy plays to the state's agricultural strengths.
Another policy being considered that supports farmers and rural communities as well as municipalities is the renewable energy buyback program. To meet demand for renewable energy, Wisconsin needs many people to become small-scale renewable energy producers. Some have already done so by installing wind turbines, methane digesters, or solar panels and selling the extra energy back into the grid. But the amount these small-scale producers get paid varies greatly, often making that energy unprofitable to produce.
President Obama toured renewable energy research facilities recently at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He wanted to drive home the point that homegrown, low-carbon energy sources and energy conservation strategies are crucial to steer the planet toward a safer climate and the nation toward greater energy security. In addition, policy based on renewable energy and conservation creates jobs.
The president could just as well have toured Wisconsin to make his point. Wisconsin's researchers are forging ahead on many fronts, such as ways to grow biomass crops in a sustainable manner; economically viable processes to convert biomass into transportation fuels; and the siting, processing, and transportation protocols associated with using biomass for heat and power. Given the state's large biomass capacity in forests and crops like switchgrass, researchers are making an investment in the state's future.
But more is happening. The Legislature will soon consider recommendations from the Governor's Global Warming Task Force, some of which offer opportunities for new jobs across the state, in small towns as well as cities. Inevitably, vested interests always fight even obviously necessary change. So it should surprise nobody when coal companies and others who depend on fossil fuels mount campaigns to oppose renewable energy policies. But many objections are borne of fear and misinformation.
For example, some farm groups express concerns about the low carbon fuel standard, a policy that is actually likely to benefit Wisconsin's farmers. This policy uses a market mechanism to require fuel providers to reduce the total carbon content of fuels sold in the state. Rather than deprive farmers of fuels currently available, it would diversify farmers' fuel options and reduce volatility. And because the state does not produce fossil fuels but does produce biomass-based energy, this policy plays to the state's agricultural strengths.
Another policy being considered that supports farmers and rural communities as well as municipalities is the renewable energy buyback program. To meet demand for renewable energy, Wisconsin needs many people to become small-scale renewable energy producers. Some have already done so by installing wind turbines, methane digesters, or solar panels and selling the extra energy back into the grid. But the amount these small-scale producers get paid varies greatly, often making that energy unprofitable to produce.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Brown Co. joins state partnership for clean energy
From an article by Mike Mhoeft in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Brown County is among 100 communities in the state that have joined the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership, Gov. Jim Doyle said.
The communities have pledged to work toward Doyle's goal of generating 25 percent of the state's electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.
Brown County will host the final presentation of the so-called 25x25 E1 pilot plan Dec. 17 at the Neville Public Museum of Brown County in Green Bay.
The partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Doyle's plan to move Wisconsin toward energy independence. The plan details strategies to move Wisconsin forward to promote renewable energy, create new jobs, increase energy security and improve the environment.
Brown County is among 100 communities in the state that have joined the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership, Gov. Jim Doyle said.
The communities have pledged to work toward Doyle's goal of generating 25 percent of the state's electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.
Brown County will host the final presentation of the so-called 25x25 E1 pilot plan Dec. 17 at the Neville Public Museum of Brown County in Green Bay.
The partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Doyle's plan to move Wisconsin toward energy independence. The plan details strategies to move Wisconsin forward to promote renewable energy, create new jobs, increase energy security and improve the environment.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Experts rip anti-wind arguments
Even though the quotes below from pre-filed statements take the form of rebuttal testimony in the PSC proceedings on We Energies Glacier Hills Wind Park, they can stand on their own. You need not read the filings they rebut in order to make sense out of what they're saying.
The pre-filed testimony stands among the strongest redupiation of anti-wind arguments.
These filings will be formally entered into the record when the technical hearings begin on November 2nd, but they (and all other filings) are available online at the Web site of the Public Service Commission and link directlyi to case 6630-CE-302.
Richard Larkin, a state certified real estate appraiser, rebuts a “study” of property values paid for by the Coaliton for Wisconsin Environmental Stewardship (CWESt), a group opposing the Glacier Hills project:
William Roberts, PhD in Epidemiology, former faculty member with the Medical College of Wisconsin (Dept. of Preventative Medicine), former Oklahoma State Epidemiologist dissects Dr. Nina Pierpont's "research" and rebuts CWESt's acoustical consultant. He summarized his testimony as follows:
Geoff Leventhall, acoustical consultant, PhD in acoustics, presented testimony to rebut CWESt's acoustical consultant.
The pre-filed testimony stands among the strongest redupiation of anti-wind arguments.
These filings will be formally entered into the record when the technical hearings begin on November 2nd, but they (and all other filings) are available online at the Web site of the Public Service Commission and link directlyi to case 6630-CE-302.
Richard Larkin, a state certified real estate appraiser, rebuts a “study” of property values paid for by the Coaliton for Wisconsin Environmental Stewardship (CWESt), a group opposing the Glacier Hills project:
I am responding to testimony submitted by Kurt Kielisch on behalf of CWESt, in 1 which he claims that paired sales analyses at the Blue Sky Green Field and Forward wind projects shows that proximity to wind turbines results in a significant negative impact on residential real estate values. There are significant (and probably fatal) problems with his analysis, which I will explain in my testimony. . . .Read all of Larkin’s testimony here.
. . .it is my opinion that Appraisal One’s Wind Turbine Impact Study is significantly flawed, and in my opinion, likely meaningless.
William Roberts, PhD in Epidemiology, former faculty member with the Medical College of Wisconsin (Dept. of Preventative Medicine), former Oklahoma State Epidemiologist dissects Dr. Nina Pierpont's "research" and rebuts CWESt's acoustical consultant. He summarized his testimony as follows:
+ “Wind Turbine Syndrome” is not a medical diagnosis supported by peer reviewed, published, scientific literature;Read all of Roberts’ testimony here.
+ The materials presented to support “Wind Turbine Syndrome” are not of sufficient scientific quality nor have they received the rigorous scientific review and vetting that is customarily part of the peer review and publishing process;
+ The tried and true scientific method of developing a hypothesis, testing that hypothesis, publishing the results and having others attempt to repeat the research has not been done to test the existence of a health condition called “Wind Turbine Syndrome;”
+ An accumulation of anecdotal interviews with self-selected persons living near a wind turbine does not constitute an epidemiological study and is not sufficient to determine causation;
+ The bases for claimed adverse health effects due to wind turbines cited by Mr. James either cannot withstand scientific scrutiny or have nothing to do with wind turbines; and
+ Siting a wind turbine within view of a residence and the operation of that turbine could be a source of annoyance to those living in the residence.
Geoff Leventhall, acoustical consultant, PhD in acoustics, presented testimony to rebut CWESt's acoustical consultant.
Based on my experience of infrasound and low frequency noise, it is my belief that the infrasound from wind turbines is of no consequence. Attempts to claim that illnesses result from inaudible wind turbine noise do not stand up to simple analyses of the very low forces and pressures produced by the sound from wind turbines. Additionally, the body is full of sound and vibration at infrasonic and low frequencies, originating in natural body processes. As an example, the beating heart is an obvious source of infrasound within the body. Other sources of background low frequency noise and vibration are blood flows, muscle vibrations, breathing, fluids in the gut and so on. The result is that any effect from wind turbine noise, or any other low level of noise, which might be produced within the body is “lost” in the existing background noise and vibration. This is considered in more detail in my Appraisal of Wind Turbine Syndrome, which is submitted as Exhibit 18.Read all of Leventhall’s testimony here.
More broadly, my testimony establishes that the claims of health effects from the low levels of infrasound and low frequency noise from wind turbines, as described in the Wind Turbine Syndrome and Vibroacoustic Disease hypotheses, fail. However, higher frequency noise from wind turbines, if it is audible, can cause disturbance to some residents, but this effect is no different from that of noise from another source.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
State continues to rank among leaders in energy efficiency
From an article by Larry Bivins in The Northwestern (Oshkosh):
WASHINGTON — Wisconsin has lost a little ground in energy efficiency, but it still ranks among the top states, according to a new report released Wednesday.
The Badger State fell from ninth to 11th on a 2009 scorecard compiled by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The group rated states' energy policies and programs in six categories — utilities and public benefits; transportation; building energy codes; combined heat and power; government initiatives; and appliance efficiency standards.
Wisconsin totaled 24 out of a possible 50 points. The national average was 17. Wisconsin's best showing was in combined heat and power, on which it scored four out of five total points. Its worst showing was on appliance efficiency standard, where it scored zero.
The state's slippage in the rankings was more a result of other states having made substantial improvements rather than Wisconsin not doing as much as it had in the past, said Maggie Eldridge, the ACEEE report's lead author. Maine, for example, moved from 19th to the 10th spot.
Wisconsin, she said, has "a very long and strong track record of offering energy efficiency programs."
Dan Kohler, director of Wisconsin Environment, said while the state has a good ratepayer-funded energy efficiency program, it could do a lot more. He said his organization has called on the state to require a 2 percent reduction in energy use per year and to use federal money to retrofit homes and businesses.
WASHINGTON — Wisconsin has lost a little ground in energy efficiency, but it still ranks among the top states, according to a new report released Wednesday.
The Badger State fell from ninth to 11th on a 2009 scorecard compiled by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The group rated states' energy policies and programs in six categories — utilities and public benefits; transportation; building energy codes; combined heat and power; government initiatives; and appliance efficiency standards.
Wisconsin totaled 24 out of a possible 50 points. The national average was 17. Wisconsin's best showing was in combined heat and power, on which it scored four out of five total points. Its worst showing was on appliance efficiency standard, where it scored zero.
The state's slippage in the rankings was more a result of other states having made substantial improvements rather than Wisconsin not doing as much as it had in the past, said Maggie Eldridge, the ACEEE report's lead author. Maine, for example, moved from 19th to the 10th spot.
Wisconsin, she said, has "a very long and strong track record of offering energy efficiency programs."
Dan Kohler, director of Wisconsin Environment, said while the state has a good ratepayer-funded energy efficiency program, it could do a lot more. He said his organization has called on the state to require a 2 percent reduction in energy use per year and to use federal money to retrofit homes and businesses.
Sustainability Action Summit
Activity Report
10-22-2009
Introduction
ECOS Fox Valley in conjunction with the many of the sustainability groups in the Fox Valley area held a sustainability Summit on October 22 from 6pm -9pm at Heckrodt Nature Reserve in Menasha, WI. Thirty two representatives from area sustainability committees and organizations (see Appendix A) heard an opening presentation by Kevin Crawford, Orion Energy Systems and former mayor of the city of Manitowoc, WI on his experience in developing sustainable communities. This presentation was followed by a “World Café” dialogue process led by Linda Stoll and Margie Weiss. Two questions were addressed in the discussion.
1. How can organizations and committees working on sustainability issues improve communications between the groups as well as with the citizens of the Fox Valley?
2. How can these groups provide support for each other on new and existing projects?
Communications
(See Appendix B for raw data)
WEBSITE
One of the items mentioned at all tables to be a pressing need was a “one-stop or super website” for the Fox Valley. This site should contain links to or pages for each Fox Valley municipality’s (city, village, town, county) sustainability efforts, any business or industry sustainability page open to the public as well as any NGO working on sustainability issues. These individual pages should include: list of actions completed, documentation of money saved and some type of regular report of activity. Contact information for each group would be helpful. The educational system – K-12/university – should be tied into this as well.
In addition, attendees would also like this website to contain:
• a common activity calendar to include meetings and events
• directory of “greens” in government
• list of Wisconsin eco-municipalities
• a reference section with links to additional sustainability information and websites
Discussion was held on who should host this site. ECOS-FV and Sustain FV have websites but no paid staff to maintain them. While volunteers could theoretically maintain this website, it was thought that it would take a paid staff person to keep the type of site people envisioned up-to-date and fully functional. East Central Regional Planning Commission might be able to help with this and should be explored as an alternate host. It was emphasized that in order for this website to be of value, it’s existence would have to be widely publicized and listed on all sustainability information created in the Fox Valley as well as displayed at all valley events. Someone suggested putting it on a bumper sticker. To reduce staff hours, it was hoped that groups could update the calendar with their activities as well as any individual home pages held on the site.
OUTREACH
Linked with the master Website was the need for additional ways to send information to people as well as hear back from individuals. The goal should be to involve as many people as possible in the area on a regular basis in sustainability issues and actions. Whatever methods were used, a tutorial should be created to maximize use and participation. Opportunity should also be provided for people to find partners and share ideas. The goal should be to make it simple for people to get in touch and stay in touch.
Participants at the Summit suggested the use of additional electronic media linked to the regional website to communicate with each other and area residents. Social media sites such as Face Book, Twitter and Linked In were given as examples. Blogs and Wikis should be used to create dialogue opportunities on various topics. Listserves could provide targeted information and a monthly e-newsletter could keep people “in the loop”. It was noted that not everyone has e-mail and there might still be a need to mail hardcopy letters to some.
Other ideas mentioned were to put information and ads in existing community newsletters, produce joint radio and TV ads, provide articles to the press (after educating them on the importance of the topic so they will print the information) and to create some neat T-shirts to sell to raise awareness and money to help pay for communications. Several people expressed a need to create a list of people who could serve as the “voice of sustainability” in the FV so media would know who to contact when they wanted information. This would create consistency in the message.
REGIONAL COUNCIL
It was suggested that the Fox Valley Regional Sustainability Council be created consisting of representatives from each community sustainability board, business and industry committees, education and NGOs working on sustainability issues. This council should meet quarterly to work on issues that needed to be addressed on a regional basis. A suggested topic for action could be review of existing community ordinances and policies with the goal of including sustainability language and creating regulatory consistency between communities. Another action item would be to create a regional sustainability plan
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Participants expressed a need for continued face-to-face meetings for communication, networking and sharing. They should be held at least once a year if not more often. ECOS was suggested as the group responsible for offering these meetings. They should be open to the public.
COMMUNICATE WITH OFFICIALS
Acquiring the support of local elected officials was seen as critical to the success of sustainability efforts in the Fox Valley. It is important that citizens monitor government actions, attend and speak out at government meetings and present local success stories, especially those with good fiscal results. There is a need to “lead the leaders” in sustainability actions. Municipal support for and adoption of sustainability goals and objectives are critical for success.
COMMUNICATION FOR EDUCATION
Many of the ideas suggested by the Summit participants fell under the category of communication for educational purposes. The following are ideas that could have a major impact on the progress towards sustainability in the Fox Valley:
1. Develop a common language and definitions for sustainability to ensure effective communication
2. Conduct TNS study circle training for all members of sustainability boards and committees. Provide TNS training for all municipality staff and elected officials.
3. Create a Speakers Bureau with an on-line directory of names, topics and contact information
4. Develop a list of local “experts” by topic that could be contacted with questions
5. Publish a list of “green” businesses and businesses associated with green products
6. Create displays/booths
a. Permanent display site at public libraries focused on sustainability topics and issues
b. Regular educational display at each community’s farmers market
c. Educational displays/booths at existing local events and fairs
d. Creation of traveling displays that could be shared
7. Write up local success stories/case studies that could be used by area groups for education and to support future efforts
8. Create “programmed learning units” for teaching sustainability concepts at many levels (keyed to learner readiness)
9. Develop a Study Circle early adopters network
10. Establish eco-municipality “sister cities” to encourage partnering and sharing of information.
11. Create a series of prepared presentations on various sustainability topics. Include information on the financial impact of actions, how to implement objectives and local success stories
12. Find existing or create a series of press releases on various sustainability topics and issues, include local information and photos and give to local media for publication. Establish a regular weekly column in the local papers on sustainability
13. Offer demonstrations and open houses to show elected officials, business owners and community leaders and residents what is currently being done to improve sustainability in the Fox Valley
14. Create committee, organization, business and industry partnerships to offer regional events and activities focused on sustainability.
a. Earth Day, World Water Day, etc.
b. Same day event at all farmers markets
c. Participation at MREA Energy Fair, etc.
d. Local energy fairs
15. Reorganize “Green Drinks” in the Fox Valley to provide a social event focused on sustainability
16. Offer education opportunities and events at area schools
17. Create joint projects between local governments, business and industry, NGOs and areas schools to enhance student learning and get new ideas from the students.
FUNDING
Participants identified the need to develop funding sources for sustainability communication, education and events. This information should be made available to the public – posted on the regional website
Project Support- How can these groups provide support for each other on new and existing projects?
The groups provided insight into project ideas and needs. See below. The topics grouped into: Education/Awareness, Energy –related projects, Policy/Governmental and broadly-defined initiatives. Respondents provided tips, as well as offers of help for some of the projects. Many of the comments expressed in this section echoed those listed in the first section regarding communication and educational efforts. Some of the initiatives provided some novel ideas, such as having a policy exchange session. Names listed with the projects have some ownership/effort already invested in the listed activities. This listing will be circulated to attendees for further follow-up.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Hosting a TNS group at ST. Joe’s church in Appleton. John Gosling’s project:
• Have you contacted other parishes and nearby churches?
• Consider Focus and WE Energy Grants (G. Dearborn)
Steve Barry Project Idea: Museum exhibit on sustainability
Margy-OSHSAB-community outreach forums
TNS circles starting-give us your emails
Get co-workers interested/involved with company sustainability taskforce-Sadie Schroeder
• Educate thru bulletin boards at work, Find the tie between the company products and a sustainable activity $=support
• Offer incentives like premier parking or time off
• Allow them to participate on work time
• Competition between departments
• Reward winning/reducing efforts with vacation day.
Host monthly e-news letter for sustainability groups-Kathy Thunes
• Roger Kanitz support-explore limits of how many groups could be served
• Link all public school teachers with a ‘teachable” moment column
Host monthly or bi-monthly informal gatherings-Greg Steiner will try to co-host with others
• Morning coffee house/farm market
• Evening social/brew house/private residence
• Kathy Thunes willing to help
• I suggest after work at Brew house with same day, same time each week or month so no confusion-Joy Perry-also interested in the idea.
Farm Market Booths in each town-create series of informational displays rotate them among the cities; /towns. Each market would have a different booth each week-Kate
Increase awareness of sustainable wiki and discussion groups-Greg Steiner will demo
• Start with follow-up form today’s meeting
• Could linked to town website-Allan Davies
• Good idea-I can help-Ron Hardy
ENERGY
Larry Roth’s Project Creating a Biggest Loser Program for People who want to compare their electrical usage and reduction to their neighbors.
• Cool-get utilities to support the challenge
• Contact local businesses to donate prizes
• Check building permits for folks with alternate systems in the community
• I will propose to myHS3 participants-Margie
• Get home energy auditors involved to distribute collateral (marketing materials)
• Look into existing neighborhood associations and or districts/wards
• Bill Schulz-call me and I will get your idea on my show plus give you a booth at the next “Answers to Energy” event
Project: Jeff Ehlers at Renewergy (Oshkosh) Energy Expo-bring in vendors and organizations to showcase products and services that save people $ on energy. Need to get more involvement form general public and organizations that support energy efficiency.
• Call Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• The public likes free-bees
• Educate citizens and company owners on sustainable employment. John Gosling can help.-IT using home –based, local survival needs. AITP good organization
Develop an energy conservation outreach education project for neighborhoods
• How about an Eagle Scout project?
• Allen Davies has target neighborhood in Grand Chute
• Get schools/students involved-get their parents. Involved
• Have all utility customers get a personal/household yearly use report and then support efforts
Env Engineering Internship Opportunity with local industry-Mike D. Need Assistance-special project
• Contact Michigan Tech/UW Madison/UW Platteville
• UW Extension Jim R.
• Roger Kanitz will help
• Town could offer stipend for student project
POLICY/GOVERNMENT
Need Policy Change so that “default” condition is that small scale food production is allowed on public land unless specifically prohibited in specific areas.
City of Neenah-promoting rain barrel use with water bill credits
• Agree-could partner T.O.M., George Dearborn-Town of Menasha and City of Menasha too
• Get neighborhood communities to adopt same ordinance/policy=safety in numbers
• Neighborhood champions with demos for a specific neighborhood area-invite your neighbor in for a “barrel of fun”
Get sustainability-focused people elected to public office
• Call local Green Party
• Ask all candidates to answer sustainability questions and post answers on the website (Larry Roth)
Build Eco-Lobby-Steve Barney
• Leverage Votes
Anyone writing sustainability plans? Dani-Oshkosh
• Manitowoc has one
• City of Menasha included sustainability options
• Allen D. writing comp. plan with strong sustainable goals-adopt 2009-Outagamie County Mike Hendrick-has energy plan concepts in progress
• Neenah school district has students writing a plan for school district
Town Comprehensive plan
• Adopt sustainability goals
• Change decision making process to include sustainability
• Citizen support for municipal sustainable activities
• George Dearborn doing also
• Read TNS as group-Kathy Thunes willing to assist
Write case studies and post on www.capacitycenter.org UW Ex site-Jim R.
INITIATIVES
Project: New Food Shed (new organization connecting consumers with local sustainable foods)
• Needs funding to purchase printing, media and part time staff
• Needs more people for steering committee
• Contact people who organize local markets
• Can this connect to local restaurants?
• Idea to add to this idea-coop restaurant? Sadie
• Waushara County Food Connections-working on this Jan Novak in Waushara-Kathy Thunes has information
• Bedet’s Restaurant=Dani bedcetsresturant.com
Roger Kanitz-Project: Implement Rain Gardens to eliminate need for retention basins
• Follow Pierce Park pond issue in Appleton (J. Gosling)
• Master Gardens do teaching sessions on this-contact Kevin JEWK(Outagamie) OR Nick Schneider(Winnebago) at UW Extension
• Town of Menasha plan incentives
• Talk to Bryant Moroder at Sustain Dane
• Have Dave Wollangk paint a rain barrel for you
Rain Gardens-Demo project at SCA office-I would like help-Mike Dillon
• I’ll help-Sadie
• Talk to Sustain Dane-Bryant Moroder
Urban agriculture
• Growing power in Milwaukee
• City of Menasha sustainability board-Urban agriculture/local food in city
• Contact Susan Richardson-Community Garden Network
• Community gardens on unused space or school property Get kids tied into gardening
• There is a group in Cali that supports this movement-provide an email and I will find the link for you-Sadie
• Contact Portage County “Farmshed”
• Contact Betsy Rozell-540-4109
• Local CHAT Plunge Group-Paula Morgan and John Mielke heading-considering initiatives along these lines. Meeting will produce action items. See Joy Perry for more details.
Valley Transit Maps should show bike routes in all towns
• Increase rack usage on busses
• Local businesses with bike racks fund a guide to businesses have bike racks.
• Town bike program-employ kids to maintain the bikes
Encourage local composting-have a compost doctor as a resource-Kate
• Research and implement GPS on landfill compactor to save air space, fuel and man power –Lori O’Bright
• I have an in-house composter-Roger Kanitz
Mike Dillon-actively seeking renewable energy joint projects-schools/utilities/industry and will be sharing results with the community-residents and/or govt. and/or environmental groups and/or schools.
Note: Follow-up meeting has already been set for this initiative.
• SMC link-resources already there-contact David Weiss, Jeff Ehlers, Jim Funk
• Would like to investigate solar thermal and geo thermal
• Bill Schultz-call me Mike I will put you on my radio show.
• Communicate with community through PC and Bill’s show
• Want to share results from energy efficiency projects and alternative water management projects as well.
Support for passenger rail in Fox Valley to Milwaukee
• Link new routes or change state law-G. Dearborn
• A. Davis would help
• Support www.midwesthsr.org
• Demonstrate how this can save money and be convenient to the commuter
• Most efficient form of travel compares with cost of road system
• Extend to Green Bay; Also to Stevens Point – Eau Claire – Twin Cities
• This could be addressed at municipal/school district/county govt. level by joint app of energy Independent Community –Jim R.
Educate homeowners about having a green urban landscape-Sadie Schroeder
• City of Neenah is working on zoning to “allow” this
• Maybe libraries can help with hosting a program
• I can help-Connie Kanitz or maybe hardware stores or work with some landscaping companies.
Margie/George Dearborn/Mike Dillon--Develop Sustainability corridor-Town of Menasha-Miron, SCA, McMahon, SMC Note: Meeting in progress to follow-up on this idea.
Build on the trails project, Invite sustainability groups to meet at these facilities
• Rails to trails
• Explore ECRP offer
• Mike Dillon working with Denny Lamer-McMahon
• Tours of solar systems at Town of Menasha
• Sign on CB to draw attention as traffic goes by
• Talk to Chip Bircher at WPS
• Work with MREA’s solar tours
• Town also thinking of geo-thermal too.-George Dearborn
Communications Worksheet Data
Group 1
1. Listserve – yahoo, gmail, etc. for communication and spreading ideas/discussion
2. Directory of “Greens” in government
3. Staff ($)a regular coordinator
a. Industry reps – LinkedIn
b. List of eco-municipalities
4. Regional council
a. Quarterly meetings
b. Reps from all communities
5. Website for each community
a. List of actions completed
b. Money saved
c. Monthly sustainability report
6. Communicate with government officials
a. Citizens showing up
b. Get officials to adopt
c. Hear more success stories, especially good fiscal results
Group A
1. Annual group meeting for sharing
2. Open houses to see Menasha panels
3. Monthly news e-mail
4. East Central RPC to act as website coordinator
a. Menasha sustainability website limited access due to law
b. Explore rule changes
c. Limited city staff
d. How to use committed citizens
e. Hear from the community
5. Linked In Group for sustainability
a. Web ring linking related sustainability sites
6. Seminar presentations
a. How to discuss business aspect in community
b. Need to convey things done
c. Success stories – to inside community directors
7. Demonstrations – show community what cities/towns are doing
Group B
1. Website
a. Linked to all valley sustainability groups
b. Updated with info by city/business – mtgs listed, local events
c. Wiki
d. Twitter
e. blogs
f. Ads in community news letter
g. Sustain F.V. com. and monitor blogs
2. City to promote freecycle events
3. Media outreach – single liaison to be “voice of sustainability in FV
4. Events connected to local farm market
5. Regional committee
6. Facebook, LinkedIn
7. Library – local bulletin board focused on sustainability
8. Speakers bureau with on-line directory
9. Education and outreach – how to publicize website
10. How to educate the community
11. Round robin e-mail newsletters – pass from party to party
Group ∆
1. Buy some neat T-shirts
2. Solicit $ from committed industry and/or foundations to support Env. Ed and events
3. Speak a common language
4. Make it simple to get in touch and stay in touch
5. Common calendar
6. Aim to involve more people in as many areas as possible
7. Use ECOS-FV and Sustain FV blog and website
8. Build organization websites and blogs into a “Superweb”
9. Where necessary, “lead the leaders”
10. Show up and make ourselves heard at gov’t meetings
11. Facebook and social networking
12. Re-organize “green drinks” in FV
13. Educational/teaching events at schools
14. Co-op with regional ENGOs or special groups (MREA) on eco events
a. Organize for large earth day celebration linked together
15. Use the media (after educating them)
16. Partner with local Mffg/Industry on “green events” and sponsor env. Ed events
17. Write the stories/press releases and take the photos for Media and give it to them.
18. Multi-community events – world Water Day, Earth Day
19. Free weekly sustainability column for the P-C
20. Educational booths at farm markets, fairs, etc.
21. Neenah School has a group of kids writing a school district sustainability plan
22. Link Sustain FV and New North and Local CESA for energy saving presentations
a. Link Environmental School to water utilities
23. Traveling display, shared experts across cities
24. Find/develop industry/mftg sponsors and partnerships
a. Technical resources
b. Money
c. Public relations
25. Create joint project and/or Env. Ed opportunities with gov’t, industry, utilities, education
a. Share “canned” presentations with other on environmental education
b. Partnerships with local schools on env. Educational opportunities
c. Booth at farmers market
d. Sister eco-municipality to share with
e. Student projects can shake up “normal” thinking
26. Study circles early adopters network
27. Shake up the status quo – creative chaos, power to the people
28. Website ideas
a. Include university, business sustainability info on city/community sus. Website
29. Where necessary:
a. Lead your leaders
b. Show up to gov’t meetings
c. Speak up
d. Cause creative thinking and actions
30. Social media outlets – Face Book, Twitter, Linked In
31. Ensure a common language and definitions exist – enabling effective communication
Group
1. Focused committed group website and discussion
a. Encourage more members to regularly monitor discussions.
b. Have an educational session on how to use it
c. Publicize wildly about website (bumper stickers, advertize on everyone’s publicity)
d. Link Co website to sustain F.V. site
2. Tie sustainability to other community events
3. Facebook
4. Bring awareness to the farmers market
5. Success stories – gov’t, business, industry, schools
6. Create a “programmed learning unit” for teaching sustainability concepts at many levels (keyed to learner readiness)
7. Joint radio/TV ads and marketing budget
8. Open houses/tours
9. Community newsletter – e-mail and printed (sent snail mail)
10. Regular social events
a. “green drinks”
b. Business associated with green products
c. Reminders to those we know
11. Face-to-face communication and networking
a. Annual ECOS sponsored sustainability meeting so that local groups can communicate face-to-face
b. 2-3 times a year.
10-22-2009
Introduction
ECOS Fox Valley in conjunction with the many of the sustainability groups in the Fox Valley area held a sustainability Summit on October 22 from 6pm -9pm at Heckrodt Nature Reserve in Menasha, WI. Thirty two representatives from area sustainability committees and organizations (see Appendix A) heard an opening presentation by Kevin Crawford, Orion Energy Systems and former mayor of the city of Manitowoc, WI on his experience in developing sustainable communities. This presentation was followed by a “World Café” dialogue process led by Linda Stoll and Margie Weiss. Two questions were addressed in the discussion.
1. How can organizations and committees working on sustainability issues improve communications between the groups as well as with the citizens of the Fox Valley?
2. How can these groups provide support for each other on new and existing projects?
Communications
(See Appendix B for raw data)
WEBSITE
One of the items mentioned at all tables to be a pressing need was a “one-stop or super website” for the Fox Valley. This site should contain links to or pages for each Fox Valley municipality’s (city, village, town, county) sustainability efforts, any business or industry sustainability page open to the public as well as any NGO working on sustainability issues. These individual pages should include: list of actions completed, documentation of money saved and some type of regular report of activity. Contact information for each group would be helpful. The educational system – K-12/university – should be tied into this as well.
In addition, attendees would also like this website to contain:
• a common activity calendar to include meetings and events
• directory of “greens” in government
• list of Wisconsin eco-municipalities
• a reference section with links to additional sustainability information and websites
Discussion was held on who should host this site. ECOS-FV and Sustain FV have websites but no paid staff to maintain them. While volunteers could theoretically maintain this website, it was thought that it would take a paid staff person to keep the type of site people envisioned up-to-date and fully functional. East Central Regional Planning Commission might be able to help with this and should be explored as an alternate host. It was emphasized that in order for this website to be of value, it’s existence would have to be widely publicized and listed on all sustainability information created in the Fox Valley as well as displayed at all valley events. Someone suggested putting it on a bumper sticker. To reduce staff hours, it was hoped that groups could update the calendar with their activities as well as any individual home pages held on the site.
OUTREACH
Linked with the master Website was the need for additional ways to send information to people as well as hear back from individuals. The goal should be to involve as many people as possible in the area on a regular basis in sustainability issues and actions. Whatever methods were used, a tutorial should be created to maximize use and participation. Opportunity should also be provided for people to find partners and share ideas. The goal should be to make it simple for people to get in touch and stay in touch.
Participants at the Summit suggested the use of additional electronic media linked to the regional website to communicate with each other and area residents. Social media sites such as Face Book, Twitter and Linked In were given as examples. Blogs and Wikis should be used to create dialogue opportunities on various topics. Listserves could provide targeted information and a monthly e-newsletter could keep people “in the loop”. It was noted that not everyone has e-mail and there might still be a need to mail hardcopy letters to some.
Other ideas mentioned were to put information and ads in existing community newsletters, produce joint radio and TV ads, provide articles to the press (after educating them on the importance of the topic so they will print the information) and to create some neat T-shirts to sell to raise awareness and money to help pay for communications. Several people expressed a need to create a list of people who could serve as the “voice of sustainability” in the FV so media would know who to contact when they wanted information. This would create consistency in the message.
REGIONAL COUNCIL
It was suggested that the Fox Valley Regional Sustainability Council be created consisting of representatives from each community sustainability board, business and industry committees, education and NGOs working on sustainability issues. This council should meet quarterly to work on issues that needed to be addressed on a regional basis. A suggested topic for action could be review of existing community ordinances and policies with the goal of including sustainability language and creating regulatory consistency between communities. Another action item would be to create a regional sustainability plan
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Participants expressed a need for continued face-to-face meetings for communication, networking and sharing. They should be held at least once a year if not more often. ECOS was suggested as the group responsible for offering these meetings. They should be open to the public.
COMMUNICATE WITH OFFICIALS
Acquiring the support of local elected officials was seen as critical to the success of sustainability efforts in the Fox Valley. It is important that citizens monitor government actions, attend and speak out at government meetings and present local success stories, especially those with good fiscal results. There is a need to “lead the leaders” in sustainability actions. Municipal support for and adoption of sustainability goals and objectives are critical for success.
COMMUNICATION FOR EDUCATION
Many of the ideas suggested by the Summit participants fell under the category of communication for educational purposes. The following are ideas that could have a major impact on the progress towards sustainability in the Fox Valley:
1. Develop a common language and definitions for sustainability to ensure effective communication
2. Conduct TNS study circle training for all members of sustainability boards and committees. Provide TNS training for all municipality staff and elected officials.
3. Create a Speakers Bureau with an on-line directory of names, topics and contact information
4. Develop a list of local “experts” by topic that could be contacted with questions
5. Publish a list of “green” businesses and businesses associated with green products
6. Create displays/booths
a. Permanent display site at public libraries focused on sustainability topics and issues
b. Regular educational display at each community’s farmers market
c. Educational displays/booths at existing local events and fairs
d. Creation of traveling displays that could be shared
7. Write up local success stories/case studies that could be used by area groups for education and to support future efforts
8. Create “programmed learning units” for teaching sustainability concepts at many levels (keyed to learner readiness)
9. Develop a Study Circle early adopters network
10. Establish eco-municipality “sister cities” to encourage partnering and sharing of information.
11. Create a series of prepared presentations on various sustainability topics. Include information on the financial impact of actions, how to implement objectives and local success stories
12. Find existing or create a series of press releases on various sustainability topics and issues, include local information and photos and give to local media for publication. Establish a regular weekly column in the local papers on sustainability
13. Offer demonstrations and open houses to show elected officials, business owners and community leaders and residents what is currently being done to improve sustainability in the Fox Valley
14. Create committee, organization, business and industry partnerships to offer regional events and activities focused on sustainability.
a. Earth Day, World Water Day, etc.
b. Same day event at all farmers markets
c. Participation at MREA Energy Fair, etc.
d. Local energy fairs
15. Reorganize “Green Drinks” in the Fox Valley to provide a social event focused on sustainability
16. Offer education opportunities and events at area schools
17. Create joint projects between local governments, business and industry, NGOs and areas schools to enhance student learning and get new ideas from the students.
FUNDING
Participants identified the need to develop funding sources for sustainability communication, education and events. This information should be made available to the public – posted on the regional website
Project Support- How can these groups provide support for each other on new and existing projects?
The groups provided insight into project ideas and needs. See below. The topics grouped into: Education/Awareness, Energy –related projects, Policy/Governmental and broadly-defined initiatives. Respondents provided tips, as well as offers of help for some of the projects. Many of the comments expressed in this section echoed those listed in the first section regarding communication and educational efforts. Some of the initiatives provided some novel ideas, such as having a policy exchange session. Names listed with the projects have some ownership/effort already invested in the listed activities. This listing will be circulated to attendees for further follow-up.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Hosting a TNS group at ST. Joe’s church in Appleton. John Gosling’s project:
• Have you contacted other parishes and nearby churches?
• Consider Focus and WE Energy Grants (G. Dearborn)
Steve Barry Project Idea: Museum exhibit on sustainability
Margy-OSHSAB-community outreach forums
TNS circles starting-give us your emails
Get co-workers interested/involved with company sustainability taskforce-Sadie Schroeder
• Educate thru bulletin boards at work, Find the tie between the company products and a sustainable activity $=support
• Offer incentives like premier parking or time off
• Allow them to participate on work time
• Competition between departments
• Reward winning/reducing efforts with vacation day.
Host monthly e-news letter for sustainability groups-Kathy Thunes
• Roger Kanitz support-explore limits of how many groups could be served
• Link all public school teachers with a ‘teachable” moment column
Host monthly or bi-monthly informal gatherings-Greg Steiner will try to co-host with others
• Morning coffee house/farm market
• Evening social/brew house/private residence
• Kathy Thunes willing to help
• I suggest after work at Brew house with same day, same time each week or month so no confusion-Joy Perry-also interested in the idea.
Farm Market Booths in each town-create series of informational displays rotate them among the cities; /towns. Each market would have a different booth each week-Kate
Increase awareness of sustainable wiki and discussion groups-Greg Steiner will demo
• Start with follow-up form today’s meeting
• Could linked to town website-Allan Davies
• Good idea-I can help-Ron Hardy
ENERGY
Larry Roth’s Project Creating a Biggest Loser Program for People who want to compare their electrical usage and reduction to their neighbors.
• Cool-get utilities to support the challenge
• Contact local businesses to donate prizes
• Check building permits for folks with alternate systems in the community
• I will propose to myHS3 participants-Margie
• Get home energy auditors involved to distribute collateral (marketing materials)
• Look into existing neighborhood associations and or districts/wards
• Bill Schulz-call me and I will get your idea on my show plus give you a booth at the next “Answers to Energy” event
Project: Jeff Ehlers at Renewergy (Oshkosh) Energy Expo-bring in vendors and organizations to showcase products and services that save people $ on energy. Need to get more involvement form general public and organizations that support energy efficiency.
• Call Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• The public likes free-bees
• Educate citizens and company owners on sustainable employment. John Gosling can help.-IT using home –based, local survival needs. AITP good organization
Develop an energy conservation outreach education project for neighborhoods
• How about an Eagle Scout project?
• Allen Davies has target neighborhood in Grand Chute
• Get schools/students involved-get their parents. Involved
• Have all utility customers get a personal/household yearly use report and then support efforts
Env Engineering Internship Opportunity with local industry-Mike D. Need Assistance-special project
• Contact Michigan Tech/UW Madison/UW Platteville
• UW Extension Jim R.
• Roger Kanitz will help
• Town could offer stipend for student project
POLICY/GOVERNMENT
Need Policy Change so that “default” condition is that small scale food production is allowed on public land unless specifically prohibited in specific areas.
City of Neenah-promoting rain barrel use with water bill credits
• Agree-could partner T.O.M., George Dearborn-Town of Menasha and City of Menasha too
• Get neighborhood communities to adopt same ordinance/policy=safety in numbers
• Neighborhood champions with demos for a specific neighborhood area-invite your neighbor in for a “barrel of fun”
Get sustainability-focused people elected to public office
• Call local Green Party
• Ask all candidates to answer sustainability questions and post answers on the website (Larry Roth)
Build Eco-Lobby-Steve Barney
• Leverage Votes
Anyone writing sustainability plans? Dani-Oshkosh
• Manitowoc has one
• City of Menasha included sustainability options
• Allen D. writing comp. plan with strong sustainable goals-adopt 2009-Outagamie County Mike Hendrick-has energy plan concepts in progress
• Neenah school district has students writing a plan for school district
Town Comprehensive plan
• Adopt sustainability goals
• Change decision making process to include sustainability
• Citizen support for municipal sustainable activities
• George Dearborn doing also
• Read TNS as group-Kathy Thunes willing to assist
Write case studies and post on www.capacitycenter.org UW Ex site-Jim R.
INITIATIVES
Project: New Food Shed (new organization connecting consumers with local sustainable foods)
• Needs funding to purchase printing, media and part time staff
• Needs more people for steering committee
• Contact people who organize local markets
• Can this connect to local restaurants?
• Idea to add to this idea-coop restaurant? Sadie
• Waushara County Food Connections-working on this Jan Novak in Waushara-Kathy Thunes has information
• Bedet’s Restaurant=Dani bedcetsresturant.com
Roger Kanitz-Project: Implement Rain Gardens to eliminate need for retention basins
• Follow Pierce Park pond issue in Appleton (J. Gosling)
• Master Gardens do teaching sessions on this-contact Kevin JEWK(Outagamie) OR Nick Schneider(Winnebago) at UW Extension
• Town of Menasha plan incentives
• Talk to Bryant Moroder at Sustain Dane
• Have Dave Wollangk paint a rain barrel for you
Rain Gardens-Demo project at SCA office-I would like help-Mike Dillon
• I’ll help-Sadie
• Talk to Sustain Dane-Bryant Moroder
Urban agriculture
• Growing power in Milwaukee
• City of Menasha sustainability board-Urban agriculture/local food in city
• Contact Susan Richardson-Community Garden Network
• Community gardens on unused space or school property Get kids tied into gardening
• There is a group in Cali that supports this movement-provide an email and I will find the link for you-Sadie
• Contact Portage County “Farmshed”
• Contact Betsy Rozell-540-4109
• Local CHAT Plunge Group-Paula Morgan and John Mielke heading-considering initiatives along these lines. Meeting will produce action items. See Joy Perry for more details.
Valley Transit Maps should show bike routes in all towns
• Increase rack usage on busses
• Local businesses with bike racks fund a guide to businesses have bike racks.
• Town bike program-employ kids to maintain the bikes
Encourage local composting-have a compost doctor as a resource-Kate
• Research and implement GPS on landfill compactor to save air space, fuel and man power –Lori O’Bright
• I have an in-house composter-Roger Kanitz
Mike Dillon-actively seeking renewable energy joint projects-schools/utilities/industry and will be sharing results with the community-residents and/or govt. and/or environmental groups and/or schools.
Note: Follow-up meeting has already been set for this initiative.
• SMC link-resources already there-contact David Weiss, Jeff Ehlers, Jim Funk
• Would like to investigate solar thermal and geo thermal
• Bill Schultz-call me Mike I will put you on my radio show.
• Communicate with community through PC and Bill’s show
• Want to share results from energy efficiency projects and alternative water management projects as well.
Support for passenger rail in Fox Valley to Milwaukee
• Link new routes or change state law-G. Dearborn
• A. Davis would help
• Support www.midwesthsr.org
• Demonstrate how this can save money and be convenient to the commuter
• Most efficient form of travel compares with cost of road system
• Extend to Green Bay; Also to Stevens Point – Eau Claire – Twin Cities
• This could be addressed at municipal/school district/county govt. level by joint app of energy Independent Community –Jim R.
Educate homeowners about having a green urban landscape-Sadie Schroeder
• City of Neenah is working on zoning to “allow” this
• Maybe libraries can help with hosting a program
• I can help-Connie Kanitz or maybe hardware stores or work with some landscaping companies.
Margie/George Dearborn/Mike Dillon--Develop Sustainability corridor-Town of Menasha-Miron, SCA, McMahon, SMC Note: Meeting in progress to follow-up on this idea.
Build on the trails project, Invite sustainability groups to meet at these facilities
• Rails to trails
• Explore ECRP offer
• Mike Dillon working with Denny Lamer-McMahon
• Tours of solar systems at Town of Menasha
• Sign on CB to draw attention as traffic goes by
• Talk to Chip Bircher at WPS
• Work with MREA’s solar tours
• Town also thinking of geo-thermal too.-George Dearborn
Communications Worksheet Data
Group 1
1. Listserve – yahoo, gmail, etc. for communication and spreading ideas/discussion
2. Directory of “Greens” in government
3. Staff ($)a regular coordinator
a. Industry reps – LinkedIn
b. List of eco-municipalities
4. Regional council
a. Quarterly meetings
b. Reps from all communities
5. Website for each community
a. List of actions completed
b. Money saved
c. Monthly sustainability report
6. Communicate with government officials
a. Citizens showing up
b. Get officials to adopt
c. Hear more success stories, especially good fiscal results
Group A
1. Annual group meeting for sharing
2. Open houses to see Menasha panels
3. Monthly news e-mail
4. East Central RPC to act as website coordinator
a. Menasha sustainability website limited access due to law
b. Explore rule changes
c. Limited city staff
d. How to use committed citizens
e. Hear from the community
5. Linked In Group for sustainability
a. Web ring linking related sustainability sites
6. Seminar presentations
a. How to discuss business aspect in community
b. Need to convey things done
c. Success stories – to inside community directors
7. Demonstrations – show community what cities/towns are doing
Group B
1. Website
a. Linked to all valley sustainability groups
b. Updated with info by city/business – mtgs listed, local events
c. Wiki
d. Twitter
e. blogs
f. Ads in community news letter
g. Sustain F.V. com. and monitor blogs
2. City to promote freecycle events
3. Media outreach – single liaison to be “voice of sustainability in FV
4. Events connected to local farm market
5. Regional committee
6. Facebook, LinkedIn
7. Library – local bulletin board focused on sustainability
8. Speakers bureau with on-line directory
9. Education and outreach – how to publicize website
10. How to educate the community
11. Round robin e-mail newsletters – pass from party to party
Group ∆
1. Buy some neat T-shirts
2. Solicit $ from committed industry and/or foundations to support Env. Ed and events
3. Speak a common language
4. Make it simple to get in touch and stay in touch
5. Common calendar
6. Aim to involve more people in as many areas as possible
7. Use ECOS-FV and Sustain FV blog and website
8. Build organization websites and blogs into a “Superweb”
9. Where necessary, “lead the leaders”
10. Show up and make ourselves heard at gov’t meetings
11. Facebook and social networking
12. Re-organize “green drinks” in FV
13. Educational/teaching events at schools
14. Co-op with regional ENGOs or special groups (MREA) on eco events
a. Organize for large earth day celebration linked together
15. Use the media (after educating them)
16. Partner with local Mffg/Industry on “green events” and sponsor env. Ed events
17. Write the stories/press releases and take the photos for Media and give it to them.
18. Multi-community events – world Water Day, Earth Day
19. Free weekly sustainability column for the P-C
20. Educational booths at farm markets, fairs, etc.
21. Neenah School has a group of kids writing a school district sustainability plan
22. Link Sustain FV and New North and Local CESA for energy saving presentations
a. Link Environmental School to water utilities
23. Traveling display, shared experts across cities
24. Find/develop industry/mftg sponsors and partnerships
a. Technical resources
b. Money
c. Public relations
25. Create joint project and/or Env. Ed opportunities with gov’t, industry, utilities, education
a. Share “canned” presentations with other on environmental education
b. Partnerships with local schools on env. Educational opportunities
c. Booth at farmers market
d. Sister eco-municipality to share with
e. Student projects can shake up “normal” thinking
26. Study circles early adopters network
27. Shake up the status quo – creative chaos, power to the people
28. Website ideas
a. Include university, business sustainability info on city/community sus. Website
29. Where necessary:
a. Lead your leaders
b. Show up to gov’t meetings
c. Speak up
d. Cause creative thinking and actions
30. Social media outlets – Face Book, Twitter, Linked In
31. Ensure a common language and definitions exist – enabling effective communication
Group
1. Focused committed group website and discussion
a. Encourage more members to regularly monitor discussions.
b. Have an educational session on how to use it
c. Publicize wildly about website (bumper stickers, advertize on everyone’s publicity)
d. Link Co website to sustain F.V. site
2. Tie sustainability to other community events
3. Facebook
4. Bring awareness to the farmers market
5. Success stories – gov’t, business, industry, schools
6. Create a “programmed learning unit” for teaching sustainability concepts at many levels (keyed to learner readiness)
7. Joint radio/TV ads and marketing budget
8. Open houses/tours
9. Community newsletter – e-mail and printed (sent snail mail)
10. Regular social events
a. “green drinks”
b. Business associated with green products
c. Reminders to those we know
11. Face-to-face communication and networking
a. Annual ECOS sponsored sustainability meeting so that local groups can communicate face-to-face
b. 2-3 times a year.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
We Energies soon to to issue request for study of lake in lake
From an article in The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
We Energies plans to issue a request for proposals in early November that will be the start of a $3 million study sanctioned by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to determine the feasibility of wind turbines on Lake Michigan.
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said the energy utility is not involved in the Michigan study, but will collaborate with Grand Valley State to share information.
Studies from the American Wind Energy Association show that the wind potential of Lake Michigan is in the range of 4 to 6 wind class with 7 being the highest.
In the central part of Lake Michigan, wind power is estimated to be about 182 gigawatts. A tenth of this wind power potential is approximately equivalent to 20 nuclear power plants.
The advantages of offshore wind installations include higher wind velocities over water, avoiding any damage to the migratory bird paths, and their location away from people who own lakefront property.
We Energies plans to issue a request for proposals in early November that will be the start of a $3 million study sanctioned by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to determine the feasibility of wind turbines on Lake Michigan.
We Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said the energy utility is not involved in the Michigan study, but will collaborate with Grand Valley State to share information.
Studies from the American Wind Energy Association show that the wind potential of Lake Michigan is in the range of 4 to 6 wind class with 7 being the highest.
In the central part of Lake Michigan, wind power is estimated to be about 182 gigawatts. A tenth of this wind power potential is approximately equivalent to 20 nuclear power plants.
The advantages of offshore wind installations include higher wind velocities over water, avoiding any damage to the migratory bird paths, and their location away from people who own lakefront property.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Competitive industrial grants available for energy efficiency efforts
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (October 19, 2009) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced competitive grants today to help industrial businesses and manufacturers throughout the state to complete energy efficiency projects.
"In today's economy, many companies are severely capital constrained," said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy's business programs director. "Focus on Energy is committed to providing the financial incentives needed to get large projects off the shelf and on the table."
These grants will fund up to $500,000 or 50 percent of project costs per company for large energy efficiency projects that have been stalled due to lack of available internal capital. Applicants must document a need for funding to overcome the financial barrier to be selected. Approved projects must be completed December 15, 2010 and offer savings of 200,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity or 20,000 therms of natural gas annually.
"Focus offered a similar program in 2007 that was very popular," Williams explained. "We are pleased to offer an expanded version of the program for 2010 and give companies the opportunity to complete stalled projects."
Interested businesses should visit focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives for more information. Applications must include a list of potential projects as funding is based on the energy savings from those projects and is paid when projects are completed. Applications must be received by December 4, 2009. For more information about large industrial grants call Craig Schepp at (608) 277-2948
MADISON, Wis. (October 19, 2009) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced competitive grants today to help industrial businesses and manufacturers throughout the state to complete energy efficiency projects.
"In today's economy, many companies are severely capital constrained," said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy's business programs director. "Focus on Energy is committed to providing the financial incentives needed to get large projects off the shelf and on the table."
These grants will fund up to $500,000 or 50 percent of project costs per company for large energy efficiency projects that have been stalled due to lack of available internal capital. Applicants must document a need for funding to overcome the financial barrier to be selected. Approved projects must be completed December 15, 2010 and offer savings of 200,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity or 20,000 therms of natural gas annually.
"Focus offered a similar program in 2007 that was very popular," Williams explained. "We are pleased to offer an expanded version of the program for 2010 and give companies the opportunity to complete stalled projects."
Interested businesses should visit focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives for more information. Applications must include a list of potential projects as funding is based on the energy savings from those projects and is paid when projects are completed. Applications must be received by December 4, 2009. For more information about large industrial grants call Craig Schepp at (608) 277-2948
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Rumors fly about offline wind turbines
From an article by Colleen Kottke in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
BROWNSVILLE — As the blades of the 86 turbines on the Forward Wind Energy Center remain still, rumors have been circulating faster than the wind as to why the wind farm has been offline since Sept. 29.
Invenergy LLC officials attributed the shutdown to scheduled maintenance of the wind farm's substation. However, the latest buzz that a major utility pulled out of its power purchase contract and has left Invenergy without a new customer to fill the void simply isn't true, said Laura Miner, asset manager for Invenergy.
"There was a delay in getting parts for the transformer at the plant, and now we have completed testing of the equipment and will begin bringing the unit back online," Miner said. "This is a very time-consuming process as we have to manually prepare the unit. We expect the plant to be back online sometime early next week."
Calls to the Forward Wind Center's four major power purchasers confirmed that all contracts negotiated with the Chicago-based firm remain in place. Invenergy currently has contracts with Madison Gas & Electric, 40 megawatts; Wisconsin Public Power Inc., 40 megawatts; Wisconsin Public Service, 70 megawatts; and Alliant Energy, 50 megawatts.
BROWNSVILLE — As the blades of the 86 turbines on the Forward Wind Energy Center remain still, rumors have been circulating faster than the wind as to why the wind farm has been offline since Sept. 29.
Invenergy LLC officials attributed the shutdown to scheduled maintenance of the wind farm's substation. However, the latest buzz that a major utility pulled out of its power purchase contract and has left Invenergy without a new customer to fill the void simply isn't true, said Laura Miner, asset manager for Invenergy.
"There was a delay in getting parts for the transformer at the plant, and now we have completed testing of the equipment and will begin bringing the unit back online," Miner said. "This is a very time-consuming process as we have to manually prepare the unit. We expect the plant to be back online sometime early next week."
Calls to the Forward Wind Center's four major power purchasers confirmed that all contracts negotiated with the Chicago-based firm remain in place. Invenergy currently has contracts with Madison Gas & Electric, 40 megawatts; Wisconsin Public Power Inc., 40 megawatts; Wisconsin Public Service, 70 megawatts; and Alliant Energy, 50 megawatts.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Healthy Air Tip of the Month: Learn before you burn
From an article by the NEW Air Coalition of Fond du Lac County in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
As cold weather sweeps in, more and more Wisconsinites turn to outdoor wood boilers to heat their homes.
Wood is a renewable fuel, and the operating costs of wood burners often seem lower than natural gas or electric heat. But we often overlook the cost to air quality.
Because outdoor wood boilers burn over long periods of time and can use green or partially dried wood, they can produce 10 times the smoke of other wood-burning heat sources. Burning wood produces more fine-particle pollution than burning coal, says UW-Extension Pollution Prevention Specialist David Liebl. Inhaling fine particles, even over short periods of time, can aggravate lung conditions like asthma and bring on heart attacks or arrhythmia.
At this time, there aren't many regulations governing residential wood burning. The amount of emissions can vary by the type of appliance, type of wood, moisture content, air damper setting and weather conditions.
Some municipalities have rules on where outdoor wood boilers can be located, restrictions on when they can be used (such as a ban during air quality alerts), or prohibit them outright.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has determined that neighboring residents are at risk of adverse health effects if they can see visible plumes or smell the wood smoke.
To minimize the risks, only clean, dry wood should be used as heating fuel. Because price and performance of wood as fuel can vary, residents do not always see the cost savings they hoped for.
As cold weather sweeps in, more and more Wisconsinites turn to outdoor wood boilers to heat their homes.
Wood is a renewable fuel, and the operating costs of wood burners often seem lower than natural gas or electric heat. But we often overlook the cost to air quality.
Because outdoor wood boilers burn over long periods of time and can use green or partially dried wood, they can produce 10 times the smoke of other wood-burning heat sources. Burning wood produces more fine-particle pollution than burning coal, says UW-Extension Pollution Prevention Specialist David Liebl. Inhaling fine particles, even over short periods of time, can aggravate lung conditions like asthma and bring on heart attacks or arrhythmia.
At this time, there aren't many regulations governing residential wood burning. The amount of emissions can vary by the type of appliance, type of wood, moisture content, air damper setting and weather conditions.
Some municipalities have rules on where outdoor wood boilers can be located, restrictions on when they can be used (such as a ban during air quality alerts), or prohibit them outright.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has determined that neighboring residents are at risk of adverse health effects if they can see visible plumes or smell the wood smoke.
To minimize the risks, only clean, dry wood should be used as heating fuel. Because price and performance of wood as fuel can vary, residents do not always see the cost savings they hoped for.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The cost of clean air
From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:
For more than a decade, customers at Madison Gas & Electric have voted with their pocketbooks for cleaner energy.
Under the voluntary "Green Power Tomorrow" program, more than 12,000 MGE customers - nearly 10 percent of its total customer base - pay on average a premium of about $6 per month to get their electricity from such nonpolluting sources as wind.
"It's been a very reasonable way to reduce our carbon footprint," says Tom Yager, 37, a stay-at-home father of two who lives in Seminole Forest. "It's also helped us track how much electricity we're using and find ways to cut back."
MGE's program has been so successful, in fact, that the company was recently honored by the U.S. Department of Energy with its Utility Green Power Program of the Year Award.
But the bigger question facing all utility customers across Wisconsin is whether they are willing to pay more for their electricity - by some accounts 30 percent more - in the name of saving the planet. Proposed federal rules aimed at curbing such greenhouse gas emissions as carbon dioxide (CO2) would fall most heavily on such states as Wisconsin that rely on fossil fuels to generate most of their
electricity. . . .
And with the state economy already struggling with manufacturing job losses, [Scott Manley, who heads environmental programs for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state's largest business lobbying group,] is concerned that additional mandates or tougher limits on emissions will further hamstring business efforts. He estimates it could cost $15 billion to reach the 25 percent renewable goal within the next 15 years.
"The fact is, these things are not free, they are tremendously expensive," he says.
WMC has even come out with a survey showing that while Wisconsin residents are concerned about global warming and clean energy, most aren't ready to pay more to address it. The survey of likely voters found that 73 percent are opposed to any increased fees on utility bills to pay for energy conservation. Those polled were, by a 3-1 margin, also against paying as little as $25 a month to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
But clean energy advocates say this is exactly the time to be pushing energy alternatives.
They point to a competing survey from the Forest County Potawatomi showing widespread support for reductions in greenhouse gases like CO2. The poll found support for climate change legislation crossing party lines, with 53 percent of Republicans, 67 percent of independents and 87 percent of Democrats favoring action at the state level.
Michael Vickerman, executive director of Renew Wisconsin, thinks the state should set ambitious goals and send a signal it's serious about wind, solar and other clean energy alternatives.
"Even if we reach 10 percent (renewables) by 2015 it doesn't mean you just stop there," he says.
To that end, Gov. Doyle last month signed legislation to allow uniform rules for the development of small wind farms. Vickerman calls it the most significant piece of clean energy legislation ever passed in Wisconsin, crediting WMC for helping to make it happen. "They really helped us line up Republican votes, otherwise I don't think it would have passed," says Vickerman.
The new law requires the PSC to issue standardized rules for the entire state. Local units of government would then apply these standards as they consider small wind farms of under 100 megawatts.
Vickerman is optimistic that wind power will continue to gain support in the state. He says a project to watch is the proposed Glacier Hills wind project in Columbia County from We Energies that would add 90 turbines producing up to 162 megawatts of electricity.
While Wisconsin doesn't have the ideal landscape for wind power as does Minnesota, Vickerman says that's no reason to stand pat.
"Our wind resources are robust enough," he says. "If we were fully committed, we could accommodate another 1,000 megawatts."
For more than a decade, customers at Madison Gas & Electric have voted with their pocketbooks for cleaner energy.
Under the voluntary "Green Power Tomorrow" program, more than 12,000 MGE customers - nearly 10 percent of its total customer base - pay on average a premium of about $6 per month to get their electricity from such nonpolluting sources as wind.
"It's been a very reasonable way to reduce our carbon footprint," says Tom Yager, 37, a stay-at-home father of two who lives in Seminole Forest. "It's also helped us track how much electricity we're using and find ways to cut back."
MGE's program has been so successful, in fact, that the company was recently honored by the U.S. Department of Energy with its Utility Green Power Program of the Year Award.
But the bigger question facing all utility customers across Wisconsin is whether they are willing to pay more for their electricity - by some accounts 30 percent more - in the name of saving the planet. Proposed federal rules aimed at curbing such greenhouse gas emissions as carbon dioxide (CO2) would fall most heavily on such states as Wisconsin that rely on fossil fuels to generate most of their
electricity. . . .
And with the state economy already struggling with manufacturing job losses, [Scott Manley, who heads environmental programs for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state's largest business lobbying group,] is concerned that additional mandates or tougher limits on emissions will further hamstring business efforts. He estimates it could cost $15 billion to reach the 25 percent renewable goal within the next 15 years.
"The fact is, these things are not free, they are tremendously expensive," he says.
WMC has even come out with a survey showing that while Wisconsin residents are concerned about global warming and clean energy, most aren't ready to pay more to address it. The survey of likely voters found that 73 percent are opposed to any increased fees on utility bills to pay for energy conservation. Those polled were, by a 3-1 margin, also against paying as little as $25 a month to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
But clean energy advocates say this is exactly the time to be pushing energy alternatives.
They point to a competing survey from the Forest County Potawatomi showing widespread support for reductions in greenhouse gases like CO2. The poll found support for climate change legislation crossing party lines, with 53 percent of Republicans, 67 percent of independents and 87 percent of Democrats favoring action at the state level.
Michael Vickerman, executive director of Renew Wisconsin, thinks the state should set ambitious goals and send a signal it's serious about wind, solar and other clean energy alternatives.
"Even if we reach 10 percent (renewables) by 2015 it doesn't mean you just stop there," he says.
To that end, Gov. Doyle last month signed legislation to allow uniform rules for the development of small wind farms. Vickerman calls it the most significant piece of clean energy legislation ever passed in Wisconsin, crediting WMC for helping to make it happen. "They really helped us line up Republican votes, otherwise I don't think it would have passed," says Vickerman.
The new law requires the PSC to issue standardized rules for the entire state. Local units of government would then apply these standards as they consider small wind farms of under 100 megawatts.
Vickerman is optimistic that wind power will continue to gain support in the state. He says a project to watch is the proposed Glacier Hills wind project in Columbia County from We Energies that would add 90 turbines producing up to 162 megawatts of electricity.
While Wisconsin doesn't have the ideal landscape for wind power as does Minnesota, Vickerman says that's no reason to stand pat.
"Our wind resources are robust enough," he says. "If we were fully committed, we could accommodate another 1,000 megawatts."
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Excerpts from the Glacier Hills Wind Park EIS
The Public Service Commission issued the final environmental impact statement on the Glacier Hills Wind Park, and it includes these items:
Medical Impacts (page 68)
UW Med Flight is the responding air ambulance service closest to the Glacier Hills project area. UW Med Flight and the other reswponding agencies plan to develop safe landing sites or locations within the project area to which medical helicopters could be dispatched. Establishing alternative landing zones in an area is a common tool employed by medical helicopter services where terrain, vegetation, or
structures restrict landing sites....
In some instances, alternate landing sites may not be required; a medical helicopter can land in proximity to a wind turbine if it is safe and prudent to do so. There do not seem to be any UW Med Flight rulers or policies that would preclude landing within a project area if it is safe to do so. The decision about where to land is the pilot's and is based on a variety of site factcors that present themselves upon arrival at an emergency scene. For example, closer landins to a turbine might be possible if the winds are calm and the wind turbine rotors are not rotating.
Sound Impacts (Page 82)
The studies done to date suggest that there is a wide variability in how peopole react to wind turbine noise and that many people do no appear to be affected. The studies do, however, support the concern that some people do react negatively to wind turbine noise, primarily through annoyance and sleep disturbance. It is widely accepted that disruption of sleep can lead to other physiological and psychological problems.
Dr. Nina Pierpont has hypothesized that in addition to annoyance and disturbance, wind turbine noise can result in direct activation of the vestibular and autonomic system leading to other health problems. The validity of this suggestion has been questioned. The Minnesota Department of Health concluded that "evidence is scant" for this hypothesis.
In summary, it is important to recognize that turbine noise can be problematic for some people. Although specific sound levels or distances from turbines cannot be directly correlated with these disturbance or annoyance problems, project design and siting should take potential impactcs of turbine noise into account.
Property Values (page 84)
A more recent study of two recently completed Wisconsin wind farms was completed by Appraisal Group One. This study contained similar problems of small sample size and weak statistical analyses. While the study was limited to residential vacany land sales, other potential factors that might influence sales prices were not analyzed. The study did not verify that all properties sold within the wind farm areas actually had views of wind turbines, whether the properties were sold prior to the proposal of a wind facility versus after the facilities were constructed and operating, and it did not differentiate between vacant lots with infrastructure potential such as streets, sewer, and water as opposed to farmland with no infrastructure.
Medical Impacts (page 68)
UW Med Flight is the responding air ambulance service closest to the Glacier Hills project area. UW Med Flight and the other reswponding agencies plan to develop safe landing sites or locations within the project area to which medical helicopters could be dispatched. Establishing alternative landing zones in an area is a common tool employed by medical helicopter services where terrain, vegetation, or
structures restrict landing sites....
In some instances, alternate landing sites may not be required; a medical helicopter can land in proximity to a wind turbine if it is safe and prudent to do so. There do not seem to be any UW Med Flight rulers or policies that would preclude landing within a project area if it is safe to do so. The decision about where to land is the pilot's and is based on a variety of site factcors that present themselves upon arrival at an emergency scene. For example, closer landins to a turbine might be possible if the winds are calm and the wind turbine rotors are not rotating.
Sound Impacts (Page 82)
The studies done to date suggest that there is a wide variability in how peopole react to wind turbine noise and that many people do no appear to be affected. The studies do, however, support the concern that some people do react negatively to wind turbine noise, primarily through annoyance and sleep disturbance. It is widely accepted that disruption of sleep can lead to other physiological and psychological problems.
Dr. Nina Pierpont has hypothesized that in addition to annoyance and disturbance, wind turbine noise can result in direct activation of the vestibular and autonomic system leading to other health problems. The validity of this suggestion has been questioned. The Minnesota Department of Health concluded that "evidence is scant" for this hypothesis.
In summary, it is important to recognize that turbine noise can be problematic for some people. Although specific sound levels or distances from turbines cannot be directly correlated with these disturbance or annoyance problems, project design and siting should take potential impactcs of turbine noise into account.
Property Values (page 84)
A more recent study of two recently completed Wisconsin wind farms was completed by Appraisal Group One. This study contained similar problems of small sample size and weak statistical analyses. While the study was limited to residential vacany land sales, other potential factors that might influence sales prices were not analyzed. The study did not verify that all properties sold within the wind farm areas actually had views of wind turbines, whether the properties were sold prior to the proposal of a wind facility versus after the facilities were constructed and operating, and it did not differentiate between vacant lots with infrastructure potential such as streets, sewer, and water as opposed to farmland with no infrastructure.
Monday, October 12, 2009
October sustainability events
Sustainability Action Summit
When: October 22nd, Thursday
Where: Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha
Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
Keynote: Former six-term Mayor Kevin Crawford of Manitowoc, the 1st Eco-Municipality in NE Wisconsin, will share his learning and suggestions with us!
Followed by dialogue of individuals in Fox Valley sustainability groups addressing questions of intercommunication and collaboration using the World Cafe model
RSVP encouraged by Oct 16th, see details in flyer attached
Questions: Call or Email Connie Kanitz 722-6438 or ckanitz@new.rr.com
Building Sustainable Community Potluck
When: October 24th, Saturday
Where: UW-Fox Valley Union Area In Menasha
Time: 10 AM to 1 PM
Focus: Reconnecting The Natural Step book study group participants with potluck fellowship and continuing dialogue on community organizing
Video made by Greg David and Mary Rehwald on the Art of Community Organizing to be viewed as an introduction to the dialogue.
No advance registration necessary for Oct. 24 event
Questions: Call or Email Leslie Taylor 739-7307 or ltaylor@sustainfv.org
When: October 22nd, Thursday
Where: Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha
Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
Keynote: Former six-term Mayor Kevin Crawford of Manitowoc, the 1st Eco-Municipality in NE Wisconsin, will share his learning and suggestions with us!
Followed by dialogue of individuals in Fox Valley sustainability groups addressing questions of intercommunication and collaboration using the World Cafe model
RSVP encouraged by Oct 16th, see details in flyer attached
Questions: Call or Email Connie Kanitz 722-6438 or ckanitz@new.rr.com
Building Sustainable Community Potluck
When: October 24th, Saturday
Where: UW-Fox Valley Union Area In Menasha
Time: 10 AM to 1 PM
Focus: Reconnecting The Natural Step book study group participants with potluck fellowship and continuing dialogue on community organizing
Video made by Greg David and Mary Rehwald on the Art of Community Organizing to be viewed as an introduction to the dialogue.
No advance registration necessary for Oct. 24 event
Questions: Call or Email Leslie Taylor 739-7307 or ltaylor@sustainfv.org
Friday, October 9, 2009
Chilton High School celebrates SolarWise!
From a news release issued by Wisconsin Public Service:
Chilton, WI - WPS Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Chilton High School to the SolarWise® for Schools family.
In August, the school received a 2-kilowatt solar-electric system on the rooftop. Dedication ceremonies for the solar-electric system will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. in the Chilton High School Gymnasium. See the following agenda for complete details and for photo opportunities.
The system was donated to the school by the WPS Community Foundation as part of the SolarWise® for Schools program. Forty-three other public and private schools have received solar-electric systems since the program began in 1996. The program is funded by donations from 3,200 Wisconsin Public Service customers and grants from the Focus on Energy program.
The school's 2-kilowatt solar-electric system will generate about 2,900 kilowatt-hours per year. That's enough electricity to light three classrooms and save the school about $320 on their electric bills. In addition to the solar equipment, the school was awarded a three-week renewable energy curriculum to be integrated into the science curriculum. Students and teachers can access data from the solar-electric systems via the Internet and use the information in classroom projects throughout the year.
Chilton, WI - WPS Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Chilton High School to the SolarWise® for Schools family.
In August, the school received a 2-kilowatt solar-electric system on the rooftop. Dedication ceremonies for the solar-electric system will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. in the Chilton High School Gymnasium. See the following agenda for complete details and for photo opportunities.
The system was donated to the school by the WPS Community Foundation as part of the SolarWise® for Schools program. Forty-three other public and private schools have received solar-electric systems since the program began in 1996. The program is funded by donations from 3,200 Wisconsin Public Service customers and grants from the Focus on Energy program.
The school's 2-kilowatt solar-electric system will generate about 2,900 kilowatt-hours per year. That's enough electricity to light three classrooms and save the school about $320 on their electric bills. In addition to the solar equipment, the school was awarded a three-week renewable energy curriculum to be integrated into the science curriculum. Students and teachers can access data from the solar-electric systems via the Internet and use the information in classroom projects throughout the year.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
It's time for Legislature to act on RTAs
From an editorial in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
The state Legislature can ignore the issue of regional transit authorities, but the problems aren't going to go away.
Regional transit authorities are governmental bodies established to promote regional cooperation on transportation issues. In the Fox Cities, Valley Transit is facing the loss of most of its federal funding — between $1.5 million and $2 million a year, or about 20 percent of its budget.
After the 2010 U.S. census is taken, the Fox Cities urban area is expected to exceed 200,000 in population. Federal law says that, once an urban area reaches that population, most its federal funding will be eliminated.
That's going to cause a serious problem for Valley Transit, as well as its customers, who for the most part are people who really need public transportation to lead active, productive lives.
An RTA, which has the power to levy up to a half-percent sales tax, could replace the lost federal funding. To make up $1.5 million, though, the tax would only need to be one-tenth of a percent — one cent on every $10 purchase.
A couple of misguided attempts to set up a Fox Cities RTA as part of the state budget failed. But a better solution is for the Legislature to pass a bill that sets up a framework by which regions can approve and set up their own RTAs to meet their unique needs.
This is a problem in the Fox Cities, but not only the Fox Cities. Green Bay is in the same situation, and other smaller metropolitan areas of the state could be, too.
The state Legislature can ignore the issue of regional transit authorities, but the problems aren't going to go away.
Regional transit authorities are governmental bodies established to promote regional cooperation on transportation issues. In the Fox Cities, Valley Transit is facing the loss of most of its federal funding — between $1.5 million and $2 million a year, or about 20 percent of its budget.
After the 2010 U.S. census is taken, the Fox Cities urban area is expected to exceed 200,000 in population. Federal law says that, once an urban area reaches that population, most its federal funding will be eliminated.
That's going to cause a serious problem for Valley Transit, as well as its customers, who for the most part are people who really need public transportation to lead active, productive lives.
An RTA, which has the power to levy up to a half-percent sales tax, could replace the lost federal funding. To make up $1.5 million, though, the tax would only need to be one-tenth of a percent — one cent on every $10 purchase.
A couple of misguided attempts to set up a Fox Cities RTA as part of the state budget failed. But a better solution is for the Legislature to pass a bill that sets up a framework by which regions can approve and set up their own RTAs to meet their unique needs.
This is a problem in the Fox Cities, but not only the Fox Cities. Green Bay is in the same situation, and other smaller metropolitan areas of the state could be, too.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Gibraltar goes green
From an article by Kristen J. Kubisiak in the Green Pay Press Gazette:
Students and teachers from the Gibraltar School District in Fish Creek celebrated a step the district has taken toward becoming greener on Wednesday, when a new solar-electric system was dedicated at the school.
The 2-kilowatt rooftop solar-electric system, which was installed in August, was donated to the school by the Wisconsin Public Community Foundation as part of the SolarWise for Schools Program.
The program is funded by donations from 3,200 WPS customers and grants from the Focus on Energy Program.
The school's 2-kilowatt solar-electric system will generate about 2,900 kilowatt-hours each year, or enough electricity to light three classrooms and save the school about $320 on its electric bills.
Students and teachers from the Gibraltar School District in Fish Creek celebrated a step the district has taken toward becoming greener on Wednesday, when a new solar-electric system was dedicated at the school.
The 2-kilowatt rooftop solar-electric system, which was installed in August, was donated to the school by the Wisconsin Public Community Foundation as part of the SolarWise for Schools Program.
The program is funded by donations from 3,200 WPS customers and grants from the Focus on Energy Program.
The school's 2-kilowatt solar-electric system will generate about 2,900 kilowatt-hours each year, or enough electricity to light three classrooms and save the school about $320 on its electric bills.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wind farm regulation a positive step
From an editorial in the Manitowoc Herald Tribune Reporter:
Regulating small wind farms in Wisconsin often is akin to holding a jury trial without a judge.
Wind farm developers and municipalities argue their respective cases without anyone to referee the inevitable disputes that arise. That soon could change.
Gov. Jim Doyle Wednesday signed a Democratic-authored bill that calls for the state Public Service Commission to set restrictions on wind farms that produce less than 100 megawatts of electricity.
Developers, including one here in Manitowoc County, complain that a patchwork of local ordinances has made it nearly impossible to build small wind farms in the state. Wednesday's bill signing will clear the way for the PSC to develop the uniform regulations advocates of the legislation say are long overdue.
They claim it will bring more wind energy projects and help Wisconsin reach a goal of meeting 10 percent of its energy needs from sources other than coal- or gas-fired power plants by 2015.
Opponents say the economic impact of wind farms is overestimated and that the state doesn't need more windmills dotting the landscape.
Wind power is one of the waves of the energy future, however, and uniform rules to govern the industry are welcome.
Regulating small wind farms in Wisconsin often is akin to holding a jury trial without a judge.
Wind farm developers and municipalities argue their respective cases without anyone to referee the inevitable disputes that arise. That soon could change.
Gov. Jim Doyle Wednesday signed a Democratic-authored bill that calls for the state Public Service Commission to set restrictions on wind farms that produce less than 100 megawatts of electricity.
Developers, including one here in Manitowoc County, complain that a patchwork of local ordinances has made it nearly impossible to build small wind farms in the state. Wednesday's bill signing will clear the way for the PSC to develop the uniform regulations advocates of the legislation say are long overdue.
They claim it will bring more wind energy projects and help Wisconsin reach a goal of meeting 10 percent of its energy needs from sources other than coal- or gas-fired power plants by 2015.
Opponents say the economic impact of wind farms is overestimated and that the state doesn't need more windmills dotting the landscape.
Wind power is one of the waves of the energy future, however, and uniform rules to govern the industry are welcome.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Guided Solar Tour, October 2 & 3
Get on the Bus!
If you’re in the Green Bay area this weekend, Wisconsin Public Service, in conjunction with MREA, is sponsoring guided bus tours of local solar homes and businesses as part of the annual Wisconsin Solar Tour.
More information and registration details here.
If you’re in the Green Bay area this weekend, Wisconsin Public Service, in conjunction with MREA, is sponsoring guided bus tours of local solar homes and businesses as part of the annual Wisconsin Solar Tour.
More information and registration details here.
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