From a letter from RENEW Wisconsin to Senators Jeff Plale and Mark Miller, co-chairs of the Select Senate Committee on Clean Energy, who held a hearing on the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill on January 27:
Dear Senators Miller and Plale:
Thank you for holding a hearing yesterday of the Select Committee on Clean Energy on SB 450 (the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill). You heard a great deal of substantive commentary about much of the bill, particularly the sections dealing with energy efficiency and the expanded Renewable Energy Standard.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the discussion on the proposal to institute Advanced Renewable Tariffs in Wisconsin. Early in the hearing, a speaker framed the issue as “asking a little old lady in Cudahy to subsidize an expensive system in Mequon.” From that point, the discussion devolved into a kind of semi-orchestrated gang-tackling on this issue that continued unabated until I was called upon to speak, some seven hours and forty five minutes after the hearing began. While RENEW members who work for or with solar, wind and biogas energy installation companies were present during the hearing and had registered to speak, none were called prior to myself. All but two (Full Spectrum Solar and Ed Ritger) had to leave before the hearing ended.
Now, I don’t believe the first speaker, a labor leader, had intended to belittle the companies that install customer-sited renewable energy systems or dismiss their contribution to Wisconsin’s economy and environment. Nevertheless, the “little old lady from Cudahy” theme took a life of its own, and as a result, the very important issues of how to support these systems through utility rates and whether these rates should be mandated had become thoroughly trivialized by the end.
Allow me to repeat some of the points I made at yesterday’s hearing:
1. The vast majority of the distributed renewable generating units installed in Wisconsin serve schools, dairy farms and other small businesses, churches and local governments.
2. Utilities are not in the business of installing these systems themselves.
3. In many cases the renewable energy installation went forward because there was a special buyback rate available to accelerate the recovery of the original investment made by the customer. Yesterday, I gave the example of the Dane County community anaerobic digester project that, once operational, will treat manure taken from several nearby dairy farms in the Waunakee area and produce two megawatts of electricity with it. The electricity will be purchased by Alliant Energy through a voluntary biogas tariff worth 9.3 cents/kWh. Unfortunately, Alliant’s biogas program is fully subscribed and is no longer available to other dairy farmers, food processing companies and wastewater treatment facilities served by Alliant.
4. Companies that install solar, wind and biogas energy systems are quintessentially small businesses, many of them family-owned. Renewable energy contractors and affiliated service providers constitute one of the few market sectors where young adults who have acquired the necessary skills to do the job well can find meaningful work at decent pay.
5. By its very nature, distributed renewable energy delivers nearly 100% of its economic punch to the local economy.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Workshop to link farms, local schools
From an announcement published in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
The Brown County University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Eastern Wisconsin Sustainable Farmers Network invite farmers and school food service staff members to attend its Farm to School: Business Interest workshop on Feb. 6.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brown County office at 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay.
The free workshop will help farmers and food service staff members work together to bring local produce and products to schools and includes sessions on grant writing and fostering relationships between farms and schools.
To register, contact Fred Depies, coordinator for Eastern Wisconsin Sustainable Farmers' Network, at fkdepies@charter.net or (920) 418-2718.
The Brown County University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Eastern Wisconsin Sustainable Farmers Network invite farmers and school food service staff members to attend its Farm to School: Business Interest workshop on Feb. 6.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brown County office at 1150 Bellevue St., Green Bay.
The free workshop will help farmers and food service staff members work together to bring local produce and products to schools and includes sessions on grant writing and fostering relationships between farms and schools.
To register, contact Fred Depies, coordinator for Eastern Wisconsin Sustainable Farmers' Network, at fkdepies@charter.net or (920) 418-2718.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Business leaders demonstrate support for Clean Energy Jobs act, denounce business group's ads
From a news release from Advocates for Creating Renewable Energy, a coalition which includes RENEW Wisconsin:
Madison, Wis. – One day before the State Senate is scheduled to hold public hearings on the Clean Energy Jobs Act, Wisconsin business leaders are criticizing attack ads run by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and demonstrating their support for the legislation, highlighting the bill’s potential to create jobs, boost our economy, and foster energy independence.
Business leaders responded to radio ads released last week by the special interest organization Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), which use flawed facts and figures to create the perception that the Clean Energy Jobs Act will actually hurt Wisconsin’s economy, when the vast majority of studies demonstrate the bill will provide an economic boon for the state.
“WMC’s deceptive advertisements would have you believe that putting Wisconsin residents to work transitioning toward clean, homegrown energy sources will somehow hurt our economy,” said Dionne Lummus of Wave Wind, LLC. “The real drain to our economy, however, is the nearly $20 billion our state spends on dirty out-of-state fossil fuels every year.”
WMC relies on a November 2009 study conducted by the Beacon Hill Institute and the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute to support its claims. However, that study relied on models that are not unique to the Clean Energy Jobs Act and analyzed several provisions not even included in the bill.
“Wisconsin residents deserve a fair and accurate presentation of the facts,” said Tom Green, Project Development Manager at Wind Capital Group.
Despite WMC claims that CEJA will cost Wisconsin jobs, conservative models generated by a collaboration of non-partisan state organizations estimate that the legislation will actually create at least 15,000 jobs in the state
Madison, Wis. – One day before the State Senate is scheduled to hold public hearings on the Clean Energy Jobs Act, Wisconsin business leaders are criticizing attack ads run by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and demonstrating their support for the legislation, highlighting the bill’s potential to create jobs, boost our economy, and foster energy independence.
Business leaders responded to radio ads released last week by the special interest organization Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), which use flawed facts and figures to create the perception that the Clean Energy Jobs Act will actually hurt Wisconsin’s economy, when the vast majority of studies demonstrate the bill will provide an economic boon for the state.
“WMC’s deceptive advertisements would have you believe that putting Wisconsin residents to work transitioning toward clean, homegrown energy sources will somehow hurt our economy,” said Dionne Lummus of Wave Wind, LLC. “The real drain to our economy, however, is the nearly $20 billion our state spends on dirty out-of-state fossil fuels every year.”
WMC relies on a November 2009 study conducted by the Beacon Hill Institute and the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute to support its claims. However, that study relied on models that are not unique to the Clean Energy Jobs Act and analyzed several provisions not even included in the bill.
“Wisconsin residents deserve a fair and accurate presentation of the facts,” said Tom Green, Project Development Manager at Wind Capital Group.
Despite WMC claims that CEJA will cost Wisconsin jobs, conservative models generated by a collaboration of non-partisan state organizations estimate that the legislation will actually create at least 15,000 jobs in the state
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Governor releases FAQs on Clean Energy Jobs Act bill
From the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Q: Won’t increased funding for statewide energy efficiency programs come out of the pockets of Wisconsin ratepayers? We shouldn’t be raising energy costs during an economic downturn by adding more fees to our utility bills.
A: Investing more money in energy efficiency has a demonstrable, risk-free payback for Wisconsin residents and businesses. Over the long run we will use less energy, which means we’ll actually be reducing our energy bills.
The cost of conserving energy is far less than the cost of building new power generation. Energy efficiency and conservation efforts are the least-cost means of mitigating carbon pollution.
Investing in energy efficiency also translates into stable, family-supporting jobs, particularly within the building and construction trades and at the 50+ businesses in Wisconsin that manufacture Energy Star appliances, windows, and other products. . . .
Renewable Fuels
Q: Will an Enhanced Renewable Portfolio Standard require the build-out of costly electric generation that Wisconsin doesn’t need, while doing nothing to reduce the demand for electricity? Don’t renewable energy sources cost more than coal and natural gas?
A: Each year, we send over $16 billion out of state to purchase coal, natural gas, and petroleum products to meet our energy demands. Every dollar we spend on these fossil fuels is a dollar that leaves Wisconsin. By increasing our state’s renewable portfolio standards, we are guaranteeing that more of our energy dollars remain here, and creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families in construction and building trades work, and, in the longer term, supply-chain jobs in our manufacturing, agricultural, and forestry sectors.
Also, the EPA has moved to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, which means that costs associated with burning coal and natural gas will continue to rise. We cannot continue to pretend that exclusive reliance on fossil fuels for power generation is either sustainable or affordable in the long term. We need to speed our transition to a cleaner energy economy and position Wisconsin as a leader in this growing industry before other states get ahead of us.
As we add renewable sources of energy to our fleet, many of the older and less efficient fossil fuel burning units will gradually be retired, and Wisconsin’s generation capacity will fall in line with demand. Initial infrastructure costs associated with a transition to renewables will be off-set by producing cleaner and reliable renewable energy for Wisconsin over the long-term. Meanwhile, the cost of renewable generation technologies continues to fall when compared to fossil fuel alternatives.
Increased reliance on renewable energy is central to creating a more sustainable Wisconsin. Life cycle costs associated with fossil fuel have a significantly greater adverse impact on public health, quality of life, and the environment.
Advanced Renewable Tariffs
Q: Won’t Advanced Renewable Tariffs simply increase the cost of energy for everyone by subsidizing certain types of renewable technologies at a cost that is higher than the market would otherwise tolerate? Don’t Advanced Renewable Tariffs duplicate the efforts of the Renewable Portfolio Standard?
A: Evidence from around the world suggests that feed-in tariffs lead to faster deployment of renewable generation sources than a stand-alone Renewable Portfolio Standard. Advanced Renewable Tariffs will help harness the power of Wisconsin’s rich agricultural resources by making it easier and more cost-effective for farmers to take farm-waste and generate electricity with it to power their farming operations and deliver clean, renewable energy back to the grid.
Incenting the deployment of smaller-scale, more distributed renewable generation sources cuts down on our state’s transmission infrastructure costs and will reduce our reliance on out-of-state renewable power in the long term.
This policy helps level the playing field so individual homeowners, farmers, and businesses can earn a return on investments in renewable energy that is similar to the returns that utilities earn.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Q: Won’t increased funding for statewide energy efficiency programs come out of the pockets of Wisconsin ratepayers? We shouldn’t be raising energy costs during an economic downturn by adding more fees to our utility bills.
A: Investing more money in energy efficiency has a demonstrable, risk-free payback for Wisconsin residents and businesses. Over the long run we will use less energy, which means we’ll actually be reducing our energy bills.
The cost of conserving energy is far less than the cost of building new power generation. Energy efficiency and conservation efforts are the least-cost means of mitigating carbon pollution.
Investing in energy efficiency also translates into stable, family-supporting jobs, particularly within the building and construction trades and at the 50+ businesses in Wisconsin that manufacture Energy Star appliances, windows, and other products. . . .
Renewable Fuels
Q: Will an Enhanced Renewable Portfolio Standard require the build-out of costly electric generation that Wisconsin doesn’t need, while doing nothing to reduce the demand for electricity? Don’t renewable energy sources cost more than coal and natural gas?
A: Each year, we send over $16 billion out of state to purchase coal, natural gas, and petroleum products to meet our energy demands. Every dollar we spend on these fossil fuels is a dollar that leaves Wisconsin. By increasing our state’s renewable portfolio standards, we are guaranteeing that more of our energy dollars remain here, and creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families in construction and building trades work, and, in the longer term, supply-chain jobs in our manufacturing, agricultural, and forestry sectors.
Also, the EPA has moved to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, which means that costs associated with burning coal and natural gas will continue to rise. We cannot continue to pretend that exclusive reliance on fossil fuels for power generation is either sustainable or affordable in the long term. We need to speed our transition to a cleaner energy economy and position Wisconsin as a leader in this growing industry before other states get ahead of us.
As we add renewable sources of energy to our fleet, many of the older and less efficient fossil fuel burning units will gradually be retired, and Wisconsin’s generation capacity will fall in line with demand. Initial infrastructure costs associated with a transition to renewables will be off-set by producing cleaner and reliable renewable energy for Wisconsin over the long-term. Meanwhile, the cost of renewable generation technologies continues to fall when compared to fossil fuel alternatives.
Increased reliance on renewable energy is central to creating a more sustainable Wisconsin. Life cycle costs associated with fossil fuel have a significantly greater adverse impact on public health, quality of life, and the environment.
Advanced Renewable Tariffs
Q: Won’t Advanced Renewable Tariffs simply increase the cost of energy for everyone by subsidizing certain types of renewable technologies at a cost that is higher than the market would otherwise tolerate? Don’t Advanced Renewable Tariffs duplicate the efforts of the Renewable Portfolio Standard?
A: Evidence from around the world suggests that feed-in tariffs lead to faster deployment of renewable generation sources than a stand-alone Renewable Portfolio Standard. Advanced Renewable Tariffs will help harness the power of Wisconsin’s rich agricultural resources by making it easier and more cost-effective for farmers to take farm-waste and generate electricity with it to power their farming operations and deliver clean, renewable energy back to the grid.
Incenting the deployment of smaller-scale, more distributed renewable generation sources cuts down on our state’s transmission infrastructure costs and will reduce our reliance on out-of-state renewable power in the long term.
This policy helps level the playing field so individual homeowners, farmers, and businesses can earn a return on investments in renewable energy that is similar to the returns that utilities earn.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Glacier Hills order includes protections for residents
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin issued its final order on construction of We Energies' Glacier Hills Wind Park. The order included, among others, several provisions to allow residences to seek remedies should they feel bothered by turbines in the project (numbering follows the numbering in the written PSC order, pages 48-54):
10. WEPCO shall operate the project in a manner that meets noise limits of 50 dBA during daytime hours, and, upon complaint by an affected resident, shall be permanently reduced to 45 dBA during nighttime hours for areas related to the complaint. Nighttime hours are defined to include those hours between 10:OO p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, from April 1 through September 30. The requirement to meet the seasonally reduced nighttime noise limit shall be triggered by the receipt by WEPCO of any complaint regarding nighttime noise levels. Methods available for WEPCO to comply with both the daytime and nighttime noise limits shall include, but are not limited to, operational curtailment of the turbine or turbines contributing to the exceedance of the noise limits. WEPCO is relieved from meeting the nighttime noise limit if the affected resident agrees to a financial settlement. Compliance with noise limits shall be measured or otherwise evaluated at the outside wall of the non-participating residence. WEPCO
shall provide notification to potentially affected residents of the provisions of this Final Decision relating to noise limits prior to initial operation of the project.
11. WEPCO shall evaluate compliance with the noise limits included in this Final Decision as part of its post-construction noise study. The post-construction noise study shall be conducted as described in the most current version of the PSC Noise Measurement Protocol. WEPCO shall file a copy of the post-construction noise study report with the Commission.
12. WEPCO shall construct its project using a minimum setback from non-participating residences of 1,250 feet.
15. WEPCO shall work with local electric distribution companies to test for stray voltage at all dairy operations within one-half mile of any project facility, prior to construction and again after the project is completed. WEPCO shall work with the distribution utilities and farm owners to rectify any stray voltage problems arising from the construction and operation of the project. Prior to any testing, WEPCO shall work with Commission staff to determine the manner in which stray voltage measurements will be conducted and on which properties. WEPCO shall provide to Commission staff reports of the results of stray voltage testing.
16. WEPCO shall work with landowners to mitigate the effects of shadow flicker. WEPCO shall provide shadow flicker mitigation for residences experiencing 25 hours per year or more of shadow flicker. Residences shall be eligible for mitigation if computer modeling shows that shadow flicker would exceed 25 hours per year, and the property owner need not document the actual hours per year of shadow flicker to be eligible. Residences that exceed 25 hours per year of shadow flicker based on logs kept by the resident shall also be eligible for mitigation. The requirement to mitigate shadow flicker at eligible residences shall be triggered by the receipt by WEPCO of a complaint regarding shadow flicker. WEPCO shall allow the resident to choose a preferred reasonable mitigation technique, including but not limited to, installation at WEPCO's expense of blinds or planting. WEPCO shall provide notification to potentially affected residents of the provisions of this Final Decision relating to shadow flicker prior to initial operation of the project. WEPCO may provide shadow flicker mitigation for residences experiencing less than 25 hours per year of shadow flicker.
17. WEPCO shall maintain a log of all complaints received regarding the project. The log shall include, at a minimum, the name and address of the complainants, nature of the complaints, and steps taken by WEPCO to resolve the complaints. WEPCO shall make copies of this complaint log available, at no cost, to the monitoring committees authorized by the town of Randolph and town of Scott JDAs.
18. WEPCO shall coordinate with local first responders and air ambulance services regarding the development of an emergency evacuation plan, including the locations of alternate landing zones. The plan shall include provisions for public inspection of the plan, as appropriate. WEPCO shall file the final plan with the Commission, using the Commission's confidential filing procedures, if necessary.
19. WEPCO shall follow the provisions of the town of Scott and town of Randolph JDAs regarding radio and television interference. In addition, WEPCO shall consult with affected residents regarding the residents' preferred reasonable mitigation solution for radio and television interference problems, prior to implementing remedial measures, and that the preferred solution shall be made permanent.
20. WEPCO shall follow the provisions of the town of Scott and town of Randolph JDAs regarding cellular communications interference. In addition, WEPCO shall work with affected cellular providers to provide adequate coverage in the affected area. Mitigation techniques for lost or weakened cellular telephone communications shall include, but are not limited to, an additional micro-cell, cell, or base station facility to fill in the affected area. The micro-cell, cell, or base station may be installed on one of the structures within the wind energy facility.
21. WEPCO shall develop and file a plan with the Commission, for Commission approval prior to construction, to reduce the individual hardships to the Smitses and Regneruses. The plan shall be developed in consultation with these two families. The plan may include, but is not limited to: relocation of turbines to reduce the number of turbines within one-half mile to no more than seven turbines; providing annual payments to these two families, not to exceed the amount paid to participating residents receiving payment for one turbine lease; or, purchasing the properties at fair market value.
22. Compliance with setback provisions for non-participating residences shall be measured from the centerline of the turbine tower to the nearest point on the foundation of the residence.
25. WEPCO shall provide up to $150,000 of funding towards an operational curtailment and bat mortality study at GHWP, or a site with similar characteristics, as determined by Commission staff. These funds may be applied to a study effort undertaken by another entity or, if no other study can be identified, WEPCO shall develop and coordinate a study and shall seek additional funding from other entities.
26. WEPCO shall provide proposed designs of the required bat and bird studies to DNR and Commission staff for review, and Commission staff shall approve the final study design.
10. WEPCO shall operate the project in a manner that meets noise limits of 50 dBA during daytime hours, and, upon complaint by an affected resident, shall be permanently reduced to 45 dBA during nighttime hours for areas related to the complaint. Nighttime hours are defined to include those hours between 10:OO p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, from April 1 through September 30. The requirement to meet the seasonally reduced nighttime noise limit shall be triggered by the receipt by WEPCO of any complaint regarding nighttime noise levels. Methods available for WEPCO to comply with both the daytime and nighttime noise limits shall include, but are not limited to, operational curtailment of the turbine or turbines contributing to the exceedance of the noise limits. WEPCO is relieved from meeting the nighttime noise limit if the affected resident agrees to a financial settlement. Compliance with noise limits shall be measured or otherwise evaluated at the outside wall of the non-participating residence. WEPCO
shall provide notification to potentially affected residents of the provisions of this Final Decision relating to noise limits prior to initial operation of the project.
11. WEPCO shall evaluate compliance with the noise limits included in this Final Decision as part of its post-construction noise study. The post-construction noise study shall be conducted as described in the most current version of the PSC Noise Measurement Protocol. WEPCO shall file a copy of the post-construction noise study report with the Commission.
12. WEPCO shall construct its project using a minimum setback from non-participating residences of 1,250 feet.
15. WEPCO shall work with local electric distribution companies to test for stray voltage at all dairy operations within one-half mile of any project facility, prior to construction and again after the project is completed. WEPCO shall work with the distribution utilities and farm owners to rectify any stray voltage problems arising from the construction and operation of the project. Prior to any testing, WEPCO shall work with Commission staff to determine the manner in which stray voltage measurements will be conducted and on which properties. WEPCO shall provide to Commission staff reports of the results of stray voltage testing.
16. WEPCO shall work with landowners to mitigate the effects of shadow flicker. WEPCO shall provide shadow flicker mitigation for residences experiencing 25 hours per year or more of shadow flicker. Residences shall be eligible for mitigation if computer modeling shows that shadow flicker would exceed 25 hours per year, and the property owner need not document the actual hours per year of shadow flicker to be eligible. Residences that exceed 25 hours per year of shadow flicker based on logs kept by the resident shall also be eligible for mitigation. The requirement to mitigate shadow flicker at eligible residences shall be triggered by the receipt by WEPCO of a complaint regarding shadow flicker. WEPCO shall allow the resident to choose a preferred reasonable mitigation technique, including but not limited to, installation at WEPCO's expense of blinds or planting. WEPCO shall provide notification to potentially affected residents of the provisions of this Final Decision relating to shadow flicker prior to initial operation of the project. WEPCO may provide shadow flicker mitigation for residences experiencing less than 25 hours per year of shadow flicker.
17. WEPCO shall maintain a log of all complaints received regarding the project. The log shall include, at a minimum, the name and address of the complainants, nature of the complaints, and steps taken by WEPCO to resolve the complaints. WEPCO shall make copies of this complaint log available, at no cost, to the monitoring committees authorized by the town of Randolph and town of Scott JDAs.
18. WEPCO shall coordinate with local first responders and air ambulance services regarding the development of an emergency evacuation plan, including the locations of alternate landing zones. The plan shall include provisions for public inspection of the plan, as appropriate. WEPCO shall file the final plan with the Commission, using the Commission's confidential filing procedures, if necessary.
19. WEPCO shall follow the provisions of the town of Scott and town of Randolph JDAs regarding radio and television interference. In addition, WEPCO shall consult with affected residents regarding the residents' preferred reasonable mitigation solution for radio and television interference problems, prior to implementing remedial measures, and that the preferred solution shall be made permanent.
20. WEPCO shall follow the provisions of the town of Scott and town of Randolph JDAs regarding cellular communications interference. In addition, WEPCO shall work with affected cellular providers to provide adequate coverage in the affected area. Mitigation techniques for lost or weakened cellular telephone communications shall include, but are not limited to, an additional micro-cell, cell, or base station facility to fill in the affected area. The micro-cell, cell, or base station may be installed on one of the structures within the wind energy facility.
21. WEPCO shall develop and file a plan with the Commission, for Commission approval prior to construction, to reduce the individual hardships to the Smitses and Regneruses. The plan shall be developed in consultation with these two families. The plan may include, but is not limited to: relocation of turbines to reduce the number of turbines within one-half mile to no more than seven turbines; providing annual payments to these two families, not to exceed the amount paid to participating residents receiving payment for one turbine lease; or, purchasing the properties at fair market value.
22. Compliance with setback provisions for non-participating residences shall be measured from the centerline of the turbine tower to the nearest point on the foundation of the residence.
25. WEPCO shall provide up to $150,000 of funding towards an operational curtailment and bat mortality study at GHWP, or a site with similar characteristics, as determined by Commission staff. These funds may be applied to a study effort undertaken by another entity or, if no other study can be identified, WEPCO shall develop and coordinate a study and shall seek additional funding from other entities.
26. WEPCO shall provide proposed designs of the required bat and bird studies to DNR and Commission staff for review, and Commission staff shall approve the final study design.
Friday, January 22, 2010
RENEW Wisconsin denounces business group’s “fact-free flip-flop” in radio ad on energy bill
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2010
MORE INFORMATION
Michael Vickerman
RENEW Wisconsin
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
RENEW denounces WMC’s “fact-free flip-flop” in radio ad on energy bill
RENEW Wisconsin’s Executive Director Michael Vickerman assailed the credibility of a new radio ad launched by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) that characterizes the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill as an unaffordable extravagance.
“WMC executed an astonishing fact-free flip-flop with its claim that the legislation (AB 649/SB 450) would raise an average family’s electricity bill by more than $1,000 a year. What’s astonishing about it that WMC is conveniently forgetting existing ratepayer protections, which it endorsed – and claimed credit for -- when similar legislation passed in 2006,” Vickerman said.
When the state’s current renewable portfolio standard (RPS) was passed (which directed utilities to source 10 percent of their electricity from renewable generation by 2015), WMC ran an article on its website with the headline “’Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act’ Will Protect Ratepayer Dollars.” That article can be accessed at http://www.wmc.org/display.cfm?ID=1256.
The article says that WMC was instrumental in ensuring that “ratepayer groups will have a clear opportunity to seek delays in the implementation of new renewable portfolio standards, should they have an unreasonable effect on electric rates.”
The Clean Energy Job Act bill would continue those ratepayer protections enacted in 2005 Act 141. So far no utility or energy advocacy group has requested an implementation delay under the current renewable energy standard.
In order for an average family’s bill to increase $1,000 a year, according to Vickerman, electric rates would have to double.
“That will never happen because groups like WMC, Citizens Utility Board, and the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group would intervene aggressively on behalf of their member using the existing ratepayer protections,” Vickerman stated.
Since the adoption of Act 141’s renewable energy requirements, Madison Gas and Electric’s residential ratepayers have seen annual increases of only 0.8 percent through 2009, even though the utility is already in compliance with the 2015 standard, added Vickerman.
“This outrageous claim is just another example of WMC’s decision to lob grenades instead of working constructively to forge a responsible partnership with all parties to create family-supporting jobs in the clean energy sector,” Vickerman said.
“It’s clear that WMC made up its mind to oppose the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill long before its contents were even known to the public,” Vickerman stated.
“There is no more obvious proof of this than WMC’s sponsorship of a so-called study by the Wisconsin Pubic Research Institute (WPRI) that claims that the bill’s provisions to expand renewable energy supplies would cost utilities $16 billion.”
RENEW previously critiqued the WPRI report in a report titled “Think Tank Flunks Renewable Energy Analysis.” (http://renewmediacenter.blogspot.com/2009/12/think-tank-flunks-renewable-energy_22.html)
“WPRI’s assertions demonstrate yet again that if you torture your economic models long enough, they will confess to anything,” Vickerman said.
January 21, 2010
MORE INFORMATION
Michael Vickerman
RENEW Wisconsin
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
RENEW denounces WMC’s “fact-free flip-flop” in radio ad on energy bill
RENEW Wisconsin’s Executive Director Michael Vickerman assailed the credibility of a new radio ad launched by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) that characterizes the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill as an unaffordable extravagance.
“WMC executed an astonishing fact-free flip-flop with its claim that the legislation (AB 649/SB 450) would raise an average family’s electricity bill by more than $1,000 a year. What’s astonishing about it that WMC is conveniently forgetting existing ratepayer protections, which it endorsed – and claimed credit for -- when similar legislation passed in 2006,” Vickerman said.
When the state’s current renewable portfolio standard (RPS) was passed (which directed utilities to source 10 percent of their electricity from renewable generation by 2015), WMC ran an article on its website with the headline “’Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act’ Will Protect Ratepayer Dollars.” That article can be accessed at http://www.wmc.org/display.cfm?ID=1256.
The article says that WMC was instrumental in ensuring that “ratepayer groups will have a clear opportunity to seek delays in the implementation of new renewable portfolio standards, should they have an unreasonable effect on electric rates.”
The Clean Energy Job Act bill would continue those ratepayer protections enacted in 2005 Act 141. So far no utility or energy advocacy group has requested an implementation delay under the current renewable energy standard.
In order for an average family’s bill to increase $1,000 a year, according to Vickerman, electric rates would have to double.
“That will never happen because groups like WMC, Citizens Utility Board, and the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group would intervene aggressively on behalf of their member using the existing ratepayer protections,” Vickerman stated.
Since the adoption of Act 141’s renewable energy requirements, Madison Gas and Electric’s residential ratepayers have seen annual increases of only 0.8 percent through 2009, even though the utility is already in compliance with the 2015 standard, added Vickerman.
“This outrageous claim is just another example of WMC’s decision to lob grenades instead of working constructively to forge a responsible partnership with all parties to create family-supporting jobs in the clean energy sector,” Vickerman said.
“It’s clear that WMC made up its mind to oppose the Clean Energy Jobs Act bill long before its contents were even known to the public,” Vickerman stated.
“There is no more obvious proof of this than WMC’s sponsorship of a so-called study by the Wisconsin Pubic Research Institute (WPRI) that claims that the bill’s provisions to expand renewable energy supplies would cost utilities $16 billion.”
RENEW previously critiqued the WPRI report in a report titled “Think Tank Flunks Renewable Energy Analysis.” (http://renewmediacenter.blogspot.com/2009/12/think-tank-flunks-renewable-energy_22.html)
“WPRI’s assertions demonstrate yet again that if you torture your economic models long enough, they will confess to anything,” Vickerman said.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Milwaukee mayor-gubernatorial candidate visits Orion Energy Systems
From an article by Charlie Mathews in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:
MANITOWOC — Tom Barrett toured Orion Energy Systems on Wednesday morning and said the focus of his bid to become governor is "jobs, jobs and jobs."
The Milwaukee mayor is the leading Democratic Party candidate to capture the state's chief executive post, held by Gov. Jim Doyle, who has said he won't seek a third, four-year term.
"People are scared … we need to get the economy back on its feet," said Barrett, noting the strong message he believes Massachusetts voters sent Tuesday in electing Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate. . . .
Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth took Barrett around the technology center and manufacturing plant where the company produces a variety of lighting products intended to help customers "Get off the Grid" and reduce their electricity costs.
Among Orion products are compact modular fluorescent lights and Apollo solar light tubes company officials state deliver more light at less cost to commercial and industrial companies in North America and overseas.
MANITOWOC — Tom Barrett toured Orion Energy Systems on Wednesday morning and said the focus of his bid to become governor is "jobs, jobs and jobs."
The Milwaukee mayor is the leading Democratic Party candidate to capture the state's chief executive post, held by Gov. Jim Doyle, who has said he won't seek a third, four-year term.
"People are scared … we need to get the economy back on its feet," said Barrett, noting the strong message he believes Massachusetts voters sent Tuesday in electing Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate. . . .
Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth took Barrett around the technology center and manufacturing plant where the company produces a variety of lighting products intended to help customers "Get off the Grid" and reduce their electricity costs.
Among Orion products are compact modular fluorescent lights and Apollo solar light tubes company officials state deliver more light at less cost to commercial and industrial companies in North America and overseas.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Door Co. sustainability group seeks support
From an article by Kurt Rentmester in the Door County Advocate:
Sustainability goes far beyond a way of life, being applicable to the worlds of government and business.
Door County's Agriculture and Extension Committee could recommend a resolution supporting sustainability issues in the coming weeks, after the Door County Administrative Committee had referred the matter Thursday.
That committee and other county leaders heard a presentation on the issue by Ann Hippensteel, a representative of Sustain Door Inc.
Sustainability can be used as a framework by businesses and governments to enable them to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively, said the town of Clay Banks resident.
"I see it as part of Door County's brand already," Hippensteel said. "But it would further our brand to show we are working not only for the future generations of our population, but its impact on the rest of the world because of the choices we make here."
Sustainability goes far beyond a way of life, being applicable to the worlds of government and business.
Door County's Agriculture and Extension Committee could recommend a resolution supporting sustainability issues in the coming weeks, after the Door County Administrative Committee had referred the matter Thursday.
That committee and other county leaders heard a presentation on the issue by Ann Hippensteel, a representative of Sustain Door Inc.
Sustainability can be used as a framework by businesses and governments to enable them to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively, said the town of Clay Banks resident.
"I see it as part of Door County's brand already," Hippensteel said. "But it would further our brand to show we are working not only for the future generations of our population, but its impact on the rest of the world because of the choices we make here."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Potawatomi launch ad campaign in support of Clean Energy Jobs Act
From a news release issued by the Forest County Potawatomi Community:
Crandon, Wis. - The Forest County Potawatomi Community began an advertising campaign Monday in support of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, state legislation that economists predict will create a minimum of 15,000 new jobs in Wisconsin and end up lowering electric bills in the state.
“Protecting Mother Earth and the resources She provides is a cornerstone of the Potawatomi people,” said Jeff Crawford, Forest County Potawatomi Attorney General. “Wisconsin needs to seize this opportunity to reduce the carbon pollution that threatens Wisconsin for the worse while also creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families.”
Crawford added, “The Potawatomi support the Clean Energy Jobs Act and will aggressively work to ensure passage. The bill will be a real boost to Wisconsin’s economy.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act is based on recommendations from the Global Warming Task Force. The Task Force was formed to investigate ways the Wisconsin could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously creating jobs and growing the state’s economy. Representatives from Wisconsin businesses, environmental groups, utilities and other interested stakeholders voted in favor of a final report containing roughly 60 recommendations. The Forest County Potawatomi was a member of the Global Warming Task Force.
Among the major recommendations from the Task Force is the proposal that 25% of Wisconsin’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2025.
Public opinion research has found that a majority of Wisconsin voters favor action by the State to reduce carbon pollution and believe state action will grow clean energy jobs.
Crandon, Wis. - The Forest County Potawatomi Community began an advertising campaign Monday in support of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, state legislation that economists predict will create a minimum of 15,000 new jobs in Wisconsin and end up lowering electric bills in the state.
“Protecting Mother Earth and the resources She provides is a cornerstone of the Potawatomi people,” said Jeff Crawford, Forest County Potawatomi Attorney General. “Wisconsin needs to seize this opportunity to reduce the carbon pollution that threatens Wisconsin for the worse while also creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families.”
Crawford added, “The Potawatomi support the Clean Energy Jobs Act and will aggressively work to ensure passage. The bill will be a real boost to Wisconsin’s economy.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act is based on recommendations from the Global Warming Task Force. The Task Force was formed to investigate ways the Wisconsin could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously creating jobs and growing the state’s economy. Representatives from Wisconsin businesses, environmental groups, utilities and other interested stakeholders voted in favor of a final report containing roughly 60 recommendations. The Forest County Potawatomi was a member of the Global Warming Task Force.
Among the major recommendations from the Task Force is the proposal that 25% of Wisconsin’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2025.
Public opinion research has found that a majority of Wisconsin voters favor action by the State to reduce carbon pollution and believe state action will grow clean energy jobs.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wisconsin DNR secretary touts climate control legislation
From an article in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
KAUKAUNA — State officials are banking on clean energy to bring up to 15,000 new jobs to Wisconsin by 2025.
Matt Frank, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources, stopped by Bassett Mechanical on Thursday to rally support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act, now under consideration by the state Legislature. The bill's language is based on recommendations from Gov. Jim Doyle's Global Warming Task Force.
"Wisconsin manufacturing is growing in new areas," Frank said to a crowd of more than 100 people, which included state and Fox Cities elected officials, business representatives and Bassett workers. "We are looking to grow business, grow our economy and demonstrate that we can take care of our environment at the same time."
The state believes job growth will come through requirements proposed in the Clean Energy Jobs Act. As state and federal rules increase for businesses to purchase energy generated by alternative sources — solar and wind, for example — it naturally will create demand for specialized machinery, which isn't produced in large volumes.
Frank asked Wisconsin businesses to look to alternative energy for new opportunities.
"Wisconsin spends $16 billion a year buying energy and all of that money now leaves the state," he said. "We don't have coal, oil or gas fields, but we can be proactive about looking at alternative energy sources."
KAUKAUNA — State officials are banking on clean energy to bring up to 15,000 new jobs to Wisconsin by 2025.
Matt Frank, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources, stopped by Bassett Mechanical on Thursday to rally support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act, now under consideration by the state Legislature. The bill's language is based on recommendations from Gov. Jim Doyle's Global Warming Task Force.
"Wisconsin manufacturing is growing in new areas," Frank said to a crowd of more than 100 people, which included state and Fox Cities elected officials, business representatives and Bassett workers. "We are looking to grow business, grow our economy and demonstrate that we can take care of our environment at the same time."
The state believes job growth will come through requirements proposed in the Clean Energy Jobs Act. As state and federal rules increase for businesses to purchase energy generated by alternative sources — solar and wind, for example — it naturally will create demand for specialized machinery, which isn't produced in large volumes.
Frank asked Wisconsin businesses to look to alternative energy for new opportunities.
"Wisconsin spends $16 billion a year buying energy and all of that money now leaves the state," he said. "We don't have coal, oil or gas fields, but we can be proactive about looking at alternative energy sources."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wisconsin’s business community is a house divided
From a post by Steve Jagler on Milwaukee Biz Blog:
The controversy over Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act illustrates a deep philosophical divide that is emerging within Wisconsin’s business community.
In some ways, the emerging chasm pits the politics of tomorrow against the politics of yesterday.
On one side of the divide – in favor of the green jobs plan - stand the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) and the Wisconsin Business Council.
The CREWE includes venerable companies such as CleanPower, Alliant Energy, EcoEnergy, Johnson Controls Inc., Xcel Energy, C5•6 Technologies, Axley Brynelson, Madison Gas and Electric, Orion Energy Systems, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin Energy Corp., Poblocki Sign Company, Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, MillerCoors, American Transmission Co., WPPI Energy, DTE Energy Services and Kranz, Inc. . . .
The plan also has the support of the Wisconsin Business Council, which includes leaders from several of the state’s key businesses, including American Transmission Co., Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, AT&T Wisconsin, Commerce State Bank, Dean Health System, Midwest Natural Gas, MillerCoors, Mortenson Construction, Orion Energy Systems and Park Bank (in Madison). . . .
On the other side of the divide stands the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), which is joined by 22 other business organizations, including the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), in opposition to Doyle’s proposal.
The WMC cited a study by the conservative Wisconsin Policy Research Institute that contends the proposed green legislation would kill 43,093 private-sector jobs in Wisconsin. . . .
Adding even more intrigue to this philosophical divide among Wisconsin’s business community is the fact that many members of the CREWE and the Wisconsin Business Council in favor of the green jobs plan also are dues-paying members of the WMC, the MMAC and the other organizations that are against the plan.
“It’s really created massive fault lines within the business community between the deniers (of global warming) and those that think something must be done,” said Thad Nation of the CREWE. “It’s probably going to get messier before it gets better.”
The controversy over Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act illustrates a deep philosophical divide that is emerging within Wisconsin’s business community.
In some ways, the emerging chasm pits the politics of tomorrow against the politics of yesterday.
On one side of the divide – in favor of the green jobs plan - stand the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) and the Wisconsin Business Council.
The CREWE includes venerable companies such as CleanPower, Alliant Energy, EcoEnergy, Johnson Controls Inc., Xcel Energy, C5•6 Technologies, Axley Brynelson, Madison Gas and Electric, Orion Energy Systems, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin Energy Corp., Poblocki Sign Company, Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, MillerCoors, American Transmission Co., WPPI Energy, DTE Energy Services and Kranz, Inc. . . .
The plan also has the support of the Wisconsin Business Council, which includes leaders from several of the state’s key businesses, including American Transmission Co., Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, AT&T Wisconsin, Commerce State Bank, Dean Health System, Midwest Natural Gas, MillerCoors, Mortenson Construction, Orion Energy Systems and Park Bank (in Madison). . . .
On the other side of the divide stands the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), which is joined by 22 other business organizations, including the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), in opposition to Doyle’s proposal.
The WMC cited a study by the conservative Wisconsin Policy Research Institute that contends the proposed green legislation would kill 43,093 private-sector jobs in Wisconsin. . . .
Adding even more intrigue to this philosophical divide among Wisconsin’s business community is the fact that many members of the CREWE and the Wisconsin Business Council in favor of the green jobs plan also are dues-paying members of the WMC, the MMAC and the other organizations that are against the plan.
“It’s really created massive fault lines within the business community between the deniers (of global warming) and those that think something must be done,” said Thad Nation of the CREWE. “It’s probably going to get messier before it gets better.”
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
This manufacturer supports Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Jobs Act
From an article by Neal Verfuerth on BizTimes.com:
The sun is the source of all energy on Earth. Yet, here in Wisconsin, the direct use of the immense energy of the sun is not considered a renewable resource. Most people do not believe this when the concept is first introduced to them because they know - intuitively - there is nothing more renewable than the sun … at least for the next 5 billion years.
But it’s true.
It will take a majority vote of both the Assembly and the Senate at the state Capitol and the signature of Gov. Jim Doyle to make the sun’s direct energy a renewable resource in Wisconsin.
The good news is that a broad list of business, trade and environmental groups, including Orion Energy Systems Inc., are working with the governor and the legislature to make this happen.
“Direct-use” renewables such as solar hot water heating, geo-thermal heating and “light pipe” technology would soon be included in Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a result of the passage of either the Clean Energy Jobs Act (LRB-3883/1), or independent legislation authored by Sen. Jeff Plale and Reps. Jim Soletski and Ted Zigmunt (SB273/AB401).
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) identifies those technologies defined as “renewables” in our state.
Why is this good for the people of Wisconsin? Well, the new law will create jobs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels (Wisconsin imports all of its fossil fuel resources from out of state) and dramatically reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and other health threatening pollutants.
The sun is the source of all energy on Earth. Yet, here in Wisconsin, the direct use of the immense energy of the sun is not considered a renewable resource. Most people do not believe this when the concept is first introduced to them because they know - intuitively - there is nothing more renewable than the sun … at least for the next 5 billion years.
But it’s true.
It will take a majority vote of both the Assembly and the Senate at the state Capitol and the signature of Gov. Jim Doyle to make the sun’s direct energy a renewable resource in Wisconsin.
The good news is that a broad list of business, trade and environmental groups, including Orion Energy Systems Inc., are working with the governor and the legislature to make this happen.
“Direct-use” renewables such as solar hot water heating, geo-thermal heating and “light pipe” technology would soon be included in Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a result of the passage of either the Clean Energy Jobs Act (LRB-3883/1), or independent legislation authored by Sen. Jeff Plale and Reps. Jim Soletski and Ted Zigmunt (SB273/AB401).
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) identifies those technologies defined as “renewables” in our state.
Why is this good for the people of Wisconsin? Well, the new law will create jobs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels (Wisconsin imports all of its fossil fuel resources from out of state) and dramatically reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and other health threatening pollutants.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Wind farm developer pursues Brown County plans despite setback
From an article by Scott Williams in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
A developer who wants to build a major wind farm in Brown County said Monday it would persevere despite state approval for a competing project in Columbia County.
Invenergy LLC had asked the state Public Service Commission to reject the We Energies project in Columbia County or approve both projects jointly.
Chicago-based Invenergy is seeking state approval for the Ledge Wind Energy Project, which would include 100 turbines south of Green Bay in the towns of Glenmore, Wrightstown, Morrison and Holland.
It would be the first large-scale wind farm in Brown County and the largest anywhere in Wisconsin.
The Public Service Commission on Monday approved the slightly smaller Glacier Hills Wind Park, rejecting Invenergy's request to be involved in that development.
A developer who wants to build a major wind farm in Brown County said Monday it would persevere despite state approval for a competing project in Columbia County.
Invenergy LLC had asked the state Public Service Commission to reject the We Energies project in Columbia County or approve both projects jointly.
Chicago-based Invenergy is seeking state approval for the Ledge Wind Energy Project, which would include 100 turbines south of Green Bay in the towns of Glenmore, Wrightstown, Morrison and Holland.
It would be the first large-scale wind farm in Brown County and the largest anywhere in Wisconsin.
The Public Service Commission on Monday approved the slightly smaller Glacier Hills Wind Park, rejecting Invenergy's request to be involved in that development.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Wind Project Approval Will Recharge State’s Economy
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2010
MORE INFORMATION
Michael Vickerman
RENEW Wisconsin
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
RENEW Wisconsin hailed today the Public Service Commission’s approval of what will become the state’s largest wind farm to be built in Columbia County.
Known as Glacier Hills, the proposed 90-turbine project will produce approximately 400 million kilowatt hours of clean renewable electricity annually, while directing $648,000 a year in local aid payments to Columbia County and the townships of Randolph and Scott.
“This project is certain to deliver a shot in the arm to wind-energy equipment suppliers, skilled laborers, and construction contractors throughout the state, not to mention area landowners and local governments,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide membership organization that advocates for renewable energy.
If We Energies’ experience with its previous wind project is any guide, this project will account for more than 400,000 labor hours during construction, according to Vickerman.
The state’s 10% renewable energy standard is the main policy driver behind this project, he said.
Vickerman said: “To be certain that Glacier Hills will not be the last large wind project constructed in Wisconsin, the Legislature must raise the current renewable-energy standard on utilities. The provisions in the recently introduced Clean Energy Jobs Act, which we strongly support, would lift that requirement to 25% by 2025.”
“The state can lock in additional jobs and revenue streams to localities by passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act this winter,” Vickerman said.
January 11, 2010
MORE INFORMATION
Michael Vickerman
RENEW Wisconsin
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
RENEW Wisconsin hailed today the Public Service Commission’s approval of what will become the state’s largest wind farm to be built in Columbia County.
Known as Glacier Hills, the proposed 90-turbine project will produce approximately 400 million kilowatt hours of clean renewable electricity annually, while directing $648,000 a year in local aid payments to Columbia County and the townships of Randolph and Scott.
“This project is certain to deliver a shot in the arm to wind-energy equipment suppliers, skilled laborers, and construction contractors throughout the state, not to mention area landowners and local governments,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide membership organization that advocates for renewable energy.
If We Energies’ experience with its previous wind project is any guide, this project will account for more than 400,000 labor hours during construction, according to Vickerman.
The state’s 10% renewable energy standard is the main policy driver behind this project, he said.
Vickerman said: “To be certain that Glacier Hills will not be the last large wind project constructed in Wisconsin, the Legislature must raise the current renewable-energy standard on utilities. The provisions in the recently introduced Clean Energy Jobs Act, which we strongly support, would lift that requirement to 25% by 2025.”
“The state can lock in additional jobs and revenue streams to localities by passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act this winter,” Vickerman said.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Doyle launches Clean Energy Jobs initiative
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today was joined by business leaders, labor, legislators and environmental organizations as he launched the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a landmark legislative package to accelerate the state’s green economy and create jobs. New industry-recognized research shows the package will directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025.
“Addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s about creating green jobs,” Governor Doyle said.
“The Clean Energy Jobs Act offers new standards to help accelerate Wisconsin’s green economy. I am calling on the Legislature to update renewable portfolio standards to generate 25 percent of our fuel from renewable sources by 2025 and set a realistic goal of a 2 percent annual reduction in energy consumption by 2015.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act, State Senate Bill 450 and State Assembly Bill 649, implements the recommendations of Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s green economy through several key measures:
• Enhanced renewable portfolio standards – A new 20 percent standard would be set for 2020 and a 25 percent standard would be set for 2025. The current 10 percent standard would be accelerated from 2015 to 2013. By advancing our current renewable portfolio standards, and setting new standards, we will ensure more of our energy dollars stay in the state, creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families in fields like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Enhanced energy efficiency and conservation efforts – Graduated statewide electricity savings goals would be set, leading up to a 2 percent reduction by 2015 and annual reductions thereafter. The cheapest way to lower carbon emissions is through energy conservation. By setting achievable conservation goals, this bill will help reduce energy costs in businesses and homes across the state.
A comprehensive economic assessment of the Clean Energy Jobs Act found that the package would directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025. More than 1,800 jobs would be created in the first year alone. The assessment also found that between 800 and 1,800 construction jobs would be created each year from 2011-2025, and more than 2,000 manufacturing jobs would be created once the laws are fully implemented.
Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin’s executive director said:
Wisconsin's existing 10% Renewable Energy Standard has driven significant investment in rural, forestry and agriculture markets by encouraging the construction of large wind, biogas, biomass and solar projects. Increasing the Renewable Energy Standard to 25% in 2025 would continue to generate more of the lucrative payments to landowners and biofuel / biomass providers as well as create more jobs constructing and maintaining the additional projects are built to meet the new standards.
The bills also include three of the proposals backed by the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign:
• Renewable Energy Buyback Rates, also called an Advanced Renewable Tariffs, would set utility payments for small renewable energy producers who want to "feed energy" into the electric grid, enabling farmers and rural businesses to help Wisconsin become more energy independent with biopower, wind and solar.
• The Biomass Crop Reserve Program would award contracts to farmers to plant native perennial plants, which the farmer can then sell for bioenergy production, helping to solve the chicken-and-egg problem of jumpstarting the homegrown fuels market.
• A Low-Carbon Fuel Standard would be a market-based approach to promoting the cleanest, low-carbon fuels for Wisconsin, and would put Wisconsin in a position to capture the rapidly-developing clean energy market by using Wisconsin's abundant natural resources like switchgrass.
Statements of support for the legislation came from Customers First!, WPPI Energy, CREWE, Clean Wisconsin, ACRE, MEUW, Sierra Club, and others.
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today was joined by business leaders, labor, legislators and environmental organizations as he launched the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a landmark legislative package to accelerate the state’s green economy and create jobs. New industry-recognized research shows the package will directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025.
“Addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s about creating green jobs,” Governor Doyle said.
“The Clean Energy Jobs Act offers new standards to help accelerate Wisconsin’s green economy. I am calling on the Legislature to update renewable portfolio standards to generate 25 percent of our fuel from renewable sources by 2025 and set a realistic goal of a 2 percent annual reduction in energy consumption by 2015.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act, State Senate Bill 450 and State Assembly Bill 649, implements the recommendations of Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s green economy through several key measures:
• Enhanced renewable portfolio standards – A new 20 percent standard would be set for 2020 and a 25 percent standard would be set for 2025. The current 10 percent standard would be accelerated from 2015 to 2013. By advancing our current renewable portfolio standards, and setting new standards, we will ensure more of our energy dollars stay in the state, creating thousands of jobs for Wisconsin families in fields like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Enhanced energy efficiency and conservation efforts – Graduated statewide electricity savings goals would be set, leading up to a 2 percent reduction by 2015 and annual reductions thereafter. The cheapest way to lower carbon emissions is through energy conservation. By setting achievable conservation goals, this bill will help reduce energy costs in businesses and homes across the state.
A comprehensive economic assessment of the Clean Energy Jobs Act found that the package would directly create at least 15,000 green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025. More than 1,800 jobs would be created in the first year alone. The assessment also found that between 800 and 1,800 construction jobs would be created each year from 2011-2025, and more than 2,000 manufacturing jobs would be created once the laws are fully implemented.
Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin’s executive director said:
Wisconsin's existing 10% Renewable Energy Standard has driven significant investment in rural, forestry and agriculture markets by encouraging the construction of large wind, biogas, biomass and solar projects. Increasing the Renewable Energy Standard to 25% in 2025 would continue to generate more of the lucrative payments to landowners and biofuel / biomass providers as well as create more jobs constructing and maintaining the additional projects are built to meet the new standards.
The bills also include three of the proposals backed by the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign:
• Renewable Energy Buyback Rates, also called an Advanced Renewable Tariffs, would set utility payments for small renewable energy producers who want to "feed energy" into the electric grid, enabling farmers and rural businesses to help Wisconsin become more energy independent with biopower, wind and solar.
• The Biomass Crop Reserve Program would award contracts to farmers to plant native perennial plants, which the farmer can then sell for bioenergy production, helping to solve the chicken-and-egg problem of jumpstarting the homegrown fuels market.
• A Low-Carbon Fuel Standard would be a market-based approach to promoting the cleanest, low-carbon fuels for Wisconsin, and would put Wisconsin in a position to capture the rapidly-developing clean energy market by using Wisconsin's abundant natural resources like switchgrass.
Statements of support for the legislation came from Customers First!, WPPI Energy, CREWE, Clean Wisconsin, ACRE, MEUW, Sierra Club, and others.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Group says to ignore flawed energy analysis
From the introduction to a report issued by Wisconsin Environment:
Madison – As the state of Wisconsin begins to consider the Clean Energy Jobs Act, legislation aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and creating new jobs in the clean energy economy, Wisconsin Environment Research & Policy Center released a new report today debunking recent claims made by special interest groups attacking the initiative.
In the last month, opponents of the initiative have relied on a November 2009 paper by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute [WPRI], “The Economics of Climate Change Proposals in Wisconsin,” to suggest that transitioning the state to a clean energy economy would result in massive economic disruption. Wisconsin Environment RPC has provided a new, detailed analysis of the flawed methodology used in the WPRI report.
“Wisconsin decision-makers need well-thought-out analyses of economic and environmental challenges –- including from those who, like WPRI, bring a libertarian perspective to the debate -– if the state is going to address those challenges in the most effective way,” said Dan Kohler, Director of Wisconsin Environment. “Unfortunately, WPRI’s analysis does not meet even the most basic standard of accuracy, and, as such, makes no useful contribution whatsoever to the ongoing policy debate.”
Wisconsin Environment RPC, in its new report “Flawed from the Start: How the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute Gets the Economics of Energy Policy Wrong”, found that the WPRI report fails to acknowledge the many obvious economic and other benefits that would result from a broad effort to repower Wisconsin with clean energy. Among the long list of benefits (apparently) not considered in the analysis are the following:
• Avoided costs of electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure resulting from reduced energy demand or the incorporation of on-site renewable generation.
• Increased income for Wisconsin farmers resulting from increased use of biofuels and the potential to lease lands for wind turbines and other forms of renewable energy development.
• Health benefits (including reductions in absenteeism, early mortality and possibly health care costs) from avoided fossil fuel-related pollution, including reductions in pollutants that form smog and soot, and mercury deposition in waterways.
• Avoided economic impacts of global warming in Wisconsin, including predicted changes that threaten to reduce the productivity of agriculture, increase the possibility of dangerous floods, shift the composition of Wisconsin forests, affect the winter recreation industry, and more.
• Reductions in the risk to individuals, businesses and government posed by sudden shifts in fossil fuel prices. Energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy both have hedging value as insurance against sudden spikes in fossil fuel costs.
Previously, the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) and RENEW Wisconsin issued similar critiques of the WPRI report.
Madison – As the state of Wisconsin begins to consider the Clean Energy Jobs Act, legislation aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and creating new jobs in the clean energy economy, Wisconsin Environment Research & Policy Center released a new report today debunking recent claims made by special interest groups attacking the initiative.
In the last month, opponents of the initiative have relied on a November 2009 paper by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute [WPRI], “The Economics of Climate Change Proposals in Wisconsin,” to suggest that transitioning the state to a clean energy economy would result in massive economic disruption. Wisconsin Environment RPC has provided a new, detailed analysis of the flawed methodology used in the WPRI report.
“Wisconsin decision-makers need well-thought-out analyses of economic and environmental challenges –- including from those who, like WPRI, bring a libertarian perspective to the debate -– if the state is going to address those challenges in the most effective way,” said Dan Kohler, Director of Wisconsin Environment. “Unfortunately, WPRI’s analysis does not meet even the most basic standard of accuracy, and, as such, makes no useful contribution whatsoever to the ongoing policy debate.”
Wisconsin Environment RPC, in its new report “Flawed from the Start: How the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute Gets the Economics of Energy Policy Wrong”, found that the WPRI report fails to acknowledge the many obvious economic and other benefits that would result from a broad effort to repower Wisconsin with clean energy. Among the long list of benefits (apparently) not considered in the analysis are the following:
• Avoided costs of electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure resulting from reduced energy demand or the incorporation of on-site renewable generation.
• Increased income for Wisconsin farmers resulting from increased use of biofuels and the potential to lease lands for wind turbines and other forms of renewable energy development.
• Health benefits (including reductions in absenteeism, early mortality and possibly health care costs) from avoided fossil fuel-related pollution, including reductions in pollutants that form smog and soot, and mercury deposition in waterways.
• Avoided economic impacts of global warming in Wisconsin, including predicted changes that threaten to reduce the productivity of agriculture, increase the possibility of dangerous floods, shift the composition of Wisconsin forests, affect the winter recreation industry, and more.
• Reductions in the risk to individuals, businesses and government posed by sudden shifts in fossil fuel prices. Energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy both have hedging value as insurance against sudden spikes in fossil fuel costs.
Previously, the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) and RENEW Wisconsin issued similar critiques of the WPRI report.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Cash for clunker appliances
From a story by Mark Leland on WLUK-TV (Green Bay):
GREEN BAY - Those selling refrigerators, washers, even geothermal heat pumps are hoping the latest installment of federal stimulus funds will bring in customers during slow economic times.
"It kind of represents what the government did with cars," explained Scott Steffke, a sales associate with Van Vreede's Appliances in Green Bay.
The cash back rewards on appliances are designed to get residents to trade up to more energy efficient ones.
An approved clothes washer could get you $100, dishwashers $25, refrigerator $75. The rebate for furnaces is $200, water heaters $150, and solar hot water $2000.
The cash back rebate started January 1st and customers at Van Vreede's say that's what has them looking to buy.
"I think that's good because people will be able to spend more to get something good," said Heidi Kuczer, shopping for appliances with her daughter.
The rebate program for appliances is set to run through February of 2012 or until the funds run out. And for Wisconsin that deadline could come sooner rather than later since the state's portion of the rebate money is just $5.4 million.
"It could go in a week, could go in a month, it just depends how long the funds last," said Steffke. . . .
For more details on the products that qualify and rebate forms go to www.focusonenergy.com/recovery.
GREEN BAY - Those selling refrigerators, washers, even geothermal heat pumps are hoping the latest installment of federal stimulus funds will bring in customers during slow economic times.
"It kind of represents what the government did with cars," explained Scott Steffke, a sales associate with Van Vreede's Appliances in Green Bay.
The cash back rewards on appliances are designed to get residents to trade up to more energy efficient ones.
An approved clothes washer could get you $100, dishwashers $25, refrigerator $75. The rebate for furnaces is $200, water heaters $150, and solar hot water $2000.
The cash back rebate started January 1st and customers at Van Vreede's say that's what has them looking to buy.
"I think that's good because people will be able to spend more to get something good," said Heidi Kuczer, shopping for appliances with her daughter.
The rebate program for appliances is set to run through February of 2012 or until the funds run out. And for Wisconsin that deadline could come sooner rather than later since the state's portion of the rebate money is just $5.4 million.
"It could go in a week, could go in a month, it just depends how long the funds last," said Steffke. . . .
For more details on the products that qualify and rebate forms go to www.focusonenergy.com/recovery.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Iowa wind farm is generating power for WPS
A blog post by Thomas Content on JSonline:
Wisconsin Public Service Corp. said Tuesday it has finished construction of its Crane Creek wind farm, a project in north central Iowa that began generating electricity in late December.
WPS owns and operates the $251 million wind farm, which was built to help the Green Bay utility comply with the state’s renewable portfolio standard. The project consists of 66 wind turbines capable of generating 99 megawatts of power.
The standard requires Wisconsin’s utilities to generate 10% of the state’s electricity from renewable power sources by 2015.
The project, located about 65 miles west of La Crosse, was completed “slightly ahead of schedule and well within budget,” said Conrad Weis, the utility’s project manager.
Wisconsin Public Service Corp. said Tuesday it has finished construction of its Crane Creek wind farm, a project in north central Iowa that began generating electricity in late December.
WPS owns and operates the $251 million wind farm, which was built to help the Green Bay utility comply with the state’s renewable portfolio standard. The project consists of 66 wind turbines capable of generating 99 megawatts of power.
The standard requires Wisconsin’s utilities to generate 10% of the state’s electricity from renewable power sources by 2015.
The project, located about 65 miles west of La Crosse, was completed “slightly ahead of schedule and well within budget,” said Conrad Weis, the utility’s project manager.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Add sustainable development to discussion topics in 2010
From a column by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:
OK, now what?
The worst of the great recession appears over, although a stock market sell-off early in 2010, as some are warning, could well again shake Main Street to its core.
There are signs that layoffs have slowed and employers might actually be considering hiring. But one term I’d like to see enter the discussion is “sustainable development.”
Environmentalists, of course, have been talking about sustainable development ever since the movement championed by Wisconsin’s own Gaylord Nelson and others picked up speed in the 1970s.
The guiding principle is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” according to the Encyclopedia of Sustainable Development.
But sustainable development doesn’t just mean a cleaner environment. It also speaks to an economic system that makes better use of natural resources, increases investment, promotes stability and competition, develops skills and rewards hard work.
Put another way, sustainable development requires us to take a long-term view of the economy, rather than adopting short-term fixes.
OK, now what?
The worst of the great recession appears over, although a stock market sell-off early in 2010, as some are warning, could well again shake Main Street to its core.
There are signs that layoffs have slowed and employers might actually be considering hiring. But one term I’d like to see enter the discussion is “sustainable development.”
Environmentalists, of course, have been talking about sustainable development ever since the movement championed by Wisconsin’s own Gaylord Nelson and others picked up speed in the 1970s.
The guiding principle is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” according to the Encyclopedia of Sustainable Development.
But sustainable development doesn’t just mean a cleaner environment. It also speaks to an economic system that makes better use of natural resources, increases investment, promotes stability and competition, develops skills and rewards hard work.
Put another way, sustainable development requires us to take a long-term view of the economy, rather than adopting short-term fixes.
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