From an article by Tony Walter in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Wind turbine siting rules approved today by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission likely will have little impact on a Chicago-based company’s attempts to build a 100-turbine wind farm in southern Brown County.
The PSC established guidelines for local governments to set restrictions on projects less than 100 megawatts in generating capacity.
However, the Ledge Wind project proposed by Invenergy LLC in the towns of Morrison, Holland, Glenmore and Wrightstown exceeds 100 megawatts. The company submitted its application to the PSC last year but was told to make some changes.
Invenergy is expected to resubmit its application soon
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
State health officer: insufficient evidence to show turbines cause harm
From an article by Tony Walter in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
A key state health official has notified the attorney for a Brown County citizens group that there isn't sufficient evidence to show that wind turbines have a negative effect on human health.
To that, attorney Ed Marion replied, "There's no question in my mind that there's such a rush to build wind turbines that policymakers are simply ignoring all the evidence against building them. People who dismiss wind turbine complaints are flat wrong."
Marion, former chief of staff for Gov. Tommy Thompson, represents the Brown County Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy, a group that opposes a plan by Chicago-based Invenergy LLC to construct a wind farm of 100 turbines in the towns of Glenmore, Holland, Morrison and Wrightstown.
Seth Foldy, state health officer and administrator for the state's Division of Public Health, said his conclusion is based on a study of scientific evidence.
The citizens group claims considerable evidence shows wind turbines can cause a variety of health problems for nearby residents, including sleep disturbance and headaches.
The PSC-appointed wind siting council has sent proposed turbine rules to the PSC, which is expected to vote on the rules next week. The major issues are decibel limits and setback restrictions.
"Our review of the scientific literature concludes that exposure levels measured from contemporary wind turbines at current setback distances do not reach those associated with objective physical conditions, such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, or flicker-induced epilepsy," Foldy wrote in a July 19 letter to Marion.
"From this, we conclude that current scientific evidence is not sufficient to support a conclusion that contemporary wind turbines cause adverse health outcomes in those living at distances consistent with current draft rules being considered by the Public Service Commission."
A key state health official has notified the attorney for a Brown County citizens group that there isn't sufficient evidence to show that wind turbines have a negative effect on human health.
To that, attorney Ed Marion replied, "There's no question in my mind that there's such a rush to build wind turbines that policymakers are simply ignoring all the evidence against building them. People who dismiss wind turbine complaints are flat wrong."
Marion, former chief of staff for Gov. Tommy Thompson, represents the Brown County Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy, a group that opposes a plan by Chicago-based Invenergy LLC to construct a wind farm of 100 turbines in the towns of Glenmore, Holland, Morrison and Wrightstown.
Seth Foldy, state health officer and administrator for the state's Division of Public Health, said his conclusion is based on a study of scientific evidence.
The citizens group claims considerable evidence shows wind turbines can cause a variety of health problems for nearby residents, including sleep disturbance and headaches.
The PSC-appointed wind siting council has sent proposed turbine rules to the PSC, which is expected to vote on the rules next week. The major issues are decibel limits and setback restrictions.
"Our review of the scientific literature concludes that exposure levels measured from contemporary wind turbines at current setback distances do not reach those associated with objective physical conditions, such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, or flicker-induced epilepsy," Foldy wrote in a July 19 letter to Marion.
"From this, we conclude that current scientific evidence is not sufficient to support a conclusion that contemporary wind turbines cause adverse health outcomes in those living at distances consistent with current draft rules being considered by the Public Service Commission."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Community meetings will explain renewable energy finances and grants, Sept. 10
A news release issued by Seventh Generation Energy Systems and EcoManity:
CHILTON, WI – Wind and Solar Power for WE Energies and WPS customers strengthens the bottom line.
Through the end of 2010, farms, businesses, and communities can benefit from a federal treasury grant that pays back 30% of the cost of installing renewable energy systems. This incentive coupled with the Focus on Energy, WE Energies and WPS programs make for a quick pay back. Customers of these utilities have an amazing opportunity to guard against increases in energy costs by generating their own renewable power.
“If youʼre in WPS or WE Energies territory and youʼve been thinking about renewable power for your home, farm, or business, now is the time to do your homework and make a decision. We donʼt know when conditions will be this favorable again” says Alicia Leinberger, development coordinator for Seventh Generation Energy Systems. The Federal grant requires that the
project is started by the end of 2010 and completed by the end of 2012. By stacking the incentives, customers can get from 50% to 70% of their renewable energy system paid for up front.
To find out more about how the finances stack up, and whether generating your own power is right for your business, join Seventh Generation Energy Systems and EcoManity for two community meetings on Friday September 10th.
The first is at 10:30am in Room SC128 of NorthEast WI Tech College, 2740 West Mason St., Green Bay, WI. The second takes place at 2:00pm at the Ledge View Nature Center, W2348 Short Rd., Chilton, WI. For more information and to RSVP, please call Alicia at 608-616-5375 or write to alicia@sges.us.
Both organizations will also be at the Fall Food & Energy Festival at the Ledge View Nature Center, Saturday September 11th from 9:00am to 4:00pm. This event brings together the area's food-growers, businesses, artists, artisans, friends, families, teachers and experts to celebrate a shared commitment to local food and alternative energies.
CHILTON, WI – Wind and Solar Power for WE Energies and WPS customers strengthens the bottom line.
Through the end of 2010, farms, businesses, and communities can benefit from a federal treasury grant that pays back 30% of the cost of installing renewable energy systems. This incentive coupled with the Focus on Energy, WE Energies and WPS programs make for a quick pay back. Customers of these utilities have an amazing opportunity to guard against increases in energy costs by generating their own renewable power.
“If youʼre in WPS or WE Energies territory and youʼve been thinking about renewable power for your home, farm, or business, now is the time to do your homework and make a decision. We donʼt know when conditions will be this favorable again” says Alicia Leinberger, development coordinator for Seventh Generation Energy Systems. The Federal grant requires that the
project is started by the end of 2010 and completed by the end of 2012. By stacking the incentives, customers can get from 50% to 70% of their renewable energy system paid for up front.
To find out more about how the finances stack up, and whether generating your own power is right for your business, join Seventh Generation Energy Systems and EcoManity for two community meetings on Friday September 10th.
The first is at 10:30am in Room SC128 of NorthEast WI Tech College, 2740 West Mason St., Green Bay, WI. The second takes place at 2:00pm at the Ledge View Nature Center, W2348 Short Rd., Chilton, WI. For more information and to RSVP, please call Alicia at 608-616-5375 or write to alicia@sges.us.
Both organizations will also be at the Fall Food & Energy Festival at the Ledge View Nature Center, Saturday September 11th from 9:00am to 4:00pm. This event brings together the area's food-growers, businesses, artists, artisans, friends, families, teachers and experts to celebrate a shared commitment to local food and alternative energies.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Oconomowoc students to ride on plug-in hybrid school buses
From a article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Town of Oconomowoc — Sandy Syburg has driven school buses for years - but none like these.
When they start rolling on their routes next week, these hybrid electric school buses won't lurch forward the way conventional school buses do.
A diesel engine is least efficient when it's trying to get a 27,000-pound vehicle moving from a full stop, Syburg said. Thanks to the hybrid technology, the electric motor kicks in first, with lithium-ion batteries powering the bus forward from a stop.
"It's very smooth. It's like a gust of wind when you're sailing," said Syburg, chief executive of Oconomowoc Transport Co.
In the bus terminal, Syburg can plug an electrical cord into the side of the bus so that solar panels can charge the batteries that run the vehicle's electric motor.
To date, more than 100 hybrid school and commercial buses have rolled off of the IC Bus LLC assembly line since 2007. Eleven of them are plug-in hybrid electric school buses in Oconomowoc, ready to start the school year next week.
The investment, aided by a state grant through the federal stimulus package, aims to reduce diesel fuel use by 7,500 gallons a year. That would provide savings of $26,000 in fuel costs for the Oconomowoc Area School District at today's diesel prices.
When they're done with their morning school run, the buses will return to the bus company on Brown St. and their batteries will be recharged with the help of 224 solar panels that were erected by Renewable Energy Solutions of Waukesha.
It's the first solar-electric charging station in the state, and it's ready to power the biggest fleet of plug-in hybrid school buses in the country.
The buses are projected to result in saving because of a 50% gain in fuel economy. A typical bus gets 7 miles per gallon, but the hybrid technology will boost that to 12.
"It's a little glimpse of the future; it's very impressive," said Mike Barry, assistant superintendent of the district. The district will seek to incorporate the solar-powered hybrids into its curriculum.
"We're trying to make some links between the curriculum that the students learn about in school and the real world," he said. "When the connection is as immediate as the very bus that takes you to and from school, that's a powerful connection."
Town of Oconomowoc — Sandy Syburg has driven school buses for years - but none like these.
When they start rolling on their routes next week, these hybrid electric school buses won't lurch forward the way conventional school buses do.
A diesel engine is least efficient when it's trying to get a 27,000-pound vehicle moving from a full stop, Syburg said. Thanks to the hybrid technology, the electric motor kicks in first, with lithium-ion batteries powering the bus forward from a stop.
"It's very smooth. It's like a gust of wind when you're sailing," said Syburg, chief executive of Oconomowoc Transport Co.
In the bus terminal, Syburg can plug an electrical cord into the side of the bus so that solar panels can charge the batteries that run the vehicle's electric motor.
To date, more than 100 hybrid school and commercial buses have rolled off of the IC Bus LLC assembly line since 2007. Eleven of them are plug-in hybrid electric school buses in Oconomowoc, ready to start the school year next week.
The investment, aided by a state grant through the federal stimulus package, aims to reduce diesel fuel use by 7,500 gallons a year. That would provide savings of $26,000 in fuel costs for the Oconomowoc Area School District at today's diesel prices.
When they're done with their morning school run, the buses will return to the bus company on Brown St. and their batteries will be recharged with the help of 224 solar panels that were erected by Renewable Energy Solutions of Waukesha.
It's the first solar-electric charging station in the state, and it's ready to power the biggest fleet of plug-in hybrid school buses in the country.
The buses are projected to result in saving because of a 50% gain in fuel economy. A typical bus gets 7 miles per gallon, but the hybrid technology will boost that to 12.
"It's a little glimpse of the future; it's very impressive," said Mike Barry, assistant superintendent of the district. The district will seek to incorporate the solar-powered hybrids into its curriculum.
"We're trying to make some links between the curriculum that the students learn about in school and the real world," he said. "When the connection is as immediate as the very bus that takes you to and from school, that's a powerful connection."
Monday, August 23, 2010
Make a few changes in your driving habits to save money
From Madison Gas & Electric:
A few changes in your driving habits could save you money and gasoline. Hypermilers say it's easy... and anyone can do it.You don't have to drive an electric car or hybrid to drive more sustainably. In this story, we hit the road with an expert hypermiler to learn what it takes to go the extra
mile.
A few changes in your driving habits could save you money and gasoline. Hypermilers say it's easy... and anyone can do it.You don't have to drive an electric car or hybrid to drive more sustainably. In this story, we hit the road with an expert hypermiler to learn what it takes to go the extra
mile.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Science says wind power is safe
From an editorial in the Wisconsin State Journal:
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health has reviewed more than 150 scientific and medical reports related to wind turbines and public health.
Division staff have listened and responded to concerns about wind turbines from the public, municipal leaders and local health officers. The division has sought the expertise of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and health departments in states with heavier reliance on wind energy.
So what did the Wisconsin Division of Public Health determine from all of that careful inspection?
"We conclude that current scientific evidence is not sufficient to support a conclusion that contemporary wind turbines cause adverse health outcomes in those living at distances consistent with current draft rules being considered by the Public Service Commission," wrote Dr. Seth Foldy, state health officer and administrator, in a July 19 letter to wind farm critics who claim all manner of ailments from wind turbine noise, vibrations and shadow flicker as the sun sets behind turbines.
Dr. Jevon McFadden, an epidemiologic intelligence service officer with the CDC, offered similar reassurance in May to the Wisconsin Wind Siting Council that he serves on.
"Evidence does not support the conclusion that wind turbines cause or are associated with adverse health outcomes," McFadden wrote in his presentation.
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health has reviewed more than 150 scientific and medical reports related to wind turbines and public health.
Division staff have listened and responded to concerns about wind turbines from the public, municipal leaders and local health officers. The division has sought the expertise of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and health departments in states with heavier reliance on wind energy.
So what did the Wisconsin Division of Public Health determine from all of that careful inspection?
"We conclude that current scientific evidence is not sufficient to support a conclusion that contemporary wind turbines cause adverse health outcomes in those living at distances consistent with current draft rules being considered by the Public Service Commission," wrote Dr. Seth Foldy, state health officer and administrator, in a July 19 letter to wind farm critics who claim all manner of ailments from wind turbine noise, vibrations and shadow flicker as the sun sets behind turbines.
Dr. Jevon McFadden, an epidemiologic intelligence service officer with the CDC, offered similar reassurance in May to the Wisconsin Wind Siting Council that he serves on.
"Evidence does not support the conclusion that wind turbines cause or are associated with adverse health outcomes," McFadden wrote in his presentation.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wisconsin companies expand to accommodate wind energy
From an article by Nathan Phelps in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Vorpahl Fire & Safety did not build its business with commercial wind generation in mind, but it's one of many companies that consider that industry a key opportunity for expansion.
For the last few months, Vorpahl has sold protective gear designed for workers in the wind energy sector, including safety harnesses, hard hats, gloves, high-visibility vests and tool bags.
Wind energy is a market the business is banking on for continued growth in the coming years.
"We've been trying to figure out creative ways to break into other, untapped, segments, and wind energy came up because it is really big in other parts of the country and it's starting to catch on in Wisconsin," said Chris Vorpahl, marketing coordinator. "Love it or hate it … wind turbines are going to be here, and we want to provide the protection for the people maintaining, installing it and assembling it."
Throughout the area, sectors that are one or more rings down the supply chain from the manufacture of wind turbines are grabbing a piece of the burgeoning industry.
New North, a nonprofit economic development organization, is setting up an October event in Milwaukee aimed at identifying business opportunities in the wind sector, said Jerry Murphy executive director of New North.
Vorpahl Fire & Safety did not build its business with commercial wind generation in mind, but it's one of many companies that consider that industry a key opportunity for expansion.
For the last few months, Vorpahl has sold protective gear designed for workers in the wind energy sector, including safety harnesses, hard hats, gloves, high-visibility vests and tool bags.
Wind energy is a market the business is banking on for continued growth in the coming years.
"We've been trying to figure out creative ways to break into other, untapped, segments, and wind energy came up because it is really big in other parts of the country and it's starting to catch on in Wisconsin," said Chris Vorpahl, marketing coordinator. "Love it or hate it … wind turbines are going to be here, and we want to provide the protection for the people maintaining, installing it and assembling it."
Throughout the area, sectors that are one or more rings down the supply chain from the manufacture of wind turbines are grabbing a piece of the burgeoning industry.
New North, a nonprofit economic development organization, is setting up an October event in Milwaukee aimed at identifying business opportunities in the wind sector, said Jerry Murphy executive director of New North.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Orion raises first urban wind tower in Manitowoc County
From a news release issued by Orion Energy Systems:
MANITOWOC, Wis. — Aug. 12, 2010 — Orion Energy Systems Inc. (NYSE Amex: OESX) on Thursday raised the first urban wind tower in Manitowoc County, which will help offset energy consumed at the company’s technology center.
Based on average wind speed, the 20-kilowatt wind turbine is expected to generate up to 32 megawatt-hours a year. The wind turbine was manufactured by Oshkosh, Wis.-based Renewegy.
The monopole tower is the first urban wind turbine in Manitowoc County. Urban wind is the process of generating electricity through wind power to be used at an adjacent load center in an urban setting, significantly reducing the inefficiencies of transmitting and distributing electricity generated in rural areas.
“Urban wind is smart because the turbine is located at the load center, eliminating the need to transmit and distribute the power over long distances, which can result in the loss of up to 15 percent of the energy,” said Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth. “Like Orion’s growing suite of energy solutions, which now includes efficient lighting, wireless control systems and renewable solar technologies, urban wind will create permanent distributed load reductions — delivering capacity to the stressed energy grid and delivering energy savings to the end-user.”
“I’m proud to be standing here today for the erection of the first wind tower in the city of Manitowoc,” said Mayor Justin Nickels. “It’s truly amazing to have a company like Orion that, like the city of Manitowoc, continually looks to the future. We’re proud to have Orion in Manitowoc and to work with them to continue offering technologies that provide real energy solutions.”
About 40 people watched from the balcony of Orion’s tech center as two hydraulic lifts erected the fully assembled wind tower into place.
U.S. Rep. Thomas Petri, R-Wis., said the wind tower and Orion’s suite of products and services that deliver permanent distributed load reductions will “make our country stronger, help us consume less, yet have a higher standard of living.”
“Orion is a change agent in the energy sector,” Petri said. “You’re looking at the problem in a different way and thinking of new solutions to energy use.”
State Reps. James Soletski, D-Green Bay, and Ted Zigmunt, D-Francis Creek also attended the event, along with media, civic leaders and Orion employees.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Council presents recommendations for wind siting rules
A news release issued by the Public Service Commission:
MADISON – Today the Wind Siting Council presented the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) with a report on its final recommendations for the wind siting rules. The report is the result of the Council's work conducted in 20 meetings over the course of more than four months.
[The Council vote 11 to 4 in support of the recommendations, with RENEW executive director Michael Vickerman voting with the majority.]
Originally appointed by the PSC pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 40 (Act 40) in March 2010, the Council has worked diligently to provide the Commission with sound advice to consider in finalizing the wind siting rules. The PSC is conducting the wind siting rulemaking pursuant to Act 40, and issued a proposed rule draft in May, 2010 in docket 1-AC-231. The PSC accepted public comments from the public on the proposed rule until July 7, 2010.
“I look forward to carefully reviewing the Wind Siting Council's final report, and I thank them for their unwavering commitment to provide the Commission with useful advice to consider as we finalize the wind siting rules,” said PSC Chairperson Eric Callisto. “I am confident that the rules the Commission sends to the Legislature will provide a fair, uniform foundation to ultimately benefit future energy projects in Wisconsin.”
The PSC plans to complete the rulemaking by the end of August. Once finalized, the uniform rules will set forth consistent standards for the local regulation of wind energy systems in Wisconsin.
View the Wind Siting Council's recommendations here. Documents associated with the wind siting rules can be viewed on the PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing System. Enter case number 1-AC-231 in the boxes provided on the PSC homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.
MADISON – Today the Wind Siting Council presented the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) with a report on its final recommendations for the wind siting rules. The report is the result of the Council's work conducted in 20 meetings over the course of more than four months.
[The Council vote 11 to 4 in support of the recommendations, with RENEW executive director Michael Vickerman voting with the majority.]
Originally appointed by the PSC pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 40 (Act 40) in March 2010, the Council has worked diligently to provide the Commission with sound advice to consider in finalizing the wind siting rules. The PSC is conducting the wind siting rulemaking pursuant to Act 40, and issued a proposed rule draft in May, 2010 in docket 1-AC-231. The PSC accepted public comments from the public on the proposed rule until July 7, 2010.
“I look forward to carefully reviewing the Wind Siting Council's final report, and I thank them for their unwavering commitment to provide the Commission with useful advice to consider as we finalize the wind siting rules,” said PSC Chairperson Eric Callisto. “I am confident that the rules the Commission sends to the Legislature will provide a fair, uniform foundation to ultimately benefit future energy projects in Wisconsin.”
The PSC plans to complete the rulemaking by the end of August. Once finalized, the uniform rules will set forth consistent standards for the local regulation of wind energy systems in Wisconsin.
View the Wind Siting Council's recommendations here. Documents associated with the wind siting rules can be viewed on the PSC’s Electronic Regulatory Filing System. Enter case number 1-AC-231 in the boxes provided on the PSC homepage, or click on the Electronic Regulatory Filing System button.
Monday, August 9, 2010
How Food Choices Affect Drinking Water
From a handout and presentation to ECOS-FV by Lynn Markham, Land Use Specialist, Center for Land Use Education at UW-Stevens Point:
Every eater affects drinking water quality and human health through the farming practices they support when they purchase food or grow food
Why is groundwater important?
• Over 95% of WI’s communities rely on groundwater for their drinking water.
Where does groundwater come from?
Groundwater is a LOCAL resource, influenced by local land use decisions. In sandy soils where groundwater moves relatively quickly at 1 foot/day, it takes 14 years for groundwater to move one mile.
Pesticides in groundwater
• Pesticides = herbicides, insecticides and fungicides
• 13 million pounds of pesticides are applied to the major crops in WI each year; over 2 pounds for each person in WI.
Every eater affects drinking water quality and human health through the farming practices they support when they purchase food or grow food
Why is groundwater important?
• Over 95% of WI’s communities rely on groundwater for their drinking water.
Where does groundwater come from?
Groundwater is a LOCAL resource, influenced by local land use decisions. In sandy soils where groundwater moves relatively quickly at 1 foot/day, it takes 14 years for groundwater to move one mile.
Pesticides in groundwater
• Pesticides = herbicides, insecticides and fungicides
• 13 million pounds of pesticides are applied to the major crops in WI each year; over 2 pounds for each person in WI.
Ribbon cutting ceremony for Wisconsin Trend Home, Aug. 13, Neenah
An invitation sent by the Wisconsin Builders Foundation and Valley Home Builder Association:
Please join us for the unveiling of the 2010 Wisconsin Trend Home on Fri., Aug. 13 from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Official ribbon cutting will occur at 3:45 p.m. Guests are then welcome to tour the home and learn about the green products and features incorporated into it. Light food and refreshments will be provided.
The Wisconsin Trend Home™, a partnership between the Wisconsin Builders Foundation (WBA Foundation) and Valley Home Builders Association member Schmidt Bros. Custom Homes Inc., is a home that serves as an educational and research tool for housing professionals and the general public regarding green building techniques.
The Trend Home is constructed to the NAHB Research Center's National Green Building Certification Program and certified by a third-party verifier, rating the home's energy performance and utilization of sustainable materials.
The home will be sold at fair market value and the proceeds will be donated to the 501(c)(3) non-profit WBA Foundation to fund future education and research projects for the benefit of the housing industry in Wisconsin.
Please join us for the unveiling of the 2010 Wisconsin Trend Home on Fri., Aug. 13 from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Official ribbon cutting will occur at 3:45 p.m. Guests are then welcome to tour the home and learn about the green products and features incorporated into it. Light food and refreshments will be provided.
The Wisconsin Trend Home™, a partnership between the Wisconsin Builders Foundation (WBA Foundation) and Valley Home Builders Association member Schmidt Bros. Custom Homes Inc., is a home that serves as an educational and research tool for housing professionals and the general public regarding green building techniques.
The Trend Home is constructed to the NAHB Research Center's National Green Building Certification Program and certified by a third-party verifier, rating the home's energy performance and utilization of sustainable materials.
The home will be sold at fair market value and the proceeds will be donated to the 501(c)(3) non-profit WBA Foundation to fund future education and research projects for the benefit of the housing industry in Wisconsin.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Howard's efforts toward sustainability recognized
From an article by Malavika Jagannathan in the Green Bay Press Gazette:
HOWARD — The village is getting closer to becoming more energy efficient and practicing sustainable development.
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, a membership organization of local governments committed to environmental protection, recognized the village for its work to chronicle its greenhouse gas emissions for a year.
Howard is the second municipality in Wisconsin, after Madison, to achieve this standing in the group's five-step milestone program.
Seven Wisconsin communities are a part of this organization: Fitchburg, Howard, Madison, Marshfield, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Racine.
Municipalities are asked to calculate greenhouse gas emission for a base year and a forecast year from all municipal operations, including buildings, streetlights, motor vehicles and wastewater treatment facilities.
Howard's report shows that vehicle transportation makes up most of the village's carbon footprint, making up about 53 percent of the 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted from village sources.
HOWARD — The village is getting closer to becoming more energy efficient and practicing sustainable development.
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, a membership organization of local governments committed to environmental protection, recognized the village for its work to chronicle its greenhouse gas emissions for a year.
Howard is the second municipality in Wisconsin, after Madison, to achieve this standing in the group's five-step milestone program.
Seven Wisconsin communities are a part of this organization: Fitchburg, Howard, Madison, Marshfield, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Racine.
Municipalities are asked to calculate greenhouse gas emission for a base year and a forecast year from all municipal operations, including buildings, streetlights, motor vehicles and wastewater treatment facilities.
Howard's report shows that vehicle transportation makes up most of the village's carbon footprint, making up about 53 percent of the 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted from village sources.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Free energy reviews & bonus incentives offered to WPS farm customers
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
(August 4, 2010)—Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) have teamed up to provide a new offer exclusively for farms in the WPS service area. WPS agribusiness customers with a home and farm located on the same property are now eligible to receive a free energy review and enhanced bonus incentives for implementing multiple energy efficiency
and/or renewable energy upgrades.
During the free energy review, a professional energy advisor will conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of the agribusiness facility and a walk-through of the participant’s home to identify energy-saving opportunities, including renewable energy opportunities. Following the review, participants will receive a customized report outlining recommendations, information about financial incentives, and details on the new enhanced bonus incentives.
Bonus incentives for up to twice the standard Focus on Energy incentives are available after completing two or more energy efficiency and/or renewable upgrades on the property (farm and/or home). The more projects completed, the bigger the bonus.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Focus on Energy and schedule an energy review today. For more information, and to schedule a free energy review, please visit focusonenergy.com/wpsfarm, email wpsfarmbonus@focusonenergy.com or call 800.762.7077.
(August 4, 2010)—Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) have teamed up to provide a new offer exclusively for farms in the WPS service area. WPS agribusiness customers with a home and farm located on the same property are now eligible to receive a free energy review and enhanced bonus incentives for implementing multiple energy efficiency
and/or renewable energy upgrades.
During the free energy review, a professional energy advisor will conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of the agribusiness facility and a walk-through of the participant’s home to identify energy-saving opportunities, including renewable energy opportunities. Following the review, participants will receive a customized report outlining recommendations, information about financial incentives, and details on the new enhanced bonus incentives.
Bonus incentives for up to twice the standard Focus on Energy incentives are available after completing two or more energy efficiency and/or renewable upgrades on the property (farm and/or home). The more projects completed, the bigger the bonus.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Focus on Energy and schedule an energy review today. For more information, and to schedule a free energy review, please visit focusonenergy.com/wpsfarm, email wpsfarmbonus@focusonenergy.com or call 800.762.7077.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Doyle visits Lakeshore, touts renewable energy for job retraining
From an article by Charlie Mathews in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:
MANITOWOC — Jim Doyle isn't running for a third term as Wisconsin's governor, but that didn't stop him from giving a campaign-like speech Monday afternoon at Orion Energy Systems.
"We must continue going forward with basic Wisconsin values," Doyle told business and civic leaders at the end of a whirlwind 10 hours that started with an 8 a.m. ferry crossing to Washington Island at the northern tip of Door County.
"Yes, it costs money but we must remain committed to retraining those who are unemployed," said Doyle, who, today, will visit communities in Sheboygan, Belgium, Port Washington, Racine and Kenosha as part of a two-day venture to Lake Michigan coastal communities.
"We can't allow this recession to send us 15 years back," Doyle said. He said Wisconsin must remain focused on increased use of renewable energy.
That philosophy led to his signing in May of Senate Bill 273, which classified Orion's Apollo light pipes as using a renewable energy resource — the sun. Orion's customers buying the technology may qualify for "green" tax credits.
MANITOWOC — Jim Doyle isn't running for a third term as Wisconsin's governor, but that didn't stop him from giving a campaign-like speech Monday afternoon at Orion Energy Systems.
"We must continue going forward with basic Wisconsin values," Doyle told business and civic leaders at the end of a whirlwind 10 hours that started with an 8 a.m. ferry crossing to Washington Island at the northern tip of Door County.
"Yes, it costs money but we must remain committed to retraining those who are unemployed," said Doyle, who, today, will visit communities in Sheboygan, Belgium, Port Washington, Racine and Kenosha as part of a two-day venture to Lake Michigan coastal communities.
"We can't allow this recession to send us 15 years back," Doyle said. He said Wisconsin must remain focused on increased use of renewable energy.
That philosophy led to his signing in May of Senate Bill 273, which classified Orion's Apollo light pipes as using a renewable energy resource — the sun. Orion's customers buying the technology may qualify for "green" tax credits.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Supervisor questions Kewaunee County Board action on wind turbine ordinance
From an article by Kurt Rentmeester in the Kewaunee County News:
A week after the Kewaunee County Board approved a wind power resolution, some leaders question why it's being done if a state Public Service Commission that sets such requirements is only weeks away.
In addition to new PSC requirements, Kewaunee County Supervisor Chuck Wagner said the county can't regulate town zoning.
"The county rule is a recommendation. My problem is it's all irrational hype. These people are making recommendations without having any significant data to back them up," Wagner said.
The resolution addresses the same concerns that the towns of Carlton, West Kewaunee, Two Creeks, Mishicot and Two Rivers approved last month, as they are part of a proposed area for 111 wind turbines established by Oregon-based Element Power.
Wagner suggested tabling the resolution until July 18, but the board adopted the resolution on a 17-3 vote, with support from County Supervisors Jim Abrahamson and Bruce Heidmann. County Supervisor Jan Swoboda moved to adopt the resolution and Donald Delebreau seconded it.
"My intention was to give the support to town of Carlton and I felt there was no reason we don't support other communities," Swoboda said. "The PSC obviously will do what they think is best for the state."
County Supervisor Linda Sinkula supported the measure in a Health Board resolution July 13 before bringing it to the board.
"At least it's letting our legislators know there's a concern and that we'd just like them to look at this," Sinkula said. "We'd like them to look at the PSC rulings before they're approved."
Wagner said supporters have not investigated where the state and the municipalities are on these issues. He also said the state comment period is over and the state Legislature this year will not be back in session.
Supervisor Bruce Heidman said the measure needed to be rewritten.
"It was poorly written. That was my main problem with it," Heidmann said. "There's was nothing specific about the setbacks and other aspects of the resolution."
A week after the Kewaunee County Board approved a wind power resolution, some leaders question why it's being done if a state Public Service Commission that sets such requirements is only weeks away.
In addition to new PSC requirements, Kewaunee County Supervisor Chuck Wagner said the county can't regulate town zoning.
"The county rule is a recommendation. My problem is it's all irrational hype. These people are making recommendations without having any significant data to back them up," Wagner said.
The resolution addresses the same concerns that the towns of Carlton, West Kewaunee, Two Creeks, Mishicot and Two Rivers approved last month, as they are part of a proposed area for 111 wind turbines established by Oregon-based Element Power.
Wagner suggested tabling the resolution until July 18, but the board adopted the resolution on a 17-3 vote, with support from County Supervisors Jim Abrahamson and Bruce Heidmann. County Supervisor Jan Swoboda moved to adopt the resolution and Donald Delebreau seconded it.
"My intention was to give the support to town of Carlton and I felt there was no reason we don't support other communities," Swoboda said. "The PSC obviously will do what they think is best for the state."
County Supervisor Linda Sinkula supported the measure in a Health Board resolution July 13 before bringing it to the board.
"At least it's letting our legislators know there's a concern and that we'd just like them to look at this," Sinkula said. "We'd like them to look at the PSC rulings before they're approved."
Wagner said supporters have not investigated where the state and the municipalities are on these issues. He also said the state comment period is over and the state Legislature this year will not be back in session.
Supervisor Bruce Heidman said the measure needed to be rewritten.
"It was poorly written. That was my main problem with it," Heidmann said. "There's was nothing specific about the setbacks and other aspects of the resolution."
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