From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Wind energy supply-chain factories in Manitowoc and Texas will start making equipment for mining equipment made by Caterpillar, Broadwind Energy Inc. said Tuesday.
The former Tower Tech factory in Manitowoc makes wind towers, including those recently erected in Columbia County for the We Energies Glacier Hills Wind Park.
"This collaboration fits well with our strategic initiatives to leverage our core competencies beyond the wind industry and diversify our revenue base. We believe this is the first step in expanding our relationship with Caterpillar as we continue to collaborate," said Paul Smith, president of Broadwind Towers, in a statement.
Under the deal with Caterpillar, Broadwind will supply the former Bucyrus International Inc. of South Milwaukee with welded sub-assemblies for large draglines, crawlers and excavating equipment.
The move is expected to add 50 jobs, spread between Manitowoc and Abilene, Texas, Broadwind said in a statement.
Showing posts with label Clean air. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clean air. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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, October 15, 2009
Healthy Air Tip of the Month: Learn before you burn
From an article by the NEW Air Coalition of Fond du Lac County in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
As cold weather sweeps in, more and more Wisconsinites turn to outdoor wood boilers to heat their homes.
Wood is a renewable fuel, and the operating costs of wood burners often seem lower than natural gas or electric heat. But we often overlook the cost to air quality.
Because outdoor wood boilers burn over long periods of time and can use green or partially dried wood, they can produce 10 times the smoke of other wood-burning heat sources. Burning wood produces more fine-particle pollution than burning coal, says UW-Extension Pollution Prevention Specialist David Liebl. Inhaling fine particles, even over short periods of time, can aggravate lung conditions like asthma and bring on heart attacks or arrhythmia.
At this time, there aren't many regulations governing residential wood burning. The amount of emissions can vary by the type of appliance, type of wood, moisture content, air damper setting and weather conditions.
Some municipalities have rules on where outdoor wood boilers can be located, restrictions on when they can be used (such as a ban during air quality alerts), or prohibit them outright.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has determined that neighboring residents are at risk of adverse health effects if they can see visible plumes or smell the wood smoke.
To minimize the risks, only clean, dry wood should be used as heating fuel. Because price and performance of wood as fuel can vary, residents do not always see the cost savings they hoped for.
As cold weather sweeps in, more and more Wisconsinites turn to outdoor wood boilers to heat their homes.
Wood is a renewable fuel, and the operating costs of wood burners often seem lower than natural gas or electric heat. But we often overlook the cost to air quality.
Because outdoor wood boilers burn over long periods of time and can use green or partially dried wood, they can produce 10 times the smoke of other wood-burning heat sources. Burning wood produces more fine-particle pollution than burning coal, says UW-Extension Pollution Prevention Specialist David Liebl. Inhaling fine particles, even over short periods of time, can aggravate lung conditions like asthma and bring on heart attacks or arrhythmia.
At this time, there aren't many regulations governing residential wood burning. The amount of emissions can vary by the type of appliance, type of wood, moisture content, air damper setting and weather conditions.
Some municipalities have rules on where outdoor wood boilers can be located, restrictions on when they can be used (such as a ban during air quality alerts), or prohibit them outright.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has determined that neighboring residents are at risk of adverse health effects if they can see visible plumes or smell the wood smoke.
To minimize the risks, only clean, dry wood should be used as heating fuel. Because price and performance of wood as fuel can vary, residents do not always see the cost savings they hoped for.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Town hall meeting on clean energy economy, Oshkosh, March 4
An announcement from Wisconsin Environment:
State Representative Gordon Hintz and Mayor Frank Tower will discuss plans for clean energy and conservation in Oshkosh and Northeast WI followed by a panel of experts from local environmental and business groups on how Northeastern Wisconsin can benefit from a clean energy economy.
WHAT: Wisconsin's Clean Energy Economy Forum
WHEN: Wednesday, March 4th 7pm
WHERE: UW Oshkosh Reeve Memorial Union Rm. 307
748 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
State Representative Gordon Hintz and Mayor Frank Tower will discuss plans for clean energy and conservation in Oshkosh and Northeast WI followed by a panel of experts from local environmental and business groups on how Northeastern Wisconsin can benefit from a clean energy economy.
WHAT: Wisconsin's Clean Energy Economy Forum
WHEN: Wednesday, March 4th 7pm
WHERE: UW Oshkosh Reeve Memorial Union Rm. 307
748 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Thursday, February 5, 2009
We have the right to breathe clean air
From a letter to the editor by Amanda Cristal Garcia to the Green Bay Press Gazette:
Recently the Press-Gazette has published numerous articles on air pollution in Green Bay in which air specialists state "it's no surprise" that the amount of particle pollution does not meet EPA standards.
The source of the problem is coal combustion and auto emissions, which release large amounts of chemicals into the air. The question is why have levels increased over the years? At the stem of the conflict, we have companies that may not be following the laws put into place to reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur.
Apparently these restrictions do not suffice because pollution is getting worse.
Stricter laws must be implemented in order to prevent more pollution coming from our community's factories. Weak, ineffective laws will not solve the problem. Our community must push for new laws because it affects us directly. Citizens can improve air quality by taking the initiative to make walking and biking a part of their lifestyle, leaving the car behind.
Fuel-efficient cars will become readily available and affordable for citizens. Cleaner air is possible.
Recently the Press-Gazette has published numerous articles on air pollution in Green Bay in which air specialists state "it's no surprise" that the amount of particle pollution does not meet EPA standards.
The source of the problem is coal combustion and auto emissions, which release large amounts of chemicals into the air. The question is why have levels increased over the years? At the stem of the conflict, we have companies that may not be following the laws put into place to reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur.
Apparently these restrictions do not suffice because pollution is getting worse.
Stricter laws must be implemented in order to prevent more pollution coming from our community's factories. Weak, ineffective laws will not solve the problem. Our community must push for new laws because it affects us directly. Citizens can improve air quality by taking the initiative to make walking and biking a part of their lifestyle, leaving the car behind.
Fuel-efficient cars will become readily available and affordable for citizens. Cleaner air is possible.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the U.S. have a bright future in clean energy
From a media release issued by Wisconsin Environment:
Oshkosh, WI– America can reduce global warming pollution by nearly 10 percent annually, replace the power equivalent of 170 coal fired power plants, and create or sustain more than 3 million jobs by making investment in clean energy and transportation a cornerstone of our economic recovery plan, according to a report by Wisconsin Environment.
“Our nation can no longer afford the toll dirty energy is exacting on our environment and economy,” said Lindsay North, Field Associate Wisconsin Environment. “Clean energy can protect our environment and rev our economic engine to generate a brighter future for Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin Environment’s report, Clean Energy, Bright Future, estimates the environmental benefits of $150 billion in investments in clean energy such as wind and solar power and green infrastructure such as public transit. These investments will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the leading cause of global warming, by 670 million tons per year when fully implemented. This would represent a significant step towards reducing the nation’s global warming pollution by what that scientists say is necessary to avert the worst impacts of global warming. . . .
Every part of this country has the opportunity to benefit from a green economic recovery and transition to a new energy economy. The City of Oshkosh, for example, can greatly benefit from federal money for green infrastructure and clean energy. There are seven municipal buildings, as well as the central garage in dire need of retrofitting and energy efficient outfitting, including up-to-date insulated windows, light fixtures with motion sensors, and HVAC systems. Federal funding can help move these projects forward, saving energy, saving consumers money, and creating jobs at the same time.
“Renewegy is focused on creating more and burning less,” said Jeff Ehlers, President of Oshkosh-based Renewegy Systems. “We believe that wind turbine technologies can create clean, renewable, cost-effective power. In parallel, electric and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies can reduce our fuel consumption thereby helping us reduce cost, save our environment, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” continued Ehlers.
Oshkosh, WI– America can reduce global warming pollution by nearly 10 percent annually, replace the power equivalent of 170 coal fired power plants, and create or sustain more than 3 million jobs by making investment in clean energy and transportation a cornerstone of our economic recovery plan, according to a report by Wisconsin Environment.
“Our nation can no longer afford the toll dirty energy is exacting on our environment and economy,” said Lindsay North, Field Associate Wisconsin Environment. “Clean energy can protect our environment and rev our economic engine to generate a brighter future for Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin Environment’s report, Clean Energy, Bright Future, estimates the environmental benefits of $150 billion in investments in clean energy such as wind and solar power and green infrastructure such as public transit. These investments will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the leading cause of global warming, by 670 million tons per year when fully implemented. This would represent a significant step towards reducing the nation’s global warming pollution by what that scientists say is necessary to avert the worst impacts of global warming. . . .
Every part of this country has the opportunity to benefit from a green economic recovery and transition to a new energy economy. The City of Oshkosh, for example, can greatly benefit from federal money for green infrastructure and clean energy. There are seven municipal buildings, as well as the central garage in dire need of retrofitting and energy efficient outfitting, including up-to-date insulated windows, light fixtures with motion sensors, and HVAC systems. Federal funding can help move these projects forward, saving energy, saving consumers money, and creating jobs at the same time.
“Renewegy is focused on creating more and burning less,” said Jeff Ehlers, President of Oshkosh-based Renewegy Systems. “We believe that wind turbine technologies can create clean, renewable, cost-effective power. In parallel, electric and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies can reduce our fuel consumption thereby helping us reduce cost, save our environment, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” continued Ehlers.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Brown County's air among worst in U.S.
From an article by Tony Walter in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
The health of the air in Brown County ranks among the worst in the United States, according to a recently released study of fine particle pollution by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Brown County is one of 54 new counties that received a negative designation based on three successive years of being graded below the federal government's soot standards. In all, 211 counties did not meet the EPA's standards.
"It's no surprise to us," said Richard Wulk, air management supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Northeast Region. "It's from fuel combustion, cars, diesel trucks and power plants that burn coal. They produce small particles that can create deep lung irritants and that can cause problems."
It's a health issue that has continued to fly under the radar in the county, according to Dr. Manar Alshahrouri, a pulmonologist with the Sleep & Respiratory Care Department at the Prevea Allouez Health Center.
"Absolutely, it's a problem," Alshahrouri said. "There is medical data that supports the fact that across the board there is an increase in incidence of problems and a significant reduction in lung function (in counties graded poorly) compared to people in less polluted areas."
The health of the air in Brown County ranks among the worst in the United States, according to a recently released study of fine particle pollution by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Brown County is one of 54 new counties that received a negative designation based on three successive years of being graded below the federal government's soot standards. In all, 211 counties did not meet the EPA's standards.
"It's no surprise to us," said Richard Wulk, air management supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Northeast Region. "It's from fuel combustion, cars, diesel trucks and power plants that burn coal. They produce small particles that can create deep lung irritants and that can cause problems."
It's a health issue that has continued to fly under the radar in the county, according to Dr. Manar Alshahrouri, a pulmonologist with the Sleep & Respiratory Care Department at the Prevea Allouez Health Center.
"Absolutely, it's a problem," Alshahrouri said. "There is medical data that supports the fact that across the board there is an increase in incidence of problems and a significant reduction in lung function (in counties graded poorly) compared to people in less polluted areas."
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