by jboullion | Sep 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Sarah Lozanova in RenewableEnergyWorld.com:
Currently about 85,000 people are employed in the wind energy industry, up from 50,000 last year. These jobs are very diverse, and include turbine manufacturing, wind farm development, wind farm construction, and turbine maintenance.
Developing an industrial-scale wind farm requires a team of people with a variety of abilities. Here’s a look at some of the jobs involved as well as the skills necessary for this line of work. . . .
by jboullion | Sep 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Larry Bivins in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
WASHINGTON — The record-setting heat during the summer of 1988 could become the norm in Wisconsin if steps aren’t taken to curb emissions that cause global warming, according to a new report.
Hotter summers and increased flooding caused by heavier rainfall are among the extreme consequences the Union of Concerned Scientists found in a study of the impact of climate change on the Badger State.
Wisconsin also would experience long droughts, more smog-filled days, a possible increase in crop-destroying pests and up to a two-foot drop in the Great Lakes water levels.
The Wisconsin report is part of an ongoing effort by the advocacy group to examine how climate change would affect different regions.
“Over the past 50 years, we’ve seen higher average annual temperatures, more frequent downpours, longer growing seasons and fewer cold snaps,” said Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist at Texas Tech University and a co-author of the report.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a Cambridge, Mass.-based nonprofit group of scientists and citizens that advocate for the environment. Its latest report is based on research and new data consistent with a study released in June by a consortium of 13 federal agencies.
The report assesses the impact of global warming on Wisconsin using two scenarios: one based on nothing being done to lower emissions, the other based on lower emissions resulting from an increased use of clean energy sources. The authors compared each scenario with a baseline period of 1961 to 1990.
“A comprehensive climate and energy approach — combining a cap on emissions with policies that encourage renewable electricity, energy efficiency and cleaner transportation choices — can reduce emissions 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 56 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 while saving consumers and businesses money,” the report said.
by jboullion | Sep 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by K.J. Lang in the La Crosse Tribune:
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students are showing support for local family farms – with their stomachs.
Students at lunch Wednesday bit into Honey-crisp apples from La Crescent, Minn. They sipped creamy soup made with buttercup squash from Elk River, Minn., and topped their salad with grape tomatoes from Hillview Greenhouse Life Center, just a few blocks from campus.
Chartwells, the campus food service, served up the locally grown produce this week as part of a promotion, “It Takes You – Eat Local.” The program was developed to support farmers who grow produce within a 150-mile radius of the campus, said Tom Dockham, resident district manager for Chartwells.
The program allows students to sample produce that can be sun ripened for more nutritional value and better taste, said Randy Hanson, Chartwells executive chef.
UW-L senior Craig Wagner said he usually isn’t much of an apple cider drinker, but after tasting some from Lake City, Minn., his response was, “I wouldn’t turn it down if they offered it again.”
He was enthusiastic about the program behind the cider as well, saying, “I think it is important to support the local economy.”
by jboullion | Sep 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement issued by Focus on Energy:
Join Focus on Energy at the Third Annual Northcentral Wisconsin Home Energy Workshop at the Prentice High School. The program will feature educational seminars on topics including renewable energy systems (solar water and space heating, geothermal heat, solar electric systems, and wood heat), energy saving ideas for existing homes, and design considerations for energy efficiency in new construction.
This year we’ll be featuring information on homes right in our area that have taken advantage of various renewable energy technologies along with very basic energy conservation practices to save money and help the environment. The programs will also feature information on financial incentives and tax credits for energy upgrades and exhibits from renewable energy businesses. The keynote speaker for this year’s workshop will be Brian Driscoll, Community Relations Director for the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence. Brian will discuss a variety of programs that the State of Wisconsin has initiated to help citizens, businesses, and municipalities achieve greater energy independence.
The workshop and seminar portion will run a half day so people can send the afternoon visiting local homes that have used the practices discussed during the morning workshops.
Refreshments and door prizes will be provided along with lots of resource information on various renewable energy alternatives and energy conservation. A brat fry sponsored by Price County Kids Against Hunger will be available immediately following the workshop.
There is a $10 fee for registration by September 25th ($15 for late registrations).
To register or for more information, please contact the Price County UW-Extension Office at 715-339-2555. To register on-line, click here.
by jboullion | Sep 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Joe Potente in the Kenosha News:
MILWAUKEE — A summit on regional transit sounded something like a pep rally for public transportation by the time it wrapped up Friday.
A panel of transit backers from Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee didn’t agree entirely on the viability of commuter rail in the region, but they were united on one major point: Now is the time to pass legislation to create a true regional transit authority with a dedicated sales tax.
And a national expert on transit and urban sustainability said that authority must be taken seriously in order for anything to get done.
Panelist Eric Isbister was blunt. Isbister said a lack of public transit near his Mequon-based business shuts his company off from many car-less members of an enormous workforce a few miles south in Milwaukee.
“We’ve got to stop romancing this issue,” said Isbister, chief executive officer of General MetalWorks Corp., a Mequon-based metal fabrication firm. “We’ve got to get results.”
Said Deborah Blanks, chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Social Development Commission: “It’s about access and opportunity. It’s a connector to prosperity.”
The summit, at the Italian Conference Center, was presented by the Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin, the Greater Milwaukee Committee and the city of Milwaukee.
by jboullion | Sep 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement issued by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association:
Help raise funds to support the education programs at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. The MREA is one of only a handful of institutions in the nation providing hands-on training for professionals and workshops for home and business owners. We help train the workforce that is installing wind and solar throughout the Midwest, and we provide the information for individuals to make renewables a part of their home or business.
Ride for Renewables
Ride 10-, 30- or 60-mile routes in the beautiful rolling hills of central Wisconsin. Hosted rest stations greet you throughout the course. Bike support will be available on site. Helmets required. Ride for Renewables registration begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Renew the Earth Institute. Ride at your own pace, and enjoy Harvest Fest when you return. Awards and prizes will be given away at 5 p.m., so stick around for dinner. With paid registration, you receive a free t-shirt, food, 2 beverage tickets, and all Harvest Fest activities and workshops.
Cost for Ride & Harvest Fest:
$30 per person
$10 for 13-18 year olds
Free under 13
Back 40 Disc Golf
Join us as we debut our new disc golf course and our first annual Back 40 Disc Golf Tournament. This fun event will be held on the grounds of the MREA�s Back 40 campground, approximately one mile from the ReNew the Earth Institute. Comprised of a nine-hole course intertwined with towering pines and open fields, the Back 40 disc golf experience promises to be fun and challenging, as well as a beautiful autumn scene! Disc Golf registration begins at noon at the Renew the Earth Institute. With paid registration, you receive food, 2 beverage tickets, and all Harvest Fest activities and workshops.
Cost for Disc Golf & Harvest Fest:
$20 per person
$10 for 13-18 year olds
Free under 13
Harvest Fest
MREA’s annual Harvest Fest will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 featuring kids’ activities such as cider pressing and pumpkin carving. Also attend small harvest-related workshops such as Preparing your Food for Winter, Improve Your Home Performance over Winter, and more. Take guided tours of the MREA grounds and learn about renewable energy and permaculture. At 5 p.m. enjoy a chili dinner featuring local and organic food, and beverages from Central Waters Brewing Company. With paid registration, you receive food, 2 beverage tickets, all activities and workshops.
Cost for Harvest Fest Only:
$10 per person
$5 for 13-18 year olds
Free under 13
by jboullion | Sep 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Colleen Kottke in The Northwestern (Oshkosh):
In the years since the Forward Wind Energy Center came on line, “For Sale” signs have popped up all over Gerry Meyer’s rural neighborhood in the town of Byron. . . .
Meyer is convinced that the aesthetically displeasing look of the 400-foot turbines and subsequent ill effects experienced by nearby residents from the noise, vibration and light-flicker has caused housing values to plummet.
A just-released study commissioned by wind-power opponents concurs, saying that property values have fallen at least 19 percent for properties located near the We Energies wind farm in Fond du Lac County and 12 percent for those located near Invenergy’s Forward Wind Energy Center in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties.
The study by Appraisal Group One was commissioned by a Calumet County affiliate of the state Coalition for Wisconsin Environmental Steward, a group fighting a We Energies wind farm project in Columbia County.
‘Quite a reach’
Brian Manthey, a spokesman for We Energies, said the report failed to make accurate comparisons in properties used to track declining values.
“They compared subdivision and lake view lots when the properties in our wind farm area were considered agricultural lots back in 2006. Ultimately, they figured in the sale of four lots, which is tough to draw any comparisons when using such a small scale,” said Manthey, who described the report’s findings as “quite a reach.”
Since construction of the 88-turbine project in the Blue Sky Green Field project in the towns of Calumet and Marshfield, Manthey said 12 homes have been sold; some homes sold above assessed value while others sold below fair market values. Manthey said the report is misleading in that it doesn’t take into consideration other factors impacting property values.
by jboullion | Sep 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by in the D.J. Slater:
It has been in John Kregenow’s nature for years to do his part to help the environment, and it goes beyond putting plastic in the recycling bin.
Kregenow, 57, of the town of Cassel, west and south of Marathon, reuses his old clothing as wash rags, maintains a compost pile, collects rainwater to use on his garden and grows vegetables for himself and food pantries.
So when he saw his roof was covered with cracking asphalt shingles nearly two years ago, he decided to invest in a solar roof.
Kregenow turned to Kulp’s of Stratford, a roofing company, to install the solar roof, which actively started absorbing energy on Aug. 19.
Since that time, Kregenow has been able to generate $150 in energy. Kregenow typically spends $120 on his monthly energy bill.
“(My wife and I) are eager to see our September bill,” he said.
Since mid-May, Kulp’s has offered residents and businesses the chance to upgrade their properties with solar roofing, said Bob Kulp, co-owner of Kulp’s. The systems allow property owners to generate electrical power from the sun, which can be used and sold to utility companies.
So far, Kulp’s has installed the solar roof at Kregenow’s home, has an order to install one on a home in Marshfield and has three other homeowners who are committed to buying the technology.
by jboullion | Sep 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
2011
08.22.11 RENEW asks PSC to stop We Energies’ termination of renewable program
01.28.11 Comments of RENEW on the draft Strategic Energy Assessment
2010
09.08.10 RENEW opposes MGE’s proposed green-pricing increase and ask for small-win tariff
08.20.10 RENEW opposes WPS’ proposed green-pricing increase and asks for small-wind tariff
2009
10.22.09 RENEW’s comments in opposition to recommendation to raise MGE’s green power rate
10.06.09 RENEW supports Glacier Hills wind energy center; testimony of Michael Vickerman
10.06.09 RENEW supports Glacier Hills wind energy center; testimony of Mick Sagrillo
09.11.09 RENEW reaffirms support for coal plant conversion to wood
07.20.09 RENEW testimony supports Excel conversion of plant to wood
06.15.09 Comments of Clean Wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin on the briefing memorandum on advanced renewable tariff development
02.17.09 Comments of RENEW Wisconsin and Clean Wisconsin in support of higher buy-back rates
2008
09.08.08 WPS’ rate case, asking for a docket to set uniform buy-back rates across utilities
08.11.08 Alliant Energy’s Cassville Plant: Plenty of Wind, Not Much Biomass
08.08.08 Alliant Energy’s rate case; testimony asking for higher buy-back rates
by jboullion | Sep 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Colleen Kottke in The Northwestern (Oshkosh):
In the years since the Forward Wind Energy Center came on line, “For Sale” signs have popped up all over Gerry Meyer’s rural neighborhood in the town of Byron. . . .
Meyer is convinced that the aesthetically displeasing look of the 400-foot turbines and subsequent ill effects experienced by nearby residents from the noise, vibration and light-flicker has caused housing values to plummet.
A just-released study commissioned by wind-power opponents concurs, saying that property values have fallen at least 19 percent for properties located near the We Energies wind farm in Fond du Lac County and 12 percent for those located near Invenergy’s Forward Wind Energy Center in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties.
The study by Appraisal Group One was commissioned by a Calumet County affiliate of the state Coalition for Wisconsin Environmental Steward, a group fighting a We Energies wind farm project in Columbia County.
‘Quite a reach’
Brian Manthey, a spokesman for We Energies, said the report failed to make accurate comparisons in properties used to track declining values.
“They compared subdivision and lake view lots when the properties in our wind farm area were considered agricultural lots back in 2006. Ultimately, they figured in the sale of four lots, which is tough to draw any comparisons when using such a small scale,” said Manthey, who described the report’s findings as “quite a reach.”
Since construction of the 88-turbine project in the Blue Sky Green Field project in the towns of Calumet and Marshfield, Manthey said 12 homes have been sold; some homes sold above assessed value while others sold below fair market values. Manthey said the report is misleading in that it doesn’t take into consideration other factors impacting property values.
