by jboullion | Sep 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
Senate Bill 185 comes to the full Senate for a vote today. Two organizations issues news releases to express support for the bill:
CREWE Urges Bi-Partisan Support for Wind Siting Bill
(MADISON, Wis.)—Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) today urged state lawmakers to support the proposed uniform wind siting legislation as it heads to the Senate floor on Tuesday. Senate Bill 185/Assembly Bill 256 would create jobs and help Wisconsin meet its renewable energy requirements by having the Public Service Commission (PSC) set standards for large and small wind energy systems across the state.
“We can establish a green economy and add needed jobs to the state with the passing of SB 185/ AB 256, in which CREWE has taken an active role this year,” Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE, said. “I’m sure both Democrats and Republicans can agree that this bill will benefit Wisconsin’s ratepayers, taxpayers and environment.”
Currently, more than 600 megawatts of planned wind developments are stalled across Wisconsin due to midstream changes in regulations and procedures. A consistent and uniform siting policy will allow Wisconsin to take advantage of wind development and growth, Nation added.
From the news release issued by Clean Wisconsin:
MADISON — The Senate will vote on a piece of legislation Tuesday that will create new jobs, generate new investments in our state’s economy and encourage new renewable energy businesses to locate in Wisconsin.
Senate Bill 185, or wind siting legislation, will bring family-supporting jobs to the state while replacing the patchwork of local regulations with sensible statewide standards for permitting wind farms.
At the same time, Democratic representatives of the Assembly will hold a press conference Tuesday at 10:30 to share their job creation agenda for Wisconsin; wind siting plays a crucial role in their plan. The Assembly votes on the bill Wednesday.
In early August, the bill passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Energy, Utilities and Rail 6-1. In June, it passed the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities 10-2.
“This legislation will create jobs, generate clean energy and put us on the path to energy independence,” says Ryan Schryver, clean energy advocate for Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. “Wisconsin has lost a record number of jobs in recent months, and this legislation is a needed
mechanism to re-create some of the jobs the state has lost.”
by jboullion | Sep 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an editorial in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
Summer’s done? Already?
Despite its late date, Labor Day weekend kind of snuck up on the Wisconsin Rapids area this year. One reason: Cooler weather often made the warmest of seasons tough to recognize.
Still, with one last long holiday weekend and the unofficial end of summer to enjoy, it’s hard to complain — especially with the kickoff of local high school sports and the start of the college and professional football season.
Here are few more reasons to be thankful while relaxing, or contemplating all the yard work that needs to be done.
Seen what Mid-State Technical College has been doing lately? The school based in Grand Rapids is working to expand its five renewable energy programs.
This will be an important field in the coming years, as government and businesses work to “go green” for economic and environmental reasons.
Employers will need qualified workers in these burgeoning sectors, and it’s encouraging to see a local institution like Mid-State leading the way.
The college has been working with Energy Composites Corp. on a training program for future employees of the company, which plans to add at least 400 jobs to Wisconsin Rapids with a wind energy component plant.
In addition to Mid-State’s renewable thermal energy, renewable electricity and bio-refinery technology programs that began a year ago, the school’s renewable energy specialist and energy conservation specialist programs started up this week.
U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, was in town Monday to check up on the programs for which he helped secure $428,000 in President Barack Obama’s 2009-10 budget.
The future looks bright if Wisconsin Rapids can build upon the solid base educational institutions like Mid-State and companies like Energy Composites are building. . . .
by jboullion | Sep 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by KJ Lang in the La Crosse Tribune:
Technical colleges in Wisconsin and nationwide are adapting to train workers for “green jobs” as the commitment to a sustainable future ramps up in the U.S.
Students are learning how to install solar panels and wind turbines, produce biofuels and do other work in renewable energy fields.
“We are really an important link to making sure the workforce matches this developing area and our country’s transformation to alternative energy,” said Dan Clancy, president and state director of the Wisconsin Technical College System.
While some schools within the Wisconsin Technical College System have developed new programs to respond to the trend, most simply folded renewable energy and sustainability concepts into existing classes, said Clancy.
The colleges also have been careful to tailor green programs to communities in which an economic opportunity already exists.
Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wis., started a wind energy technology program and built a small commercial wind turbine to take advantage of its prime wind energy location along Lake Michigan.
Western Technical College has no new renewable energy or sustainability programs, but several programs are growing greener, said Bill Brendel, dean of agriculture apprenticeship and technology at Western.
Student electricians now learn about solar energy, while the heating and air conditioning programs include information about geothermal energy. Automotive students can get lessons on biofuel or hybrid electric vehicles.
Western also is considering creating a certificate in renewable energy in conjunction with Madison Area Technical College, said Brendel.
Brendel compares the current shift to renewable energy and green alternatives to the 1970s growth in computer-related jobs.
by jboullion | Sep 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article on Electric Light and Power:
Waukesha, WI – Marshfield and Plymouth Utilities, both headquartered in Wisconsin, are the first utilities in the state to own and add a Plug-In Hybrid Utility truck to their fleets. The units are available exclusively from two Wisconsin manufacturers Odyne Systems and DUECO, Inc.
Officials from Marshfield Utilities welcomed Wisconsin’s first Plug-In Hybrid Electric bucket truck delivered in May of this year. The Odyne Plug-in Hybrid Electric propulsion system minimizes fuel use (while driving) and emissions found in a typical bucket truck. When at a job site, batteries power all boom hydraulic functions and the climate control system for a full workday, without the use of the diesel engine. This means reduced noise from engine idle and elimination of any emissions while in electric mode.
Plymouth Utilities is the first utility nationwide to own a 4×4 Plug-in Hybrid Digger Derrick, a common piece of equipment used to dig holes and set electric poles by utility companies throughout the nation. This unit is a Terex C4047 with a full hydraulic control station at the pedestal. A foot throttle actuates the PHEV system, allowing the batteries system to turn on. The unit is equipped with a force option, only turning on the engine on if you need to dig in rough conditions.
Both the Marshfield and Plymouth Plug-in trucks are able to recharge their battery system at night by using off-peak energy from the electricity their own utility produces.
Design, manufacture and assembly for both the Marshfield and Plymouth trucks was done in Waukesha, WI, “We are excited our local utilities have chosen Odyne and DUECO to manufacture the first two Hybrid Plug-in work trucks in the state.” states Judie Taylor, president of DUECO. “It shows Wisconsin’s strong environmental commitment to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions.”
by jboullion | Sep 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Tim O’Brien Homes:
Tim O’Brien Homes teams up with We Energies to build twelve solar homes as part of regional study on energy conservation.
Waukesha, WI (September 11, 2009) – Tim O’Brien Homes, a certified Green Built™ and Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® home builder, announces a partnership with We Energies to build twelve solar electric homes across southeastern Wisconsin by spring 2010. This endeavor is part of a multi-year study that We Energies is conducting to evaluate homeowners’ lifestyle habits in response to utilizing solar energy.
Along with analyzing trends in energy usage and demonstrating the impact of using solar energy, the study will also provide insight on how solar may influence market value and overall electric demand. This is the first time that a solar electricity study of this magnitude has ever been done in the Midwest.
“Our relationship with We Energies provides us the opportunity to outfit more homes with solar electric power,” says Tim O’Brien, president of Tim O’Brien Homes. “We are thrilled to be part of this cutting-edge initiative that’s opening the door to solar electric energy as a practical and reliable power option to home builders and owners. Given our green building philosophy, it’s a natural progression for Tim O’Brien Homes to move toward solar installations. As we see more opportunities for renewable energy applications, we’re discovering they offer a significant long- term return on investment.”
The study is being conducted by the We Energies Renewable Energy Development (RED) Program and will examine the solar energy production of the twelve homes along with homeowners’ consumption. “We are pleased to partner with a home builder that has a solid understanding of solar energy, its applications and potential benefits,” says Jessica Thibodo-Johnson, renewable energy specialist for We Energies. “Our partnership focuses on demonstrating the practical and beneficial use of solar energy for Midwest homes. This unique project will also provide greater insight into possible effects solar installations have on housing market values,” adds Thibodo-Johnson.
Solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) power is a form of renewable energy that uses the sun’s energy to create electricity. These systems are made up of panels or modules containing PV cells that generate direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to sunlight. An inverter then converts the DC power to the alternating current (AC) electricity utilized to power the home.
The solar homes will be studied side by side with twelve equivalent size control homes. Having similar orientation to the sun, the control homes are located in the same neighborhoods as the solar homes. Four of the twelve solar homes are currently under construction or nearing completion, with solar panels being installed by Renewable Energy Solutions. The homes, ranging in size from 2,000 to 2,400 square feet, are being built in neighborhoods such as Jackson’s Sherman Parc, Milwaukee’s Oak Hill, Waukesha’s Rolling Ridge South, and Kenosha’s Leona’s Rolling Meadows. “Most of the solar homes will be for sale at a price point just under $300,000. This provides an opportunity to introduce solar energy to interested consumers that previously would not have been able to afford it,” adds O’Brien.
by jboullion | Sep 13, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the testimony of Michael Vickerman in support of the installation of a biomass gasification system that would produce biomass-derived synthetic gas (“syngas”) for serving Northern States Power’s Bay Front Unit #5.
We note the following public policy objectives that would be advanced if the proposal submitted by Northern States Power Corporation (“NSPW”) were approved. These objectives include:
1) Meeting Wisconsin’s current Renewable Energy Standard;
2) Eliminating a source of coal-fired power from its system;
3) Using a locally available renewable energy resource;
4) Reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other gaseous pollutants;
5) Maintaining a strong generation source in northern Wisconsin; and
6) Investing Wisconsin capital in a renewable energy generating facility power plant within its borders.
by jboullion | Sep 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Mike Moore in the Stevens Point Journal:
RAYMOND — Car executives looking for the next electric car might just want to slip out of the board room and stop by Tom Leitschuh’s garage.
This year, Leitschuh converted his 1981 Chevrolet El Camino to run completely on electric power. And because the juice is created by the windmill and solar panels at his home on Highway K, he’s not paying for it.
“I get to drive for free,” he said. “I have energy independence even on the road now.”
Compared to the El Camino, the Toyota Prius sitting in his driveway with the “renewable energy is sexy” bumper sticker is a gas hog. Where El Camino’s engine once sat, 26 batteries now fill the space. Twenty more sit by a rear axle.
It’s a load, but removing the radiator, gas tank, muffler and other unnecessary baggage helped offset the weight. Leitschuh also skipped the regular car batteries and splurged on lighter lithium ferrite batteries.
“They’re the safest batteries in the world, and they’ll work down to zero degrees,” he said.
A charge could take him 200 miles if he manages his driving carefully, Leitschuh said, but typically the car has a range of about half that.
The project took about six weeks. Including the car, which he bought used on eBay, the project cost him about $30,000. He could have done a scaled-back conversion for $10,000, which he said should be feasible for some car owners. Not to mention big car companies, which are still developing plug-in models they plan to introduce over the next few years.
“I’m wondering, ‘Why aren’t they doing this?'” Leitschuh said. “If a guy in a garage in Racine can do this with a little bit of help … .”
by jboullion | Sep 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nick Halter in the Wausau Daily Herald:
A new biomass power plant in Rothschild would cut dependence on fossil fuels, reduce acid rain and be nearly carbon-neutral, according to studies and experts.
It’s also a step, albeit a small one, toward Wisconsin reaching its goal of having 10 percent of all energy produced using renewable resources by 2015 — a goal established in Gov. Jim Doyle’s Clean Energy Wisconsin Plan.
We Energies announced plans Sept. 1 to build a $250 million power plant that burns low-quality and unusable wood and paper waste, powering the Domtar paper mill and providing electricity to homes in Wisconsin. The plant still needs state approval before construction can begin.
Burning wood is much cleaner than burning coal, the source of 70 percent of the electricity on Wisconsin’s power grid, said Keith Reopelle, senior policy director for the environmental advocacy group Clean Wisconsin.
“I think that biomass will and needs to play an important role in replacing coal generation in Wisconsin and I think there will be a trend towards it, Reopelle said.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, burning wood is nearly carbon-neutral because the carbon dioxide generated during combustion is equal to the carbon dioxide the tree consumes over its life. But the process will remain carbon-neutral only if forestry companies that supply wood to the power plant replace the trees that they cut.
by jboullion | Sep 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:
Legislation will improve bus and rail service and roster regional cooperation in Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine
MILWAUKEE – Governor Jim Doyle today announced a framework of a proposal crafted with legislators from southeastern Wisconsin on a plan to improve bus and rail service in Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine through a Regional Transit Authority.
“Investing in safe, reliable modes of transportation allows people to travel and commute efficiently and it strengthens the economy,” Governor Doyle said. “I am pleased today to announce that leaders from Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine have joined me in support of a truly regional approach to improving and expanding transit in this area.”
Governor Doyle has supported Regional Transit Authorities in Wisconsin that serve a population base, rather than any specific municipal jurisdiction, and are independently governed. Under the Governor’s priorities, RTAs also should provide property tax relief and be focused solely on transit.
The proposal satisfies those conditions and will create an RTA in southeastern Wisconsin that would phase in independent governance. Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine would initially operate as sub-RTAs, with varying sources of previously approved funding.
Over time, the sub-RTAs would merge into a common board. Representation would be proportional to population. A primary goal of the RTA would be to better position the proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail line for obtaining New Starts funding from the Federal Transit Administration.
by jboullion | Sep 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nathaniel Shuda in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
With renewable energy becoming an increasingly popular topic across the country, central Wisconsin leaders hope to be on the cutting edge as demand grows.
Mid-State Technical College classes have begun for two new renewable energy programs, and three others already were in place. Demand is fueling the need for a sustainable/renewable energy training center at the school’s Wisconsin Rapids campus, officials said.
“This is a really solid start,” Mid-State President John Clark said Monday during a meeting with U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau. “We’re hoping (others) will be using this as a pattern for future projects.”
Leaders hope to use a $428,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which Obey earmarked within President Barack Obama’s $410 billion budget bill earlier this year, to purchase solar panels, wind turbines and other lab equipment.
Mid-State also is working with leaders at Energy Composites Corp. in Wisconsin Rapids and the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board to develop a first-of-its-kind curriculum for wind-energy and composites training, an endeavor for which the board recently garnered a $100,000 grant from the state Department of Workforce Development.
Energy Composites continues its efforts to obtain LEED Platinum certification for its planned 350,000-square-foot manufacturing plant that will produce blades for industrial wind turbines in Wisconsin Rapids, President Jamie Mancl said.
“We’re trying to put everything together,” Mancl said Tuesday, after a closed session meeting with the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council to discuss the company developer’s agreement with the city. “It’s going to take some time, but we’re still on schedule.”
Energy Composites isn’t the only company that has been working on such a certification.
The Mead Wildlife Area Education & Visitor Center, near Milladore, announced Wednesday it received LEED Platinum Green Building Certification status, the highest level of sustainable design.
