by jboullion | Aug 5, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an editorial in The Capital Times:
Wisconsin is closer than ever to gaining the high-speed rail service that is needed to put this state on the regional and national transportation map.
In fact, the likelihood that a Chicago-Twin Cities route will make stops across the state is now so real that communities are fighting to be on it.
It was long thought that the service would go from Chicago to Milwaukee to Madison to La Crosse and then across the Mississippi River and up toward Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The “phase one” connector between Madison and Milwaukee is still on target — despite the efforts of the anti-rail naysayers to try to slow things down. All that is needed is for the project to get a piece of $8 billion in stimulus money that is being made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — a prospect that seems entirely possible now that Midwestern governors are uniting to push for the plan.
But there is suddenly a debate about whether the service will go through La Crosse or Eau Claire.
A final version of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Connections 2030 plan, which identifies the design, construction and operation of the Madison-Twin Cities corridor, now suggests that the choice of which Wisconsin city will get the service is open to question.
The WisDOT plan refers to the La Crosse and Eau Claire routes as “project alternatives … to be determined during environmental and engineering studies.”
That introduces an uncertainty to the process, which is to some extent understandable.
The return of real rail service to Wisconsin is an exciting prospect, especially as gas prices spike. And cities have every right to compete for the service.
But our sense is that Bob Fisher, a member of the Wisconsin Association of Rail Passengers, is right when he says that La Crosse’s claim is well settled. The city already has Amtrak service. It’s rail infrastructure is in place and there’s strong local support for the project.
by jboullion | Aug 5, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Johnson Controls:
DETROIT, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI) today announced that it has been awarded a $299 million grant by the United States Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to build domestic manufacturing capacity for advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. This award represents approximately half of the company’s total planned investment of $600 million in domestic advanced battery manufacturing capacity and infrastructure development.
“This investment is an important step toward creating and building an industry in the United States that addresses market requirements and long-term opportunities for growth and new jobs in this country,” said Alex Molinaroli, president of Power Solutions for Johnson Controls. “We have assembled a world-class team of suppliers and automotive manufacturers, and we believe this comprehensive approach will enable the United States to establish a domestic industry that is competitive, economically viable and sustainable.”
In April, Johnson Controls and its joint venture partner Saft announced that Johnson Controls-Saft was awarded incentives for $148.5 million from the State of Michigan for the establishment of a U.S. manufacturing facility for lithium-ion cells and complete hybrid battery systems in Holland, Michigan. The Holland, Michigan facility will serve the company’s global customers, including Ford, for its first plug-in hybrid vehicle for 2012, Azure Dynamics, for its 2010 launch of the next generation Balance™ Hybrid Electric commercial vehicle, Daimler AG and BMW.
by jboullion | Aug 5, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Richard Thomas in Business North:
At least $100,000 in scholarships is available per year for students who enroll in the University of Wisconsin’s Sustainable Management bachelor program, the nation’s first such degree available online, Dean David Schejbal said July 29.
The program is using faculty and financial aid offices at UW campuses: Parkside, River Falls, Stout and Superior.
The Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands provides the scholarship money. Proceeds from sale and forestry on these lands go to K-12 library systems, loans to municipalities, teaching colleges in Wisconsin, commonly referred to as the Normal Schools, and others.
Recently the Normal School fund began showing positive financial returns. The state constitution directed this money to go to the UW general fund.
The board asked Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona) for an amendment to direct these monies to three areas: a full-time position for Environmental Studies K-12 curriculum development, the Nelson Institute for need-based scholarships, and the Sustainable Management degree program.
Schejbel expects the scholarship fund to grow each year.
The two-year, 21-course (63 credits) degree aims to turn the theories of sustainability into tangible business strategies. The program teaches the fundamentals of “triple bottom line” — ecological, social and financial performance. . . .
For more information, go to sustain.wisconsin.edu.
by jboullion | Aug 5, 2009 | Uncategorized
On a 6-1 vote, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail passes SB185, wind siting reform
Date: August 4, 2009
Contact: Noah Seligman, 608-310-3338
The 7-member Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail voted 6-1 to advance SB 185 (Assembly companion AB 256), wind siting reform, to the full Senate.
The vote was bipartisan, with four Democrats and two Republicans on the committee voting in favor of the bill.
Wind siting reform has 20 cosponsors in the Assembly and 11 in the Senate, with support from both parties.
A substitute amendment was added on a unanimous vote that would require the PSC to hold two public hearings outside of Dane County as part of its rule-making. The amendment also provided additional wildlife protections, technical changes, and responsible consideration of Smart Growth planning in regulating wind energy projects.
“The bipartisan committee approval demonstrates strong consensus on the need for wind siting reform,” said Curt Pawlisch, spokesman for Wind for Wisconsin. “Wind siting reform will be an engine for economic activity in Wisconsin, attract new investment opportunities, and support current state energy policy.”
Wind for Wisconsin is optimistic that a floor vote in the Senate would garner the same strong bipartisan support demonstrated in committee and among cosponsors.
by jboullion | Aug 4, 2009 | Uncategorized
A story by Shawn Johnson of Wisconsin Public Radio and posted on KQDS-TV:
MADISON (WPR) A state senate panel is scheduled to vote Tuesday (8/4) on a plan that would establish statewide standards for siting wind farms in Wisconsin.
One of the most sensitive questions this plan would ultimately address is how close to peoples homes wind turbines can be built. The plan would leave it up to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to decide that setback. In the past, the PSC has settled on a 1,000-ft. barrier.
But some rural residents who live near the turbines say that’s too close. Lynda Barry, head of the group “Better Plan, Wisconsin” says when turbines are only a thousand feet from a home, the noise they create keeps people from sleeping and the strobing shadow they cast drive people away from their windows. She says it would be wrong to ignore the health and safety aspects in the plan.
Barry cites a Minnesota Department of Public Health report, that suggests noise and shadow issues generally go away when turbines are a half mile from homes.
But the bill has widespread support from business, farm, labor groups, and several environmental groups as well. Ed Blume with Renew Wisconsin says it’s a necessary step to end the “hodge podge” of local regulations that have restricted wind development. He says in the long-term, it’ll mean cleaner air and economic development for the state. Blume says noise issues have been overblown by wind farm opponents, and the shadow flicker cast by these turbines can be solved by closing blinds or planting trees in front of windows.
On Tuesday, August 4, the senate committee voted 6 to 1 to recommend passage of the bill.
by jboullion | Aug 4, 2009 | Uncategorized
A story by Shawn Johnson of Wisconsin Public Radio and posted on KQDS-TV:
MADISON (WPR) A state senate panel is scheduled to vote Tuesday (8/4) on a plan that would establish statewide standards for siting wind farms in Wisconsin.
One of the most sensitive questions this plan would ultimately address is how close to peoples homes wind turbines can be built. The plan would leave it up to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to decide that setback. In the past, the PSC has settled on a 1,000-ft. barrier.
But some rural residents who live near the turbines say that’s too close. Lynda Barry, head of the group “Better Plan, Wisconsin” says when turbines are only a thousand feet from a home, the noise they create keeps people from sleeping and the strobing shadow they cast drive people away from their windows. She says it would be wrong to ignore the health and safety aspects in the plan.
Barry cites a Minnesota Department of Public Health report, that suggests noise and shadow issues generally go away when turbines are a half mile from homes.
But the bill has widespread support from business, farm, labor groups, and several environmental groups as well. Ed Blume with Renew Wisconsin says it’s a necessary step to end the “hodge podge” of local regulations that have restricted wind development. He says in the long-term, it’ll mean cleaner air and economic development for the state. Blume says noise issues have been overblown by wind farm opponents, and the shadow flicker cast by these turbines can be solved by closing blinds or planting trees in front of windows.
On Tuesday, August 4, the senate committee voted 6 to 1 to recommend passage of the bill.
by jboullion | Aug 4, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article posted on Envrionmental Leader:
When it comes to investing in energy efficiency, hospitals and health care facilities should not sit on the sidelines, because some of the low-hanging fruits offer savings that pay for themselves in as little as two to three years. . . .
Gundersen Lutheran, in La Crosse, Wis., last year conducted an audit to look for quick fixes, said Jerry Arndt, Senior Vice President of Business Services.
“The most responsible thing you can do is reduce the amount of energy you need,” Arndt said. “So we looked in-house for improvements before we looked at renewables.”
Jeff Rich, Executive Director of Gundersen Lutheran, said the best time to do an audit is on the weekend.
“We found all sorts of things that were on or running that didn’t need to be running,” Rich said. “We had 300 exhaust fans around the building, many of which can be turned off for 12 hours a day. But they were running all the time.”
As another area of improvement, the audit found that 60 percent of the hospital’s energy went toward producing steam. So the hospital replaced and repaired steam traps to improve efficiency.
The hospital also applied for grants to replace light bulbs, a move that helps achieve $280,000 in annualized saving. Grants were provided by Focus on Energy, a Wisconsin government effort, through utilities.
by jboullion | Aug 4, 2009 | Uncategorized
The Wisconsin State Fair runs from August 6 thorugh the 16th.
NEW! WAUKESHA COUNTY AREA SHUTTLE
Jump on the new Waukesha County Area Shuttle Service that will drop-off and make return trips from the U.S. Cellular Main Gate. The shuttle will run every 30 minutes starting at 7:30am with the last departure 30 minutes after the Fair closes. Pick-up the shuttle at the Hwy 83/I-94, Hwy G/I-94 and Barker Road/Goerkes Corners Park-N-Rides. Regular round trip fare is $8.00 but $6.00 with discount coupons. Seniors $6.00 and children 5 & under FREE. For more details visit statefairshuttle.com or call (262) 292-9992
Riteway Bus Service – Washington County Area State Fair Shuttle
Enjoy an air conditioned motor coach ride with Riteway’s daily round-trip service to the 2009 Wisconsin State Fair. Motor coach departs from two locations in Washington County beginning at 8:30 a.m. from Washington County Fairgrounds and at 9:30 a.m. from Germantown. Fares are $12 adults aged 12-59; $10 seniors 60+ and disabled; $5.00 children aged 7-11 and children under 7, free. For boarding locations and departure times please visit www.ritewaybus.com or call 262-677-3282.
Pedal to the Park Presented by wheel & sprocket
Getting to the State Fair just got easier, healthier and more affordable. The State Fair encourages guests to save on gas, leave their cars at home and “Pedal to the Park” instead. In collaboration
with the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, FREE dedicated bicycle parking will be offered outside of the U.S. Cellular Main Gate on the north side of the Fair Park (enter from 76th Street at Gate 8, near the RV Park) and inside Gate 2 on the south side of the Fair Park (enter from Greenfield Avenue). Spaces are limited.
RIDE THE BUS!
Riding the bus to the Fair is easy, convenient, and economical. To determine the public transportation option that best suits your needs, call the Milwaukee County Transit System Bus Line at 414.344.6711 or visit RideMCTS.com. Remember, children (6 & under) ride FREE.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY TRANSIT SYSTEM SHUTTLES
The shuttle from Watertown Plank Road Park & Ride Lot at HWY 45 operates to the State Fair Transit Center near Gate 4 every day of the Fair. Shuttles operate every 15 minutes from 7:30am until one half-hour after Fair closure. Shuttle fares are only $3 round-trip for adults (ages 12 – 64) and $1.50 for children (ages 7-11), seniors (65 & over) and disabled persons with proper I.D. Parking is FREE.
FREEWAY FLYERS
Park FREE at any of the following Park-Ride lots: Brown Deer Road west of I-43; Loomis Road at I-894; Green Bay Road just north of Brown Deer Road; Southridge Mall Parking Lot on Edgerton Avenue at 72nd Street; Whitnall / Hales Corners at I-43 east of South 108th Street; MATC-South at Jewell Ave. at Howell Ave. Buses drop off and pick up at the State Fair Transit Center near Gate 4.
Freeway Flyers operate between 7:30am until one half-hour after Fair closure. Service is every half-hour EXCEPT at the Brown Deer and Green Bay Park & Ride Lots which have hourly service. Buses will serve the Green Bay Lot every hour at 20 minutes past and the Brown Deer Lot will be served hourly at 30 minutes past the hour. Round-trip fares are $6 for adults (ages 12 – 64), $3 for children (ages 7-11), seniors (65 & over) and disabled persons with proper I.D. Don’t forget daily service is available via regular Milwaukee County Transit System routes 18, 67, and 76. Regular bus
fares apply.
by jboullion | Aug 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a story on WISN-TV:
MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin State Fair has a new creation on a stick, but it’s not something fair goers can eat. It’s called “energy on a stick.”
Solar panels have been installed on top of the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, as well as a single stick on Grandstand Avenue.
The stick can produce 34,000 kilowatts of electricity a year.
“That’s really the future we’re working toward,” said Niels Woleter, Solar Electric Program Manager for Focus on Energy. “Part of that future is preparing everyone, by showing them yes, here it is. This is what it looks like. It does work in Wisconsin. Today might be a cloudy day, but its still generating power.”
State Fair officials said in 1 year the panels will generate enough power to make cream puffs for 3 years, as well as run the sky gliders for 12 years.
by jboullion | Aug 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From Carol Gruba:
Prairie winds were in full force when a Next Step Wisconsin group visited the Montfort Wind farm on July 25. Carol Gruba gathered the fourteen wind watchers who hailed from Dodgeville, Chicago, UW Madison, The Natural Step Monona, MATC Madison, and the Madison Area Permaculture Guild.
The enthusiastic wind tourists peppered their guide Carol Anderson with questions about the wind plant, and Carol readily answered. She owns the land that is underneath 4 of the GE turbines owned by NextEra, and she has compiled information and photographs on the wind farm since its construction. She hosts about 55 tours a year for elementary, high school, college, and community groups. Carol told the Next Step Wisconsin group that the wind installation was the largest wind farm in the U.S. upon its commission in summer of 2001.
Other facts about the wind farm include:
*Montfort Wind Farm turbines begin to generate electricity at a wind speed of 8.9 mph and their computer-monitored blades ensure they safely cease operation at 56 mph
*Each 1.5 mW turbine generates enough electricity to power 350 homes
*The 20 wind turbines operate optimally at a speed of 26.8 mph.
*6 land owners lease land to NextEra for the 20 wind farm turbines
Carol Anderson rotates her family’s 550 acre Montfort-area farm through soybeans and corn with the help of her brother. She is a retired Cornell professor of human development and former Associate Director of Cornell’s Cooperative Extension.
To register your interest in future green road trips or find more information on the trip’s sponsor, The Next Step Wisconsin, visit
thenextstepwisconsin.wordpress.com
