by jboullion | Apr 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
Buying your home was probably one of the largest investments you’ve ever made. Now it’s up to you to care for that investment and enhance its performance by making home improvements that are smart for you, your family and the environment. The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program can show you how to do this.
How the Program WorksHome Performance with ENERGY STAR is an energy efficiency program sponsored by Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative. The program has a network of partnering consultants throughout Wisconsin who have been trained to use the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment to test homes, identify problems and recommend solutions. The program’s qualified contractors and trade partners can then implement the recommended improvements, ensuring the work is done to Home Performance with ENERGY STAR standards.
Finding a Partnering Consultant or Qualified ContractorThe first step is to schedule an in-home evaluation with a consultant or qualified contractor who partners with the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program. Every consultant and qualified contractor listed on the Focus on Energy Web site has been trained by Focus on Energy and has agreed to uphold the standards set for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. Each consultant and qualified contractor operates independently, running their own business and setting their own fees. Focus on Energy recommends calling more than one consultant or qualified contractor to compare
prices.
by jboullion | Apr 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Meredith Thorn in the Stevens Point Journal:
Environmental sustainability can be a large concept. But from grants to purchase hybrid buses to a designation of Tree City USA, Stevens Point officials say small steps must be taken when talking about environmental sustainability and saving energy.
“We’ve got to get our feet wet before we jump into the deep end of the pool,” Mayor Andrew Halverson said.
Wednesday marked Earth Day, a day of recognition for the environment that began in 1970 and was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a then U.S. senator from Wisconsin.
With all the talk about carbon footprints, sight is often lost of the simple things that can be done for the environment, such as planting a tree, Halverson said Wednesday at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he spoke at a tree-planting to commemorate Earth Day.
He said it’s about taking small steps that will help the city, which was declared an eco-municipality in June, achieve realistic goals. This can include the planting of trees, but also planting vines on fences, or growing in a denser way, he said. As a city, he said, we’ve go to start somewhere.
by jboullion | Apr 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
A news release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:
Any commuter in Wisconsin who would like to find someone to “share the ride” to work, may now access the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT’s) interactive ride matching service online. A program that was originated several years ago for residents of the heavily populated southeastern region of the state is now available statewide.
“We are pleased to offer this interactive service to commuters across the state,” said WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi. “Ridesharing saves money for commuters, reduces the number of cars on the road during the busiest hours of the day and reduces pollution from car exhaust. Now, commuters in areas that are faced with some of the longest commutes will have an equal opportunity to find carpool matches.”
Karen Schmiechen, program manager for the Wisconsin Rideshare Program, said the program is easy to use, free and without obligation. Commuters enter their commute information and immediately receive matches for carpooling, vanpooling, park and ride lots and even biking. The computer shows matches with similar commutes and work hours. Bikers are also matched by level of expertise. Users make their own contacts with matches to set up ridesharing arrangements.
The program was computerized two years ago, and has become so popular WisDOT decided to make it available to all state residents.
Wisconsin is one of many states and municipalities across the country offering this service. As gasoline prices fluctuate, and the economy remains unstable, ridesharing is a viable alternative, saving dollars and the environment.
For more information go to the state’s Rideshare Web site.
by jboullion | Apr 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a story on WKOW-TV:
To celebrate Earth Day and help meet the biomass demand created by the new Charter Street Power Plant, UW Extension and other agencies released a guide to Establishing and Managing Switchgrass.
Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin Extension Weed Specialist, and lead author of the guide said, “Growing switchgrass can improve farm profits by producing a good feed, produce biomass for heat and power, create habitat for people and wildlife, and reduce flooding. We wanted to summarize the best information available for Wisconsin landowners in an easy to use guide.”
The guide benefited from six field tests done last year near Platteville by Southwest Badger RC&D, UW Extension and Alliant Energy.
“Southwest Wisconsin has the potential to become a huge reservoir of biomass fuel such as switchgrass. This guide gives landowners the best information we have on how to establish and grow switchgrass, a key native prairie grass,” said Steve Bertjens, NRCS Southwest Badger RC&D Coordinator.
by jboullion | Apr 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a story on WKOW-TV:
To celebrate Earth Day and help meet the biomass demand created by the new Charter Street Power Plant, UW Extension and other agencies released a guide to Establishing and Managing Switchgrass.
Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin Extension Weed Specialist, and lead author of the guide said, “Growing switchgrass can improve farm profits by producing a good feed, produce biomass for heat and power, create habitat for people and wildlife, and reduce flooding. We wanted to summarize the best information available for Wisconsin landowners in an easy to use guide.”
The guide benefited from six field tests done last year near Platteville by Southwest Badger RC&D, UW Extension and Alliant Energy.
“Southwest Wisconsin has the potential to become a huge reservoir of biomass fuel such as switchgrass. This guide gives landowners the best information we have on how to establish and grow switchgrass, a key native prairie grass,” said Steve Bertjens, NRCS Southwest Badger RC&D Coordinator.
by jboullion | Apr 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE):
MADISON, Wis.— CREWE supports the current legislative proposal recommending uniform standards for the siting of large and small wind energy systems to be set by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The bill proposed by State Sen. Jeff Plale (D- South Milwaukee), chair of the Senate Energy and Utilities Committee advocates that the Public Service Commission develop uniform siting standards for wind power projects across the state. The bill is circulating in the legislature but has not yet been introduced.
The current siting rules are just not fair says Curt Pawlisch, attorney for Wind for Wisconsin, a member of CREWE. Recent disputes over municipal ordinances have had a negative impact on developing energy alternatives and a greener economy.
Wind power is a growing and maturing industry that can play a significant role in Wisconsin. Perhaps the single greatest barrier to the development of this sector of energy policy is a lack of consistent and stable policy.
“Adopting a consistent and uniform siting policy will signal to land owners, wind developers, wind turbine manufacturers and in essence, to the rest of the nation, that Wisconsin is open for business in terms of wind development and growth.” Supporters of this legislation also contend that the single biggest constraint to increasing wind generation in Wisconsin is the current permitting environment which is far more problematic in Wisconsin than other states in the region. . . .
CREWE members include Wisconsin Energy Corp., Alliant Energy, Xcel Energy, EcoEnergy LLC MillerCoors, Johnson Controls, the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, Madison Gas & Electric, Orion Energy Systems, C5•6 Technologies, American Transmission Co., Wind for Wisconsin, WPPI Energy and Emerging Energies of Wisconsin.
by jboullion | Apr 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE):
MADISON, Wis.— CREWE supports the current legislative proposal recommending uniform standards for the siting of large and small wind energy systems to be set by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The bill proposed by State Sen. Jeff Plale (D- South Milwaukee), chair of the Senate Energy and Utilities Committee advocates that the Public Service Commission develop uniform siting standards for wind power projects across the state. The bill is circulating in the legislature but has not yet been introduced.
The current siting rules are just not fair says Curt Pawlisch, attorney for Wind for Wisconsin, a member of CREWE. Recent disputes over municipal ordinances have had a negative impact on developing energy alternatives and a greener economy.
Wind power is a growing and maturing industry that can play a significant role in Wisconsin. Perhaps the single greatest barrier to the development of this sector of energy policy is a lack of consistent and stable policy.
“Adopting a consistent and uniform siting policy will signal to land owners, wind developers, wind turbine manufacturers and in essence, to the rest of the nation, that Wisconsin is open for business in terms of wind development and growth.” Supporters of this legislation also contend that the single biggest constraint to increasing wind generation in Wisconsin is the current permitting environment which is far more problematic in Wisconsin than other states in the region. . . .
CREWE members include Wisconsin Energy Corp., Alliant Energy, Xcel Energy, EcoEnergy LLC MillerCoors, Johnson Controls, the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, Madison Gas & Electric, Orion Energy Systems, C5•6 Technologies, American Transmission Co., Wind for Wisconsin, WPPI Energy and Emerging Energies of Wisconsin.
by jboullion | Apr 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE):
MADISON, Wis.— CREWE supports the current legislative proposal recommending uniform standards for the siting of large and small wind energy systems to be set by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The bill proposed by State Sen. Jeff Plale (D- South Milwaukee), chair of the Senate Energy and Utilities Committee advocates that the Public Service Commission develop uniform siting standards for wind power projects across the state. The bill is circulating in the legislature but has not yet been introduced.
The current siting rules are just not fair says Curt Pawlisch, attorney for Wind for Wisconsin, a member of CREWE. Recent disputes over municipal ordinances have had a negative impact on developing energy alternatives and a greener economy.
Wind power is a growing and maturing industry that can play a significant role in Wisconsin. Perhaps the single greatest barrier to the development of this sector of energy policy is a lack of consistent and stable policy.
“Adopting a consistent and uniform siting policy will signal to land owners, wind developers, wind turbine manufacturers and in essence, to the rest of the nation, that Wisconsin is open for business in terms of wind development and growth.” Supporters of this legislation also contend that the single biggest constraint to increasing wind generation in Wisconsin is the current permitting environment which is far more problematic in Wisconsin than other states in the region. . . .
CREWE members include Wisconsin Energy Corp., Alliant Energy, Xcel Energy, EcoEnergy LLC MillerCoors, Johnson Controls, the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, Madison Gas & Electric, Orion Energy Systems, C5•6 Technologies, American Transmission Co., Wind for Wisconsin, WPPI Energy and Emerging Energies of Wisconsin.
by jboullion | Apr 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release isssued by State Sen. Julie Lassa:
Madison—The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee [JFC] today approved more than $2 million in federal stimulus funding to provide vehicles and support services for public transit programs in Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield and Plover, State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) announced.
The funds were part of an overall allocation of more than $11 million in transit funding to non-urbanized areas throughout the state. The local funding includes nearly $1.6 million to provide three hybrid buses for the City of Stevens Point. Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield and Plover will get funds for vehicles for their shared ride taxi programs.
“These stimulus funds will be put to good work for the people of Central Wisconsin,” said Lassa, a JFC member who voted to approve the funds. “Public transit not only offers individuals an economical way to get from place to place, it reduces traffic and pollution, and helps us reduce our dependence on foreign oil— especially with energy-efficient hybrid vehicles. At the same time, the purchase of the vehicles will help stimulate the economy overall. It’s a smart investment in our transportation infrastructure.”
Of the $81.4 million in stimulus funds Wisconsin will receive under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for transit, the Act requires the state to allocate just over $20 million to non-urbanized areas with populations of less than 50,000. Today’s action fulfills the ARRA’s requirement that 50 percent of those funds be allocated within 180 days of initial award. The state has nearly a year to allocate the remaining portion of transit funding under the stimulus bill.
by jboullion | Apr 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
Ben and Nancy Collins weren’t only thinking about energy savings when they installed a solar hot water system at their Platteville residence to serve their family of six. They also wanted to influence their children’s attitudes toward
renewable energy use.
Says Nancy Collins: “We want our children to grow up thinking that it’s normal for families to harvest solar energy.”
Continued.
