by jboullion | Aug 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a story on WQOW-TV, Eau Claire:
Eau Claire (WQOW) — A new report shows our area really needs to focus on energy.
The report from the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission shows how energy consumption has risen 35% in our area over the past three decades. Over the same time our population has only increased about half that.
The new report focuses on Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, and St. Croix counties. It includes several areas that those counties need to work on.
The report showed in 2005, only 4.5% of Wisconsin’s energy came from renewable resources. The commission feels like the region can do better than that. It says the options for conservation exist, but many communities aren’t making that a priority.
There were several issues found by the commission regarding resources. The report shows more farmland is being taken out of production and converted to other uses. From 1990 to 2007, the region lost half a million acres of farmland. From 1987 to 2007, the region lost 58% of its dairy farms.
Water consumption increased 50 million gallons a day between 1979 and 2005. The report found that there is an increase in organic farms and that there is an opportunity for our region to become an organic food and feedstock supplier to the twin cities.
by jboullion | Aug 10, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:
The experts continue to debate the pros and cons of the “Cash for Clunkers” rebate program, but Wisconsin car buyers have already given it a big thumbs-up.
Wisconsin is 10th in the amount of cash requested from the program based on figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation released this week.
Of the nearly $775 million in clunker cash requests so far, more than $24 million came from Wisconsin. Michigan, California and Ohio were the top three states.
The U.S. Senate has approved another $2 billion for the program, which was initially funded with $1 billion.
Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System Act, the measure provides up to $4,500 in taxpayer subsidy for those who trade in an old vehicle for a more efficient model. To qualify, the old car needs to get 18 miles per gallon or less while the new one must get at least 22 mpg.
by jboullion | Aug 7, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the Web page of the Solar Decade:
Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!
Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!
•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business
•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business
•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business owners
Keynote speakers
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski
Executive Director of Science and Technology Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski, executive director of science and technology partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, is a solar-energy industry veteran who has authored hundreds of journal papers and several books on solar photovoltaics. For his years of research and work, “Kaz” has received recognition both nationally and internationally.
Travis Bradford
Founder and President – Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development
Travis Bradford is founder and president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization focused on harnessing the power of the business sector to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions in technology. In his most recent book, Solar Revolution, Bradford argues that solar energy will become the best and cheapest choice for energy over the next 20 years.
Register here.
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 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.
