Some compromise reached in Clean Energy Jobs Act

From a report by Chuck Quirmbach on Wisconsin Public Radio:

(STATE CAPITOL) A key lawmaker says some compromises have been reached in the global warming bill now in the State Legislature. But he says more deal-making is ahead.

During the last couple of weeks, legislators have been working behind closed doors trying to agree on changes to the Clean Energy Jobs Act. At an energy forum in Milwaukee, Senate author Mark Miller said some agreements have been reached. The Madison-area Democrat says there are deals on idling of trucks, reducing carbon in transportation fuels, tariffs for utilities purchasing power from renewable sources, and whether to link Wisconsin car fuel efficiency standards to California's. He says the golden state plan is gone.

Miller says the plan to reduce carbon in fuels ran into a lot of opposition, and wasn’t a major part of the bill. The changes are good news to the Democrats leading candidate for governor, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Barrett says any new carbon in fuels standard would also have hurt the state.

Sen. Miller says lawmakers are also trying to accelerate job creation goals in the Clean Energy Jobs Act. He says he's hoping to announce final compromises next week.

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Over 200 businesses pledge support for Clean Energy Jobs Act

From a news release issued by Clean Wisconsin:

Regionally Diverse Large and Small Businesses Among Supporters

MADISON -- In a show of support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act, the Wisconsin business community delivered a letter signed by over 200 Wisconsin businesses to state legislators today highlighting the economic and job-creation benefits of strong energy efficiency and renewable energy policies.

"As businesses currently working in the production, installation and maintenance of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems we understand better than anyone that clean energy policies create jobs and stimulate local economies," read the letter. "By enacting statewide policies that will help Wisconsinites make their homes and businesses more energy efficient or invest in renewable energy, the state Legislature will create thousands of jobs and help support local businesses like ours..."

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the job-creation potential of the Clean Energy Jobs Act. A recent study from the Office of Energy Independence estimates that the bill would create over 15,000 jobs in the state.

"Wisconsin’s businesses support the Clean Energy Jobs Act because they recognize its enormous potential to create jobs and aid economic recovery," said Keith Reopelle, senior policy director at Clean Wisconsin. "With strong renewable energy and energy efficiency policies, Wisconsin can become a leader in the production of clean energy technologies."

"Clean energy policies like those in the Clean Energy Jobs Act help businesses like Wave Wind grow," said Dionne Lummus at Wave Wind Energy located in Sun Prairie. "Increased demand for renewable energy means an increased demand for our services, which translates to more jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin."

A report released this morning by the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that securing 25 percent of the state’s renewable electricity by 2025, a main provision of the bill, is affordable and easily achievable. In fact, the report illustrates that generating 25 percent of Wisconsin’s current electricity load would require only 5 percent of the state’s renewable energy potential.

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We Energies wind project to use alliance of Wisconsin firms

From a news release issued by We Energies:

We Energies announced today that it has developed a Wisconsin-based alliance to design and build the Glacier Hills Wind Park, which will be located in the towns of Randolph and Scott in Columbia County. The project is expected to generate more than 400 million emission-free kilowatt hours annually -- enough to power 45,000 homes.

The construction alliance will include The Boldt Company of Appleton, Michels Corporation of Brownsville and Edgerton Contractors, Inc. of Oak Creek.

“Developing the Glacier Hills Wind Park through this home-state construction alliance will benefit Wisconsin's economy while achieving a low cost approach to generating more energy from renewable resources,” said Rick Kuester, executive vice president of Wisconsin Energy Corporation, the parent of We Energies. "The project will be built with the talents of these Wisconsin companies and local craft labor.”

From an article on Recharge News:

Vestas gets 145MW US turbine order from We Energies

Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has received a 145 MW order from US utility We Energies. The order is for 81 V90 1.8 MW wind turbines for the Glacier Hills Wind Park in Wisconsin.

The turbines will delivered in early 2011, with comissioning of the wind farm expected by the end of 2011. The order also includes a two-year service and maintenance agreement. Vestas said that the announcement does not affect the company’s expectations for 2010, as announced on 10 February.

Vestas supplied We Energies’ first wind turbines in 1999, and in 2007 supplied 88 V.82 1.65 MW turbines for the Blue Sky Green Field project which was completed in 2008.

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Milwaukee-area companies step up green energy efforts; China ahead of U.S.

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Johnson Controls Inc. is expanding its advanced battery research and testing space at its Glendale headquarters, one sign of the Milwaukee area's efforts in the race for green economy jobs.

Mary Ann Wright, a key Johnson Controls advanced battery executive, said the Glendale-based firm is matching dollar-for-dollar a $299 million stimulus grant that is aimed at creating a domestic supply chain for advanced batteries, a sector dominated by firms in China and other Asian countries.

"We're not in the game relative to supplying the materials and technology in this space right now," she said Wednesday.

The stimulus funding will help not only to set up the company's lithium battery factory in Holland, Mich., but also "to help stand up an industry," she said.

"Our plan prior to this stimulus was to expand our manufacturing and technological base in Europe and China," Wright said. "As a result of the investment the U.S. government taxpayers are making, this is where we're going to build it - and then expand to our global footprint."

Her comments came as the Green Energy Summit kicked off Wednesday at the Midwest Airlines Center. Speakers at the summit said Milwaukee is positioned for an economy that's transitioning toward the clean-technology sector and greener energy choices. . . .

A new report to be released Thursday shows the challenge facing the clean-tech sector. Global clean-energy investments have risen by 300% since 2005, but for the first time last year, China took the lead in investment in clean-energy technologies, according to data released by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

"The facts speak for themselves," said Bloomberg New Energy Finance Chief Executive Michael Liebreich in a statement. "2009 clean energy investment in China totaled $34.6 billion, while in the U.S. it totaled $18.6 billion. China is now clearly the world leader in attracting new capital and making new investments in this area."

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Green Energy Summit kicks off

From a news release issued by Johnson Controls:

MILWAUKEE – (March 24, 2010) – Johnson Controls (NYSE: JC), the global industrial leader in providing energy efficient and sustainable products, services and solutions, will showcase notable Wisconsin energy projects and best practices at the 2010 Green Energy Summit, March 24-26, at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee.

“Supporting the advancement of renewable and green energy technology is essential to the economic and environmental future of Wisconsin,” said Don Albinger, vice president of renewable energy solutions at Johnson Controls Building Efficiency. “The Green Energy Summit is a great way to bring Wisconsin business leaders together to share solutions and ideas that will create a more sustainable future. Johnson Controls is proud to be a founding partner of the summit.”

Johnson Controls executives will participate in key plenary sessions and workshops that demonstrate the future of green energy solutions in the state.

Featured Sessions
• Green Business Strategies for the Midwest – Mary Ann Wright, vice president and managing director of Johnson Controls’ Business Accelerator for Advanced Energy Storage Solutions, will address how hybrid and electric lithium-ion battery technologies are leading the charge to a sustainable energy future.
• Green Energy Initiatives and Development – Don Albinger, vice president of renewable energy solutions at Johnson Controls Building Efficiency, will discuss how the integration of energy efficiency and renewable solutions can help schools, businesses and government buildings reduce costs while making a positive impact on the environment.
• Job Opportunities in the New Green Economy – Jim Simpson, director of higher education solutions in the Americas for Johnson Controls Building Efficiency, will talk about the future of green jobs in Wisconsin as they relate to colleges and universities.

Other topical sessions that Johnson Controls representatives will speak at include The Role of Water in the New Green Economy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Management, and a Solar Thermal Symposium.

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Green Energy Summit starts today!

The 2010 Green Energy Summit will be held March 24-26 at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The theme of this seventh annual Summit is “The New Green Economy – Opportunities and Challenges.”

The 2010 Summit has three sub-themes – one for each of its three days. Wednesday, March 24, will be Green Business Day; Thursday,March 25, Green Energy Day; and Friday,March 26, Green Career Pathways/Sustainability Day.

This major conference will be of interest to representatives of businesses, government, and education (including faculty and students fromWisconsin colleges and universities and area high schools).

Keynote speakers include:

Will Steger
Founder of the Will Steger Foundation,
co-founder of the Center for Global Environmental Education,
and recipient of the National Geographic
Adventure Lifetime Achievement Award

Ed Begley, Jr.
Author of Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life,
principal of television series, Living With Ed

Lonnie Thompson
Ohio State University

Charles A. Hall
Professor of Environmental Science
State University of New York, Syracuse

Complete program schedule.

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Milwaukee Brewing Co. saves big on energy costs by brewing biodiesel

From an article and video on BizTimes:



Every Monday morning, a crew of workers inside the Milwaukee Brewing Company brews up a special batch of product. Unlike the brewery’s beer, this product is usable right away, and becomes fuel for the brewing process.

For more than one year, the company has been making biodiesel at its brewery at 613 S. 2nd St., in Milwaukee’s Fifth Ward neighborhood. The brewery is owned by Jim McCabe, who also owns the Milwaukee Ale House, which has locations in Milwaukee’s Third Ward and Grafton. The cooking oil from both locations is transformed into burnable biodiesel inside the brewery.

The brewery produces about 110 gallons of biodiesel on most Monday mornings. During warm months, that is enough fuel to power a full day’s brewing each week.

“When we look at our energy bill today compared to one year ago, there’s a big difference,” McCabe said.

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Case Build for the Clean Energy Jobs Act Bills

From Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly, Spring 2010, the newsletter of RENEW Wisconsin:

After holding five public hearings on the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) legislation, the committees’ co-chairs signaled their plan to hammer out a set of substitute proposals in meetings among themselves.

While waiting for the expected substitute amendment sometime in late March, proponents continue to build the public case for passage in this legislative session.

The refashioned bill will likely retain the core provisions in the original, specifically:
+ 25% renewable energy standard(RES) by 2025;
+ 10% in-state renewable energy set-aside, also by 2025; and
+ Energy efficiency goals to begin reduction of consumption in 2011.

The original legislation (AB 649/SB 450) also contained a requirement that the Public Service Commission (PSC) increase buyback rates for small renewable systems. This controversial section is likely to be reworked substantially in the substitute amendment.

Since the introduction of the bills in early January, many affected interests have bombarded the print and electronic media with news releases, advertisements, economic analyses, news conferences, commentaries, and photo opportunities in hopes of influencing the Legislature before the session ends.

Just to list a few examples from the proponents:
+ RENEW Wisconsin released a study in February showing that increased renewable energy buyback rates, by themselves, would have a minimal impact on base residential electricity rates;

Other newsletter articles:
Tour Spotlights Homegrown Renewables
Energizing Fort Atkinson Schools
Clearing Up Lakes with Clean Energy
Of Molehills and Renewable Energy
Calendar

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Poll: Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly support clean energy policies

From a news release issued by Clean Wisconsin:

76% support policies stronger than those in the Clean Energy Jobs Act

MADISON — More than three-quarters of Wisconsin voters support renewable energy policies requiring 30 percent of our state’s power to come from renewable sources, according to polling data released today by a bipartisan research group.

"An overwhelming majority of Wisconsin’s voters recognize the need to replace our dependence on dirty, imported fossil fuels with new investments in clean, renewable energy," said Keith Reopelle, senior policy director at Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization celebrating 40 years of service. "With no fossil fuel reserves of our own, transitioning toward renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, crops, and agricultural waste will help Wisconsin become more energy independent and economically prosperous."

According to the data released today, 76 percent of Wisconsin voters support passing policies "ensuring that 30 percent of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources." Known as a renewable electricity standard, current policy ensures that only 10 percent of Wisconsin’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2015. The Clean Energy Jobs Act would set new goals by ensuring that 25 percent of our electricity comes from renewable resources by 2025.

"This data highlights the need to pass a strong renewable electricity standard in the Clean Energy Jobs Act," said Reopelle. "Spending $16 billion dollars every year on out-of-state fossil fuels drains Wisconsin’s economy. By investing in renewable energy, we can create jobs and keep much of that money right here at home."

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Time out for education on clean energy bill

A letter to the editor of The Capital Times by Keith Spruce of Milwaukee:

Dear Editor: Some opposition to the Clean Energy & Jobs Act (SB 450 & AB 649) rests on allegations of increases in the cost of energy under the act. This opposition could not find more contradiction when compared with the recent energy cost study report by Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission.

The Feb. 19 PSC study concludes that in all likelihood Wisconsin will be spending more on electricity in the long run if we don’t act to embrace renewable portfolio standards and take more aggressive action on energy efficiency. Somehow the cited a Wisconsin Policy Research Institute/Beacon Hill Institute study used as a basis to argue increased energy costs by some of the opposition could not be more off-key from our own state’s PSC analysis.

Every year, $16 billion leaves Wisconsin to pay for fuel. The Clean Energy Jobs Act is designed to improve our economy, save money and create jobs.

Maybe it’s a good to time to find common ground as we enter the post-peak-oil era and leave behind cheap fossil fuel that threatens us even more than a warm bottle of beer from global warming could.

Keith Spruce
Milwaukee

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PSC Appoints Wind Siting Council

A news release from the Public Service Commission:

The Public Service Commission (PSC) today announced appointments to Wisconsin’s Wind Siting Council, an advisory body created by 2009 Wisconsin Act 40 (Act 40). Act 40 directs the PSC to develop administrative rules that specify the restrictions that may be imposed on the installation or use of wind energy systems. The new law also requires the PSC to appoint a Wind Siting Council that will advise the PSC as it develops uniform wind siting standards for Wisconsin.

“I am very pleased to have the Wind Siting Council up and running,” said PSC Chairman Eric Callisto. “Wind siting regulation is complex and sometimes controversial. I look forward to the Council’s input as we develop these rules for Wisconsin, and I thank the Council members for their service.”

Council members were selected to adhere to Act 40’s specific categorical requirements. The following people have been appointed to serve on Wisconsin’s Wind Siting Council:

Dan Ebert, WPPI Energy
David Gilles, Godfrey & Kahn
Tom Green, Wind Capital Group
Jennifer Heinzen, Lakeshore Technical College
Andy Hesselbach, We Energies
George Krause Jr., Choice Residential LLC
Lloyd Lueschow, Green County
Jevon McFadden, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
Tom Meyer, Restaino & Associates
Bill Rakocy, Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, LLC
Dwight Sattler, Landowner
Ryan Schryver, Clean Wisconsin
Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin
Larry Wunsch, Landowner
Doug Zweizig, Union Township

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Waste Management converts gas from trash into electricity

From an article by Joe Taschler in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Germantown — The gas given off by rotting garbage is suddenly chic.

As interest in renewable fuels grows in the United States, old banana peels, rotten meat and moldy fruit are decomposing in landfills in a process that creates combustible gas used to generate electricity, heat buildings and power vehicles.

To be sure, there isn't enough landfill gas to satisfy the nation's or even the state's energy demands, but its use is increasing as the fuel solidifies its place in the growing kaleidoscope of alternative energy sources.

In metro Milwaukee, Waste Management Inc. is expanding electricity-generating capacity, adding a fourth landfill gas-powered turbine to its power plant in Germantown. The newest turbine is scheduled to begin producing electricity in early June.

The gas is collected from the company's landfill sites in Germantown and Menomonee Falls. Once all four turbines are operating, they will provide enough electricity to power about 10,000 households, Waste Management says.

"People don't realize that you can power 10,000 homes with what we're doing here," said Dale Stark, Waste Management's power plant manager at the Germantown site.

Nationwide, the number of landfill gas projects has grown to 510, up from 136 in 1995, the first year for which the Environmental Protection Agency began compiling such data. The projects generate more than 12 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year and deliver about 100 billion cubic feet of landfill gas to end users or pipelines per year.

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PSC: Clean energy naysayers have it wrong

From a letter to the Wisconsin legislature from Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair Eric Callisto:

Yesterday [March 12, 2010], several interest groups wrote legislators urging opposition to the Clean Energy Jobs Act. The groups warned that the cost of renewable energy standards and enhanced energy efficiency programs would be "enonnous" and the benefits only "nominal." Once again, the clean energy naysayers have it wrong. Enhanced renewable portfolio standards and increasing our efforts in energy efficiency reduce our dependence on imported energy, keep more of our energy dollars here at home, and help to ensure that Wisconsin and our country is competitive in the global energy economy.

You should know that the memo from clean energy opponents includes some key factual errors.

In particular, it claims that enhanced energy efficiency programs will add $700 million in new costs for consumers, citing a report by the Energy Center of Wisconsin (ECW). In reality, we will save money on our energy bills the IOOre we do on energy efficiency. It is common sense -- the less energy we consume, the less we pay on our utility bills.

As for the ECW report, what it actually concludes is that Wisconsin consumers will save $900 million per year in energy costs if we invest between $350 and $400 million in energy efficiency programs; and if we invest roughly $700 million in energy efficiency. Wisconsin consumers will save $2 billion per year in energy costs. . . . Incidentally, ECW also found that enhancing our energy efficiency programs would support between 7000 and 9000 new jobs. The
bottom line is that if we don't invest in energy efficiency, we will be spending significantly more on new generation.

The memo also claims that meeting a 25 percent renewable portfolio standard will add more than $15 billion in extra costs for consumers. Increasing our renewable energy portfolio can reduce Wisconsin energy costs in the long run, particularly when implemented alongside enhanced energy efficiency programs - as the Clean Energy Jobs Act envisions. The enclosed, recent Public Service Commission analysis, confirms that.

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West Allis town hall meeting highlights clean energy jobs

From a news release issued by Wisconsin Environment:

West Allis –The Clean Energy Jobs Act will benefit West Allis and the greater Milwaukee area by creating new jobs, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and helping to protect the environment for future generations. That was the message at a town hall meeting last night at the West Allis public library to discuss the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a bill being considered by the legislature targeted at developing the state’s clean energy economy.

At the meeting, business and labor leaders stressed the importance of the legislature passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act to drive the creation of new jobs in the Milwaukee area through manufacturing and installation of clean energy technologies such and wind turbines and solar panels, along with energy efficiency and home retrofit programs.

“Helios USA will be the first solar manufacturer in Wisconsin,” said Steve Ostrenga, CEO of Helios USA, a company preparing to open a new plant in Milwaukee that will employ 54 workers. “We are optimistic about the future of Helios USA given the combination of ready workers, available resources and movement of clean energy policy in the state Legislature.”

In February, Spanish firm Ingeteam cited similar reasons for choosing the Menomonee Valley to open their first North American factory to build wind turbine generators, a plant that will employ 270 workers. The company said the area’s manufacturing base and proximity to the I‐94 corridor were major draws giving Wisconsin a competitive advantage.

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Lake Geneva company could grow with passage of Clean Energy Jobs Act

From an article by Kayla Bunge in the Janesville Gazette:

LAKE GENEVA — John Kivlin despises the word “sustainability” for all the political and social stereotypes it stirs up.

But he can find few other words that accurately describe his philosophy on renewable energy and its ability to create local jobs and fuel the state economy, he said.

“(Investing in renewable energy) is sort of like buying locally,” he said. “You buy food from the producer, and you keep that cash here. This is the same. You produce the energy here and you keep the jobs and money here.”

Kivlin and his Lake Geneva-based company, Convergence Energy, a solar energy design and installation company, are poised to reap the benefits of the growing popularity of renewable energy among consumers, businesses and utilities.

“We’re buying almost all of our energy from out-of-state sources at best and from countries that really don’t like us, like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, at worst,” he said. “The more that we can wean ourselves off that and become self-sufficient, the better. We’ll keep cash in the state, and it can be reinvested to create more jobs, and we’ll reduce the amount of carbon that’s emitted at the same time.”

Convergence Energy designs, integrates and installs solar electric, solar hot water and geothermal systems in homes and small businesses. The company also is starting a solar farm so consumers who can’t afford a solar energy system can invest in renewable energy and make money off the power sold to the electric company.

Kivlin said the company has installed systems at dozens of homes and businesses since it started in 2008. But he said the company stands to grow as more people look to renewable energy as a way to reduce their energy costs and their carbon footprint and if the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act takes hold in the state.

The legislation calls for state-regulated utilities to increase to 25 percent by 2025 the amount of energy they get from renewable energy sources. The bill also calls for the state to reduce energy consumption.

The proposal could create 15,000 jobs in Wisconsin by 2025.

Opponents of the legislation say utilities will have to invest billions of dollars in renewable energy to comply with the aggressive mandates. Supporters say the state stands to lose billions of dollars if it continues to rely on coal.

Kivlin said the Clean Energy Jobs Act is forcing demand among utilities and fuels interest among homeowners and business owners.

“It’s driving more businesses like mine to start up and create jobs,” he said. “This could grow the industry in the state and the nation. The seeds are planted.”

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Missing the bus

From an editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Failure to get behind one plan threatens to again doom state legislation that local transit systems desperately need to continue serving their communities.

There is widespread support for the creation of regional transit authorities that would provide the dedicated funding necessary for transit systems in southeastern Wisconsin - especially the Milwaukee County Transit System. But there is a possibility that nothing will happen in the current legislative session. And if that proves to be the case, supporters in the Legislature should look no farther than their mirrors for someone to blame.

Instead of uniting behind one sound proposal - such as that offered by the governor and legislative leaders in January - legislators have offered different versions of RTA legislation that only serve to confuse the issue.

On Thursday, legislators are expected to hold a public hearing on the issue in Madison. Transit riders, business leaders, union leaders, local officials and others should make sure their voices are heard. They should stress the importance of transit in building jobs and the economy, and they should tell legislative leaders to unite behind one proposal and make sure it is approved this spring. Transit systems and the families and businesses that rely on them cannot afford to wait much longer for relief.

Ridership on the Milwaukee County Transit System was down 9% last year to a 35-year low, as Journal Sentinel reporter Larry Sandler reported on Monday. The reasons are wide-ranging: the economy, the loss of a contract with Milwaukee Public Schools and certainly a continuing pattern of fare increases and/or route cuts that discourages riders.

And things won't get any better as long as governments that fund transit have to rely on an already overburdened property tax. To provide the funding that systems require and at the same time offer property taxpayers relief, legislators need to approve legislation that would authorize the creation of regional transit authorities.

That legislation should include a 0.5% sales tax increase for Milwaukee County, as the governor's bill proposes and other funding means in other counties.

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Hines, others lobby for transit sales tax

From an article by Larry Sandler in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines Jr. joined business and labor leaders Tuesday in urging state lawmakers to approve legislation expanding the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority and authorizing a 0.5% Milwaukee County sales tax for transit.

"The current financing strategy is obsolete and can no longer sustain our system," Hines said of property tax support for the Milwaukee County Transit System. "Our transit system is desperately in need of help."

At a news conference in the City Hall Rotunda, two days before a hearing by the Assembly Transportation Committee, Greater Milwaukee Committee President Julia Taylor, construction trade union leader Lyle Balistreri, Milwaukee Area Technical College faculty union leader Michael Rosen and Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board Chairman John Kissinger said public transit is crucial to connect workers to jobs.

They and Hines recited the statistics: 52% of county bus riders don't have a valid driver's license; 75% have no other form of transportation; 43% ride the bus to work; and 42% of residents below the poverty line don't have access to a car. Cheri McGrath, a blind Wauwatosa resident, added that unemployment is 75% among the disabled, who largely rely on transit.

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Incentives make solar more affordable

From WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE - Solar power is becoming more affordable than ever, and you don't need acres of solar panels to make it work in Wisconsin. FOX6 Reporter Gus Gnorski says some Milwaukee alderman would like to see more of those panels on the city's rooftops.

 

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Solar energy in Nevada and California - Water shortage

United States is feeling the consequences of recession and more rural countries like Nevada are among worst hit areas. Many believed that a salvation from recession came from a German developer, Solar Millennium who last year famously announced plans to build two large solar farms (Nevada is one of the sunniest U.S. states) that would harness the sun to generate electricity, and in process create

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PSC Chair: Clean Energy Jobs Act always cheaper than status quo

From a letter by PSC Chair Eric Callisto to the special committees on clean energy jobs:

. . . [W]hat follows is a summary of preliminary PSC cost modeling of the RPS and energy efficiency components of the CEJA. . . .

The modeling shows that in every case in which GHGs are monetized (i.e., there is a compliance cost associated with emitting GHGs), the cost of the CEJA is less than the cost of the status quo over the long run. That is, we will in all likelihood be spending more on electricity in the long run if we don't act now and enact enhanced renewable portfolio standards and take more aggressive action on energy efficiency. . . . (Note: emphasis in original letter)

Table 4 (Note: Tables 1 – 3 were deleted for this summary) shows the forecasted impact of the proposed legislation on monthly electricity bills for an average residential customer. As in previous tables, these values show the incremental impact of the CEJA compared to the Status Quo. For example, the table indicates that monthly bills will be $1.08 lower under CEJA than under the Status Quo if GHG emissions cost $10/ton. Monthly bill impacts were not calculated for commercial and industrial customers because bills in those customer classes vary more widely than residential bills. . . .

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John Bahr, RENEW board member, named Environmental Hero

From the newsletter of John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club:

At the annual Great Waters Group Holiday Party, John Bahr was named this year’s GWG Environmental Hero. Each year a volunteer receives this honor for his or her efforts in “Exploring, Enjoying, and Protecting the planet.”

John has worked diligently for the past five years on the issue of global warming and energy conservation. He has raised awareness of this important problem through talks to anyone who will listen and through meetings with civic and business leaders. He has targeted his home community of Wauwatosa, helping it develop practical ways to reduce its energy use.

He now sits on a Wauwatosa committee that is developing a strategy to make the entire community a “Cool City.” Congratulations, John. The Great Waters Group stands behind you in all your efforts.

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West Allis Clean Energy Town Hall Meeting, March 11

An announcement from Wisconsin Environment, IBEW, Helios USA, Access Solar, Clean Wisconsin, Sierra Club, Milwaukee River Keeper:

Come join us Thursday, March 11th at 6:00 p.m. for a Clean Energy Town Hall Forum.

A panel of experts will discuss how the Clean Energy Jobs Bill will benefit the greater Milwaukee area with green jobs, lower energy bills and a cleaner, healthier environment.

Plus, talk with local installers about rebates and incentives to use energy efficiency or renewable energy for your home or business.

Speakers include: Dan Kohler, Director of Wisconsin Environment; Steve Ostrenga, CEO of Helios USA; Dave Boetcher, Government Affairs Coordinator for IBEW, Senator Jim Sullivan of the 5th District; Susan Stratton, Executive Director of Energy Center of Wisconsin and Matt Frank, DNR Secretary

Co-Sponsors: Wisconsin Environment, IBEW, Helios USA, Access Solar, Clean Wisconsin, Sierra Club, Milwaukee River Keeper

Any questions contact Lindsay North at (608) 287-0867. RSVP here!

West Allis Public Library
7421 W. National Ave
Constitution Room
West Allis, WI 53214

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Train plant in Milwaukee may yield more benefits

From an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Tom Daykin:

The decision by Spanish train maker Talgo to locate its first U.S. assembly plant at the former Tower Automotive site on Milwaukee's north side will have a bigger payoff than the 125 jobs it will create, a company executive and public officials said Tuesday.

Talgo will expand and add jobs if the company sells more trains, Chief Executive Officer Antonio Perez said Tuesday. Talgo already has orders for at least four trains from the states of Wisconsin and Oregon, and it hopes to sell several trains to other states with new high-speed rail lines, said Perez and Gov. Jim Doyle.

Also, while Talgo will import train car shells from Spain, it will buy other components from U.S. suppliers, Perez said. Those vendors could include Milwaukee-based Super Steel Products Corp. and Oak Creek-based Milwaukee Composites Inc. Such supplier contracts are expected to create around 450 jobs throughout the Midwest, Doyle said.

Finally, Talgo's facility at the former Tower site boosts the city's efforts to create a business park there, said city Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux. That business park, dubbed Century City, will eventually have an estimated 700 to 1,000 jobs, he said.

Much of this, however, depends on developing a national high-speed rail system - financed with an initial investment of $8 billion in federal stimulus tax funds - that critics believe will draw fewer passengers than expected.

Talgo said Tuesday it will soon begin assembling trains in Milwaukee. Perez said the company will begin work between June and September and is already recruiting employees. About 60 positions are needed to build trains and another 65 jobs for maintenance work, he said.

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This act is not just about jobs; it's about the future

From an editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The tone and tenor of the debate over the Clean Energy Jobs Act was determined the moment the legislation was named.

Supporters built into the name what they, not unreasonably, believed would be one of the bill's principal virtues: job creation. But, with recession-induced trauma still fresh in everyone's minds, it is simply too easy and expedient - facts be damned - to call virtually any new legislation a jobs killer, from health care reform to even a jobs bill.

We believe the jobs will be there, but it is important at this juncture to recognize that this bill is not really intended as an economic stimulus measure. In very real terms, it is an attempt at economic and environmental reinvention - done with the specter of climate change and all its effects looming.

Yes, climate change, with humanity as a major contributor, is real. But even if you don't believe that, there is little to no downside to a future in which a good portion of our energy comes from renewable sources - 25% by 2025 - and no downside to a future in which energy efficiencies mean we are doing the same or more with less energy.

The reinvention comes in two other goals: growing new technologies and fostering energy independence. Doing this will have far more enduring effects on those bottom lines in the future than any short-term benefit derived from doing nothing now to cushion today's corporate bottom lines.

On jobs, there are two dueling studies cited most often on whether the Clean Energy Jobs Act will actually create jobs.

One is by researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Southern California for the Center on Climate Strategies, the results of which are similar to findings by various state agencies. It forecasts a net increase of more than 16,200 new jobs in Wisconsin by 2025. It predicts a boost to the state's economy of $4.85 billion total "in net present value" from 2011 to 2025.

The other study was done by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute. It contends that policies similar to those in the bill would kill 43,000 Wisconsin jobs. The problem: It did not model the actual policies in the bill.

The Michigan study is more believable.

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