Business energy bills will increase by 13%

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Household prices will rise less than 5%, still much higher than inflationBy Thomas Content of the Journal Sentinel We Energies customers will see their electric bills rise Jan. 1, with double-digit increases projected for the utility's biggest ratepayers.The utility's largest energy-users - factories and other large businesses -can expect their bills to jump about 13% on average, said Brian Manthey, utility spokesman. Most other business customers can expect electric bills to rise 8% to 10%.Residential customers can expect an increase of less than 5%.By comparison, the rate of inflation increased 1.1% from a year ago, according to the latest report from the U.S. Labor Department.The culprit behind the Jan. 1 increase is the loss...

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Illinois forms partnership with Wisconsin's money to develop high-speed rail to St. Louis

From an article in BizTimes Daily:State of Illinois announced today it will use some of the federal funds rejected by Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker to create a public-private partnership that will develop high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis, Mo., by 20114.Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the signing of the historic cooperative agreement by the federal government, state government, Union Pacific Railroad, and Amtrak as a crucial advance in the development of a planned high-speed passenger rail network that will serve Illinois and the Midwest region.“ Clearly, the leadership, perseverance and commitment of Governor Quinn, Senator Durbin, and our private sector...

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Wisconsin utilities continue progress toward renewable energy standard

From a news release issued by the Public Service Commissiion of Wisconsin: MADISON – Two reports released today by the Public Service commission of Wisconsin (PSC) indicate that Wisconsin’s electric utilities and cooperatives continue to make steady progress in adding renewable energy to the state’s energy supplies. All of the electric providers meet or exceed state requirements and many offer incentives to customers who want to generate their own renewable electricity.Renewable Portfolio Standard ComplianceWisconsiin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) law requires retail electric providers to produce 66 percent of the state’s eelectricity from renewable resources by the year 2010, and 110 percent by 2015. each year, Wisconsin utilities and cooperatives are required to report to the PSC...

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Permaculture Rock Star coming to the UEC

Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture, which for the past seven years has been the world’s best-selling book on permaculture, will be holding a workshop at the Center on Saturday, Jan. 29th from 1-5:00. Cost is $45 members/$55 nonmembers. To register: 414-964-8505. I am really excited to be able to offer this opportunity, please help me spread the word! DETAILS:Urban Permaculture For a Hopeful FutureWorkshop Description: How can we create resilient, regenerative cities and suburbs? Permaculture, an ecological approach to design, shows us how. Though land may be limited, cities are rich in other resources, especially social capital. This workshop will show how to find, harvest, and integrate the many resources in our cities in sustainable ways, including...

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Workshop: Basic Energy Literacy (and Numeracy), January 22

From Erik Lindberg:What: Basic Energy Literacy (and Numeracy) When: Jan 22nd, 10:30 to 12:30 Where: Urban Ecology Center I have been given the honor of teaching a basic energy literacy and numeracy class at the urban ecology center this January. The class will cover all the basic energy information and assessment tools that inform Transition. We will talk about Peak Oil, current American and world-wide energy usage, world-wide fossil fuel reserves, the capacity of alternative energy to replace fossil fuels, energy and the economyh, and our energy prospects for the future. After the class you will also have the tools to asses government and advertising claims about their programs and products. When you hear of a new oil-field discovery, you will be able to assess how big it really is. When...

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Grant program passed, thousands of renewable energy jobs saved

From an article in Renewable Energy World:Washington, D.C. -- In typical fashion, the U.S. Congress passed a suite of last-minute tax laws last night, including an extension of the Treasury Grant Program (TGP) for renewable energy project developers. Trade groups in Washington have been pushing hard for an extension of the program, which provides a cash payment of up to 30% of equipment costs in place of the Investment Tax Credit. The grant program was responsible for a large portion of the renewable energy projects built throughout the U.S. in 2010. Originally passed as part of the 2009 stimulus package, the TGP was supposed to expire at the end of December.Because there are still a limited number of financial institutions able to finance projects by taking advantage of tax credits, the TGP...

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Port of Milwaukee expects boost from wind-energy shipments in 2011

From an article by Rick Barrett of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:The last oceangoing ship of the year steams out of the Port of Milwaukee this week, bound for Morocco with a load of soybeans, ending what's been a good shipping season - with total tonnage down but steel shipments surging from a year ago.The port handled about 1.9 million metric tons of cargo through Nov. 1, compared with 2.4 million a year earlier.Most of the decline was blamed on fewer road-salt shipments, one of the port's largest commodities.About 32% less salt was brought into the port this year, largely because of a surplus from 2009, said Eric Reinelt, Port of Milwaukee director.The port had strong exports of grain and mining equipment and high imports of steel, according to Reinelt.It's had visits from 207 ships, up...

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Energy efficiency, renewables program feels GOP heat

Tom Content wrote and posted the following article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the day before the Joint Committee on Finance voted along party lines (12 Democrats in favor, 4 Republicans against) to approve funding for Focus on Energy:Lawmaker calls for audit; business groups against added fundsWith a decision possible Tuesday on an increase in funding for the state Focus on Energy program, a lawmaker called for an audit of the energy efficiency initiative and several business groups came out against what they criticized as "a $340 million energy tax hike."Business groups including Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, the Wisconsin Paper Council, Midwest Food Processors Association and the Wisconsin chapter of the National Federation of Independent...

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Money disappears for Intermodal train shed work

From an article by Marie Rohde in The Daily Reporter:No money is available to build a train shed at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station even though the project is required to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.The money for the station improvements had been included as part of the $810 million Milwaukee-to-Madison high-speed rail project that was rescinded by the federal government last week in light of opposition by Gov.-elect Scott Walker.The Intermodal Station project was to construct a storage and maintenance building for new trains that run between Chicago and Milwaukee. It also included construction of platforms and an ADA-compliant connection to the station.Steve Kulm, a spokesman for Amtrak in Chicago, said Amtrak has spent more than $109 million to bring some 200 stations...

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Monday rally to declare jobs emergency in aftermath of train decision

Milwaukee: Monday’s rally at City Hall in support of high speed rail will focus on the Milwaukee jobs crisis created by the re-direction of funds to other states. Now that Governor-elect Walker’s decision has apparently cost Wisconsin 13,000 jobs, and risks losing the new Talgo high speed rail plant in Milwaukee, the coalition will demand that Walker include Milwaukee job creation in the upcoming special legislative session. What: High Speed Train and Milwaukee Jobs Crisis Rally Where: Milwaukee City Hall Rotunda When: Monday, December 13, 12 Noon Who: Good Jobs & Livable Neighborhoods project of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, and coalition partners. In addition, on Thursday December 16th at 7 PM there will be a major town hall meeting in the neighborhood that would be directly affected...

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Missed opportunity

From an editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:The governor-elect's insistence on killing the Milwaukee-to-Madison rail line seems to have paid off for him. But not for the rest of the state.And Wisconsin stands still. Thanks to the opposition of Governor-elect Scott Walker and an apparent majority of state residents, federal transportation officials announced Thursday that the state won't get the money needed to build a fast rail link from Milwaukee to Madison. Walker called the decision a victory, and, in one sense, he's right. Those like Walker who thought the rail line was a waste of money won.But in a larger sense, the state lost. The opposition of Walker and others was shortsighted. The money the Obama administration was willing to invest in Wisconsin would have brought jobs and...

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PSC approves final wind siting rule; improves clean energy outlook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 9, 2010MORE INFORMATIONRENEW WisconsinMichael Vickerman608.255.4044mvickerman@renewwisconsin.orgFinal Wind Siting Rule Improves Clean Energy OutlookWith the changes made at the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) open meeting today, wind developers in Wisconsin can look forward to a set of workable statewide permitting standards that will facilitate the development of well-designed wind projects.At the meeting, the Commission adjusted the requirements on two issues of critical importance to the wind industry: set back distances and compensation to neighboring residents.“Today’s decisions culminate a four-year effort to set Wisconsin’s permitting house in order,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide renewable energy advocacy...

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Colorado regulators vote for Xcel to shut 6 coal-fired plants

From an article by Mark Jaffe in the Denver Post:The Colorado Public Utilities Commission voted Monday to shut six aging Front Range coal-fired power units and allow Xcel Energy to replace them with a new $530 million gas-fired plant.Pollution controls, with a $340 million price tag, also were approved for the coal-burning Pawnee plant near Brush and the Hayden plant.The commission still must decide what to do with the largest coal-burning plant in the Denver area — the Cherokee 4 unit."Cherokee 4 is the largest source of air pollution in the Denver area, and it needs to be shut," said John Nielson, energy-program director for the environmental-policy group Western Resource Advocates.The closures, which will occur between 2011 and 2017, are part of Xcel's proposal to meet the state Clean Air-...

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No evidence of health impacts from wind energy

From a column by Robert J. McCunney, Robert Dobie and David M. Lipscomb in The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon:While opponents of wind energy have attempted to use self-published reports to block projects, the science is clear. Independent studies conducted around the world consistently find that wind farms have no direct impact on physical health. In fact, with no air or water pollution emissions, wind energy is essential to reducing public health impacts from the energy sector.A minority of residents living near wind projects may sometimes find the turbine sounds annoying and the same is true with any environmental sound. Annoyance is a subjective effect that varies among people and circumstances. Many residents in Oregon and across the United States find wind turbines to be a non-intrusive...

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Benefit for Urgan Agricultre, Dec. 12, Milwaukee

Living Activism Night at The Coffee House631 N. 19th Street Milwaukee, WI 53233Sun. Dec. 12 - Living Activism Night presents a benefit for URBAN AGRICULTURE hosted by Godsil and friends featuring music from the wonderful band EMBEDDED REPORTER. Free-will donation with all door $ going to the benefited org. Be generous! ...

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300 years of fossil fuel addiction explained in just FIVE MINUTES!

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Wisconsin Cannot Afford to Ignore Rising Coal Prices

For immediate releaseDecember 1, 2010More informationRENEW WisconsinMichael Vickerman608.255.4044mvickerman@renewwisconsin.orgWisconsin Cannot Afford to Ignore Rising Coal PricesLong-considered an inexpensive and reliable fuel source, coal has become subject to market and regulatory pressures that threaten to make it an expensive and risky way to generate electricity, according to national news reports and pertinent utility filings with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC).“The expectation of continued increases in coal prices reinforces the value of relying on Wisconsin’s own energy resources. If there’s an effort to find savings for utility customers, the logical move would be to shutter antiquated coal plants before they become more of a liability,” said Michael Vickerman, Executive...

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Pollution is harmful; cleanup is overdue

From a column by Francisco Enriquez in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:A cloud of soot engulfed Milwaukee recently, with particle pollution levels so high that the Department of Natural Resources issued four days of advisories and watches that warned children, older adults and people with asthma, bronchitis and heart or lung disease to pay close attention to their symptoms. On days when air pollution levels are high, more people suffer from more frequent, more severe and more deadly asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes.As a pediatrician on the near south side of Milwaukee, I am deeply concerned about the effects of breathing polluted air. Some of my patients' medical conditions get much worse when they are exposed to an environment that is loaded with irritants and noxious chemicals. Access...

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'Green print' saves county greenbacks

From an article by Steve Schultze of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:$800,000 in energy saving has been realized from efficiency programMilwaukee County has reaped some $800,000 in energy saving from its "green print" environmental program, as well as millions of gallons of water and gasoline saved through more efficient plumbing, cars and trucks.Though slow to adopt "green" efficiencies, the county jump-started its efforts once a half-time sustainability director was assigned to monitor the program in early 2009. Since then, the courthouse complex and more than 50 other county buildings either have undergone energy audits or soon will.Lighting, heating, cooling and other upgrades enabled the saving, though it's applied to upfront costs of some $10 million. In theory, after eight years the...

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Solar energy - General overview

Our Sun is the most abundant source of energy on our planet. However, due to a long-term fossil fuel dominance as well as inadequate development of solar power technologies solar energy is far from being regarded as one of the most important energy sources in the world. Many energy experts believe that this will change in years to come, and that one day, maybe even before the end of this century...

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200 people rally to support rail line

From an article by Tom Daykin in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:About 200 people attended a Saturday rally at Milwaukee's Amtrak-Greyhound station, asking Governor-elect Scott Walker to back off his pledge to cancel contracts for a planned Milwaukee-to-Madison passenger rail line.Rally speakers said the rail service would create badly need jobs, provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to driving, and link Milwaukee and Madison to a national rail network that includes Chicago - and eventually Minneapolis.Without that link, said state Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee), Wisconsin "will be isolated from the rest of the national rail network."The rally, organized by the Sierra Club and other groups, was part of a statewide action that included rallies in Madison, Eau Claire, La Crosse,...

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Governor-elect Walker should get on board

From a post by Wallace White, principal and CEO of Milwaukee's W2EXCEL LLC, on the BizTimes blog:Here are my reasons for supporting high speed rail for Wisconsin:$810 million of work for our engineering firms and contractors and some of our minority and women owned companies. For example, Norris and Associates, a Milwaukee based African-American engineering firm, had won a subconsultant contract with a HSR engineering company. He had just hired 3 engineers and now has had to lay them off. The same is true for all the other companies who had just started to work on HSR contracts.The returned money may not just go to Illinois or New York where there are Democratic governors. Other Republican governors would love to have the money. Gov. Rick Perry and the Republican administration of the state...

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Rally for trains this Saturday! Noon, Nov. 20, Intermodal Station

Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values. When: Saturday, November 20th, 12:00 - 12:45 p.mWhere: Milwaukee Intermodal Station, 433 West St. Paul AveWho: Congresswoman Gwen Moore (invited); Sen. Spencer Coggs, SD 6; Robert Craig, Citizen Action; Rosemary Wehnes, Sierra Club; Phil Neuenfeldt, AFL CIO (invited), and You. More details.If we want to save this train, we need to speak up now! Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values. Let's extend the popular Hiawatha service connecting Chicago and Milwaukee....

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LaHood says high-speed rail funds will be quickly reallocated to other states

From an article in BizTimes Daily:The Obama administration plans to quickly reallocate money designated for high-speed rail if states granted the funds reject them, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.LaHood made the announcement Monday night to hundreds of politicians, businesspeople, urban planners and rail enthusiasts gathered in New York City to assess the state of high-speed rail in the United States. The three-day conference was presented by the U.S. High Speed Rail Association (USHSR).Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker, a Republican, has called a planned $810 million high-speed rail line between Milwaukee and Madison a “boondoggle” and is vowing to stop the project.Ohio Governor-elect John Kasich, also a Republican, has called a planned $400 million high-speed rail...

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Arguments against rail just don't measure up

From an editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:We need jobs; this would provide some. We need economic development; this would link the state to those networks. Think of it as state money coming home.Governor-elect Scott Walker wants to stop a fast rail line from Milwaukee to Madison essentially because he thinks it would be a waste of taxpayer money. But what's really in danger of being wasted here is opportunity: opportunity for jobs, for economic growth, for a modern balanced transportation system.Walker ran on a campaign that emphasized the need for jobs, jobs and more jobs. He has promised to call a special session as soon as he's sworn into office aimed at creating a more business-friendly atmosphere in Wisconsin. He has promised to create 250,000 jobs in his first term. His approach...

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Talgo might move plant to Illinois if Walker kills train project

From an article by Larry Sanders in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:A Spanish-owned train company would seriously consider moving its plant from Milwaukee to Illinois in 2012 if Governor-elect Scott Walker follows through on his vow to kill a planned high-speed rail line, a company executive said Wednesday night.Also Wednesday, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn sent Talgo Inc. a letter inviting the company to move to his state and promising to do whatever he could to lure it there.Talgo has built a manufacturing plant at the former Tower Automotive property on Milwaukee's north side, with employment projected to reach 125 by next year. It has initial contracts to build two trains for Amtrak's existing Milwaukee-to-Chicago Hiawatha line and two trains for Oregon. Fulfilling those contracts will keep the...

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Business leaders in Milwaukee, Madison differ on train

From an article by Jason Stein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Madison - Milwaukee business leaders are showing little public opposition to Governor-elect Scott Walker's plans to stop a Milwaukee to Madison passenger rail line while some business leaders in Madison are trying to revive the $810 million federally funded project.One reason for that difference: Milwaukee already has the successful Amtrak Hiawatha line connecting the city to the Midwest business powerhouse of Chicago while Madison residents would need the Milwaukee line to have a rail connection to the Windy City.Tim Sheehy, president of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce, said that his members are much more focused on seeing what Walker can do to balance the state budget, lower or hold down taxes and refocus...

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Illinois: We'll take Wisconsin's $810M for Chicago-St. Louis route

From an article by Mary Wisniewski in the Chicago Sun Times:Illinois wants the $810 million in federal high-speed rail money that Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker has promised to reject. “We’d love to have it,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. He said Illinois, which has already received $1.2 billion in high-speed rail funding, could spend Wisconsin’s money making further improvements to the Chicago-St. Louis corridor to add more passenger runs. The money also could be used to build stations in Joliet and Rockford, Hannig said. Walker, a Republican, made opposing a high-speed train line from Milwaukee to Madison a key part of his campaign against Democrat Tom Barrett. Walker objected to the state having to pay up to $7.5 million a year in ongoing operational costs....

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Walker asks Talgo to stay; says rail decision isn't final

From an article by Jason Stein and Tom Heldin the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Madison — Governor-elect Scott Walker reached out to a Milwaukee train manufacturer Friday, seeking to keep its operations in the state long-term as he advocates for stopping a passenger rail project involving the company."Governor-elect Walker is reaching out to leadership at Talgo to encourage them to stay in Wisconsin," Walker spokeswoman Jill Bader said Friday.A spokeswoman for Talgo, the U.S. unit of the Spanish firm Patentes Talgo, said that Walker told company officials that his decision to stop a proposed Madison-to-Milwaukee passenger rail line is "not final."Walker, a Republican, campaigned on an unambiguous promise to end the passenger rail line, funded with $810 million in federal stimulus money, which...

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DNR schedules hearing on Valley plant permit

From a blog post by Tom Content on JSonline:An air emissions permit to operate the Valley power plant in Milwaukee should be renewed, the state Department of Natural Resources has concluded.That finding, concerning an air emissions permit first issued in 1998, will be the subject of a DNR public hearing Thursday in Milwaukee.Environmental groups sued the DNR this summer in Dane County Circuit Court because it had not issued an updated permit for the project.That suit is now on hold while DNR proceeds with work on the air permit.The Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin, joined by several other groups, are seeking that DNR become more aggressive in requiring less pollution to be emitted by the We Energies plant, located in the Menomonee River Valley.The Journal Sentinel reported this summer that...

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Walker says he will stop train project to Milwaukee

From an article by Clay Barbour in the Wisconsin State Journal: Some $800 million in contracts, a series of difficult legal hurdles and a struggling economy will not stop Governor-elect Scott Walker from doing what he promised on the campaign trail — stopping the train.Walker, a Republican, soundly defeated Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett for the right to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle. He takes power Jan. 1.The Milwaukee County executive ran a strong campaign on a series of checkbook issues, vowing to cut government spending by $300 million, bring 250,000 jobs to Wisconsin and roll back $1.8 billion in tax increases approved last year.But few issues so caught the public's attention as Walker's promise to stop the $810 million Milwaukee-to-Madison passenger rail project,...

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Wisconsin, feds sign high-speed rail deal

From an article in the Wisconsin State Journal:Transportation officials have confirmed that Wisconsin and federal administrators have signed a deal to commit the state to spending all $810 million of its federal stimulus cash on a proposed Milwaukee-to-Madison high-speed rail line.The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on its website Monday night the agreement was reached just days before today's election.The deal is significant because it could make it harder for opponents to stop the controversial project, which officials originally hoped would one day connect the Midwest, from Chicago to Minneapolis.Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, the Republican nominee and gubernatorial frontrunner, has said repeatedly that he wanted to stop the rail project, even if it meant repaying hundreds...

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US photovoltaic industry

According to the latest reports the US solar PV market grew 36% in 2009 despite the global financial crisis. However, financial crisis was still heavily felt as this number is significantly smaller compared to 2008 when there was 62% growth of US solar energy market. Looking at this data from global perspective in 2009 US was ranked fourth largest solar photovoltaic market, behind Germany, Italy...

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Top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day

From a news release issued by the Government Accountability Board:MADISON, WI – The Government Accountability Board today released its list of the top 10 things a Wisconsin voter should know for Election Day, Tuesday, November 2.The number one thing voters should know is that they can register at the polling place on Election Day.“Election Day registration ensures that everyone who is qualified to vote will get to vote,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel of the G.A.B. “Unlike many other states, Wisconsin has registration at the polls, so very few voters will likely be forced to vote on a provisional ballot.”To register on Election Day, Wisconsin voters must provide proof of residence, which includes a current utility bill, lease, university ID card or other official document...

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Feds allocate more dollars for Chicago-to-Twin Cites rail

From an article in BizTimes: The federal government is allocating another $2.4 billion for high-speed rail projects across the country, on top of the $8 billion for high speed rail that was previously announced as part of the federal stimulus act, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today.The additional high-speed rail funds will include $44 million for the Chicago-to-Twin Cities corridor, on top of the $822 million that was allocated for the corridor earlier this year, including $810 million for the controversial Milwaukee to Madison line.The additional $44 million for the Chicago-to-Twin Cities corridor includes $3.7 million to replace two rail bridges between Chicago and Milwaukee that will allow for higher-speed trains to travel between the two cities. The Department of...

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Deep Down: Mountain top-removal coal mining

A free film showing by MPTV, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Discovery World, 500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee:Deep in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky, Beverly May and Terry Ratliff find themselves at the center of a contentious community battle over a proposed mountaintop removal coal mi...

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Eurostar offers a glimpse at why Wisconsin needs intercity rail

From a commentary by Michael Flaherty on BizOpinion.com:PARIS – The train starts to pick up speed, almost imperceptibly, and within 20 minutes the Eurostar high-speed train has left Paris behind, quietly slicing through the French countryside at 185 miles per hour on its way to London. Just over two hours later, the five-football-field-long train – one of 20 trains that day – deposits 500 passengers at the St. Pancras International station in central London. The high-speed Eurostar announced last year it has now transported more than 100 million passengers. That’s 100 million business people, tourists, educators, students, 100 million generators of economic activity among nations that fought each other almost constantly for centuries. When a Wisconsinite rides the Eurostar, it’s difficult...

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More energy efficiency could create 9,000 jobs in Wisconsin

From an article by Larry Bivins in the Wausau Daily Herald:WASHINGTON — In the absence of a national policy that puts a cap on carbon emissions, some environmental activists see an opportunity to place more emphasis on efficiency as part of the solution to climate change.Advocates say the potential benefits to the environment, the economy and individual pocketbooks cannot be ignored.One 2007 study estimates the U.S. could reap $1.2 trillion in electricity savings by investing $520 billion in energy efficiency measures by 2020.In Wisconsin, a 2009 report by the Energy Center of Wisconsin said the state could create 7,000 to 9,000 jobs by 2012 and generate $900 million in savings by tripling its investment in energy efficiency.President Barack Obama's administration set aside $16.8 billion in...

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Manufacturing can be 'green'

From a column by Matthew Davidson, CEO, XTen Industries, Kenosha, in BizTimes:Xten Industries, a Kenosha-based injection molding firm, has found several ways to reduce its environmental footprint by using less electricity and natural gas and more earth-friendly plastics. Matthew Davidson, chief executive officer of the company, has made being “green” a central tenet of his company’s operating model.“There are many ways for manufacturing companies to become more sustainable – to make choices that benefit the environment while actually saving cash. This is even true of small companies like Xten Industries, an injection molder dependent on heavy machinery, high energy use and the consumption of plastic.“We found it easiest to approach sustainability in three broad areas: reduce waste, reduce...

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ATC proposes line for Wauwatosa, Milwaukee

From a blog post by Tom Content on JSonline:American Transmission Co. plans to propose a new power line in Wauwatosa and a portion of the city of Milwaukee to help meet growing demand for electricity in the U.S. Highway 45 development corridor, the Pewaukee company said Wednesday.The power line company has planned an informational open house on Thursday, Oct. 21, to provide area property owners and the public an opportunity to hear more about the proposal and offer input on the 138,000-volt power line.The preliminary cost of the project is $21 million to $37 million. A final cost estimate will depend on the route that is selected for the line, said ATC spokeswoman Luella Dooley-Menet.The roughly 2-mile transmission line would be needed to connect a new substation that We Energies plans to...

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Suppliers tout opportunities in wind power industry

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Companies looking to get involved with the wind power supply chain should be ready to compete with top-notch quality and be prepared to adapt to swings in business activity in the sector, speakers at a wind energy symposium said Wednesday.The wind power supply chain has plenty of opportunity, as the industry aims for a return to growth next year after a down year in 2010, said Jeff Anthony, business development director with the American Wind Energy Association."There are a lot of challenges in the wind industry. It's not an easy industry to get in, but there are plenty of opportunities," Anthony said.Anthony addressed hundreds of participants at the Milwaukee symposium sponsored by Wisconsin Wind Works, a group focused on building...

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Doyle announces grant for Germantown company

From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle:Projects to Create and Retain More Than 1,000 Jobs PLOVER, GERMANTOWN – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $4.85 million in funding for McCain Foods and TecStar Manufacturing Company to help create and retain more than 1,000 jobs in the state. The funding comes from the State Energy Program (SEP).“My top priority this year has been to help companies and communities move forward and create good-paying jobs for Wisconsin families,” Governor Doyle said. “With this funding, we will be able to help McCain Foods and TecStar Manufacturing Company expand their businesses and create hundreds of new jobs.” McCain Foods USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of McCain Foods Limited, an international corporation that is the world’s largest producer of french fries...

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We Energies' recognized for clean energy job development

From a news release issued by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC):October 11, 2010. Los Angeles, CA - The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) today awarded five Innovation Awards and six Special Recognition Awards at its 2010 Annual Meeting. "Efforts like these are why I feel confident that the children of today will grow up to a world where solar and other clean energy technologies are as common place to them then as their cell phones, iPods and the Internet," said Ken Jurman, IREC Chair."This year's Innovation Awards targeted initiatives aimed at supporting clean energy workforce development, community renewables, financial incentives, clean energy ARRA projects, and efforts to grow the small wind market," said Ken Jurman, IREC chair. "Each of this year's winning submissions...

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Wisconsin's green economy offers 15,100 jobs

From a report published by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, The Green Tier Porgram at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin School of Business:By 2007, 68,203 businesses in the United States had generated more than 770,000 jobs in the green economy (Pew Charitable Trust, 2009). Every state has a piece of America’s green economy. The leading states include Oregon, Maine,California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Minnesota. Wisconsin is not currently among the leading states:SOURCE: PEW Charitable Trusts, 2009, based on the National Establishment Time Series 2007 Database; analysis by Pew Center on the Statesand Collaborative EconomicsGreen job growth in Wisconsin through the 2001 recession (where WI lost 100,000 manufacturing jobs that were never recovered)...

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Wind power jobs facts

The wind industry employs professional and skilled workers in a number of different capacities. New wind projects require people with meteorological, business, and engineering experience to plan and build wind energy projects. Meteorologists help engineers to identify appropriate sites with a suitable wind conditions. After that engineers design the wind farm, working with the utility companies...

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Wisconsin 'can do more' to attract green jobs

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has published a 2010 Green Jobs Report focusing on areas of opportunity and investment for the state to focus on to build jobs in the clean-tech sector.The report sees opportunities in jobs linked to energy efficiency, green building, renewable energy and mass transit."Green jobs are a critical part of the state's recovery from the recession," said Tom Eggert, executive director of the business council and co-director of the business, environment and social responsibility program at the University of Wisconsin School of Business.The aim of the report was to look at green jobs in Wisconsin at a time when other Midwest states have moved to capitalize and promote the attractiveness of their...

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Jimmy Carter redeemed: White House to tap sun for heating water and some electricity

From an Associated Press article by Dina Cappiello in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:WASHINGTON (AP) -- Solar power is coming to President Barack Obama's house.The most famous residence in America, which has already boosted its green credentials by planting a garden, plans to install solar panels atop the White House's living quarters. The solar panels are to be installed by spring 2011, and will heat water for the first family and supply some electricity.Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the plans Tuesday in Washington at a conference of local, state, academic and nonprofit leaders aimed at identifying how the federal government can improve its environmental performance.Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush both tapped the sun during their days in the White House. Carter in...

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Businesses can celebrate Energy Awareness Month with practical tips to save energy & money

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:Boost the bottom line while strategically managing energy use Madison, Wis. (October 6, 2010)—In honor of Energy Awareness Month this October, businesses around the country are taking steps to reduce energy use by making cost-effective building improvements and getting staff involved to find smart solutions.With cold weather on its way now is a great time for organizations to make sure they are well positioned to keep energy costs in check and save money this season, and year round. In fact, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, has already helped Wisconsin businesses save more than $212 million in annual energy costs since 2001.If organizations are unsure how to get started, Focus offers these...

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Solar power proves steady investment for Janesville man

From an article by Frank Schultz in the Janesville Press Gazette:JANESVILLE — So you want to invest.Stock? Too wobbly.Interest at the banks? Scant.A rural Janesville man has found an investment that appears to work in any economy: the sun.The sun, which is not expected to burn out for billions of years, spills massive amounts of energy onto the Earth every day. It also puts cash into Chuck Niles’ pocket.Niles, a retired General Motors worker, said he’s been thinking about solar power for 25 years. He got serious about it three years ago when he learned that improvements in solar technology have reduced the cost per watt considerably.Then he heard about government programs that provide huge discounts in startup costs.Here’s how Niles does the math:The 90 panels on the roof of Niles’ pole barn...

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Clean energy race - China plays to win

Renewable energy jobs can give significant boost to any economy, including US economy, but China is the one that is getting the lion's share out of it. If we look at the current numbers we can see that China has more than million people working in its renewable energy industry. If we translate this into the production number it means that China produces half of the world's wind turbines, suppl...

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Don't fall for the myths about CFLs; now is the time to start saving

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:When you install ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) there are financial and energy savings to be realized; however, there are a few misconceptions about CFLs that have kept some homeowners on the fence. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is tackling those myths in an effort to educate Wisconsin residents and help them switch to CFLs. Starting Oct. 1, 2010, and for a limited time, Focus on Energy is offering CFLs for a discounted price at participating retail locations throughout the state."We are thrilled with the number of residents throughout Wisconsin who have reduced their energy use and utility bills by installing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, but there are still...

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Wind power service firm expanding in New Berlin

A Danish firm's expansion is giving Wisconsin another player in the manufacturing sector geared toward alternative energy.Avanti Wind has been in operation here for several years, making service lifts used by technicians who inspect and repair wind turbines and need to scale the turbines' tall towers.Now the company has moved to expand here by moving production of aluminum ladders to Wisconsin from China and Germany, said Kent Pedersen, the company's U.S. general manager.The pace of wind development across the country has slowed considerably this year - with the second quarter installations of wind power down 71% amid the slow economy and developers having a hard time getting financing."But we have done quite well in expanding our customer base in North America, and we've continued to grow...

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How promising is algae biofuel?

Algae biofuel is something that is currently receiving lot of attention and many consider this as one of the most promising biofuel technologies that should in years to come significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.It is not very difficult to spot the advantages of using algae biofuel. Algae biofuel can decrease the need for fossil fuels, and expensive foreign oil, it can reduce our...

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The $54 question: Is rail worth it?

From a commentary by Steve Hiniker, executive director of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:With anti-rail activists whipped into a frenzy over threats that passenger rail services pose to Wisconsin and the state's finances, it's time to step back and take a closer look. Are rail opponents onto something, or are they on something?Rail opponents rail against the cost of rail. They would like to have the money for rail either returned to Washington or spent on highways. Dream on. The $810 million is a part of a larger plan to restore intercity passenger rail across the United States. This is a federal project that won't be derailed by Wisconsin politics. Restoring rail is expensive, but transportation projects are expensive. The Zoo Interchange will cost more than...

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Eco-Justice Center7133 Michna RoadRacine, WIPhone: 262-681-8527 Email: eco-justice@racinedominicans.org Addition/rennovations to 1912 Dutch Colonial house include: foam insulation, replacemnt windows, energy star appliances, durisol foundation blocks, eco-shake shingles, recycled red oak & red cedar flooring, marmoleum flooring, FSC pine trim, recycled marble, dual flush toilets, low-flow faucets, non-toxic paint & wood finishes, reclaimed brick & stone, composite decking. System ComponentsSolar Electric (55 GE - 200 watt) Passive Solar Design Wind Electric (Bergey Excel-S) Geothermal Solar Domestic Hot Water (4 panel; 180 gal.) Architect: Bruce Zahn Builder: Pragmatic Construction Installer: Full Spect...

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Conference highlights solar energy progress

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:It was five years ago that renewable energy proponents dubbed this Wisconsin's Solar Decade - the 10 years that would move solar energy from the fringe to the mainstream.In 2010, solar remains a fraction of the state's energy mix, but it's growing. And with it, interest is intensifying in manufacturing products for the solar industry.As solar advocates prepare to host industry conferences this week, the solar industry is installing larger projects, and the cost per project is shrinking."It's not getting sunnier in Wisconsin, but prices are coming down and rates are going up," said Niels Wolter, solar electric program manager at Focus on Energy, the statewide energy efficiency initiative that provides incentives for renewable...

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MMSD ready to fire up methane deal to power Jones Island

From an article by Marie Rohde in The Daily Reporter:The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is poised to enter into a 20-year contract to buy methane gas to run the Jones Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, a move district officials say will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.But the project will cost $94.7 million in infrastructure improvements.“We will be able to purchase methane gas at 48 percent of the cost of natural gas,” said Kevin Shafer, MMSD’s executive director.The district could begin using methane as early as January 2013, but the system would not be fully functional for several years after that.While methane gas is increasingly used as a fuel to produce electricity, this plan is unusual in that it requires piping the gas 17 miles from the Emerald Park Landfill on...

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Milwaukee ready to shine during Solar Week, Sept. 28 - Oct. 2

From a column by Gregg Hoffman on WisBusiness.com:Contrary to stereotypes of the gloomy, cloudy Midwest, Milwaukee, and Wisconsin in general, are very conducive to effective use of solar energy, and in fact have developed into leaders in the country in that field. That fact will be highlighted during Milwaukee Solar Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 2. Milwaukee Shines, the city of Milwaukee's solar program, will team with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and other organizations and businesses to showcase renewable energy successes and opportunities during the week. We Energies and Focus on Energy also are hosting solar events during the week. Milwaukee Shines is coordinating the week. “The city is fortunate to be hosting two premier professional solar conferences, which will highlight all...

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