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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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 StegerFounder of the Will Steger Foundation,co-founder of the Center for Global Environmental Education,and recipient of the National GeographicAdventure...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.&nb...

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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 cre...

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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...

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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.”...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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