More material from Seth Handy at Handy Law

Thanks to Seth Handy for this excellent post, which we will do over two days.  We encourage you to send us material for the blog as well.Also, we'll follow up with a story on this.  Clearly, the costs of not changing how power gets to the grid, then to us, is staggering.  We applaud the Rocky Mountain Institute for this excellent post:We will finish this tomorrow, but you can read the entire article here: http://blog.rmi.org/blog_A_Crisis_Terrible_Thing_WasteA Crisis is a Terrible Thing to Waste"Beginning on June 29th, a brief but violent storm swept from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic, disabling electricity to the masses. The storm toppled trees and branches into power lines and knocked out transmission towers and...

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Listen to Positive Energy Moving Forward WARL - 1320 AM Providence, RI

Here's the link to this week's show which is now posted 24/7 on Blog Talk Radio, as our all of our most recent shows:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewable-now/2012/07/25/sustainable-communitiesAlso, we are very impressed with this new program in Michigan we just read about.  This would be a worthy program in any state, and we are going to work to expand the clean energy fund that we created recently in RI to cover the State in a similar fashion.  Hat's off to all involved, leading with the State of Michigan, for showing excellent leadership: Energi Partners in Lean & Green Michigan PACE InitiativePEABODY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Energi, a Massachusetts based Industrial Reinsurance Company, is pleased to announce that they have joined Lean & Green Michigan™. The...

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Expansion set for Menomonee Valley solar panel factory

From a blog post by Tom Content on JSOnline:Helios Solar Works has received a loan of $652,079 to support its $11 million investment to purchase equipment and add a third shift of workers at its Menomonee Valley solar panel factory. The loan was announced by the Northwest Side Community Development Corp., based on funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Helios opened its factory at 1207 W. Canal St. last year. The funds will be used to help meet demand from new orders from Helios customers in the United States, Asia and Europe, according to the community development corporation. The corporation said the loan will support the addition of up to 40 jobs. “It is very satisfying to know that the NWSCDC is helping Helios ship solar panels to customers worldwide stamped ‘Made...

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U.S. wind group: No evidence to support for Sen. Lasee's anti-wind claims

From a commentary in the Fond du Lac Reporter by John Anderson, director of siting policy for the American Wind Energy Association:Wisconsin State Sen. Frank Lasee’s recent statements regarding the potential health effects of wind turbines are not supported by numerous government and peer-reviewed studies in the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Massachusetts Department of Public Health recently published the “Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of Independent Expert Panel.” Most notably, the authors of this report concluded: • There is no evidence for a set of health effects from exposure to wind turbines that could be characterized as “Wind Turbine Syndrome.” • Claims that infrasound from wind turbines directly impacts...

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Helping Companies Find New Customers

Below is my article that will be published in the latest edition of Natural Awakenings, and posted on their main site.Renewable Now reaches across every medium and platform.  Our audience is global with a thirst for change.  For those of you looking to transform your companies, or promote and advertise within the growing green economy, contact us.  We offer consulting services on every level (reducing waste, use of energy, alternative fuels, creating green teams, etc), and we are happy to help you succeed in your branding, marketing and remodeling of your company as well.Helping Companies Find New Customersby Peter ArpinAt Renewable Now, we study and report on all things sustainable—from energy use to reductions in waste to technology that can drive a cleaner future. One of...

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Thanks to Seth Handy

For a terrific report on greening up sports.  As we've pointed out before, sports is such a lightening rod for setting trends in society.  Seeing teams get eco-conscious, and start to make positive changes, bodes well for an overall movement in the right direction.Greening Up the Sports WorldHow could 35 professional sports teams and 20 million square feet of sports facilities improve their energy efficiency and be more environmentally friendly?That’s the question the Energy Department is answering through its Better Buildings Challenge. In order to illustrate the Department’s strategy for greening professional sports facilities, we are highlighting several green sports initiatives aiming to change the way our nation does athletics.At...

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RENEW influences decisions of Focus on Energy

RENEW Wisconsin will continue to advocate for Focus on Energy to spend the $10 million per year allocated for renewable incentives.We intend to keep a close watch on how the Focus administrators spend the money, and we told them so. These funds are being collected from rate payers this year, so Focus should spend as much of the money this year as possible. Simple! RENEW effectively advocated for Focus on Energy (Focus) to reinstate incentives for distributed renewables since the non-residential incentives were suspended in July of 2011. RENEW organized members and other stakeholders to communicate this message to the Public Service Commission and Focus. RENEW’s advocacy led Focus to roll out the renewable programs in July.Additionally RENEW solicited input from the renewable community,...

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Town drops plan for wind power project

This happened last month in Westerly, and we've been watching this story ever sense.When you read this article, and the quotes from various officials, you get a sense of the roadblocks derailing so many potentially good renewable energy projects.  It typically does not take much more than neighbors saying they don't want them in their community, and the politicians start to cave in.Too bad:  The economics of investing in clean energy are very good with great returns.  They fix utility costs, move a town closer to energy independence, create constructions jobs and help clean the air.  It is very depressing to see the lack of will exhibited by so many so called leaders.Through our recently launched renewable energy fund, we anticipate going back down to Westerly, and...

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Safe bet is to act now to reduce fossil fuel use. Go renewable says RENEW.

In a weekend editorial the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel quoted RENEW's executive director Don Wichert:  While national leaders dither, local officials and families can start doing things to reduce human impact on climate changeIt's possible that this summer is just a fluke; that the heat waves and drought that are wreaking havoc for farmers and others are an anomaly, and that the weather will return to "normal" next summer or maybe the summer after that. That it's just summer and it's hot, and that this really isn't part of a trend that climate scientists have been predicting.But that's not the way to bet. . . ."The extreme weather and heat waves are costing lives, hurting farmers and families, and inaction is wasting tax money," said Rep. Brett Hulsey (D-Madison), member of the...

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Last week's radio show

Is now available 24/7 at the below link.  Interesting show as we looked at some terrific, very safe cleaning products to you, and had a wonderful, informative discussion--reinforcing what we are doing on the TV side, on sustainable investing and, how, with a little research, your money can make a big difference in the world.Listen and pass on.Thanks.  More later today. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewable-now/2012/07/18/green-cleaning-and-investing#.UAhUBaj2gUk.em...

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Carnage and sadness descend again on Colorado

Today, it is hard to think about anything but the terror that struck at midnight last night in a jammed packed Showcase Cinema.  It will certainly go down as one our nation's saddest moments and days.It has been a difficult summer for the great State of CO.  Already singed by roaring fires, the area now struggles with a second senseless, random bloody attack on its people.  In a beautiful State, full of wondrous, glorious natural resources, towered by majestic mountain tops, it is hard to fathom this type of human tragedy.Our mission is to find and help to a cleaner, brighter future.  That does not exist if there is no respect for human life.  Sustainability depends on hope, dreams of a better world. Days like this rip the heart our of hope.We, like...

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From the above letter written by Kitty Rhoades, deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reviewed the scientific literature on the issue of wind turbines and health, and we will continue to do so as new studies are published. Our review of current scientific knowledge indicates that levels of noise, flicker and infrasound measured from wind turbines at current setback distances do not reach those that have been associated with objective physical health effects. The Department has considered previous requests to conduct formal epidemiologic studies in Wisconsin, and Division of Public Health staff have discussed this issue with colleagues at UW School of Medicine and Public...

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Cashton Greens Community Wind Project Plows New Ground

Immediate release: July 18, 2012More information:Michael Vickerman Director, Program and Policy608.255.4044, ext. 2, mvickerman@renewwisconsin.orgTwo-turbine project sets a number of firsts for Wisconsin  A vision of Wisconsin’s renewable energy future came to life with the dedication today of the two-turbine Cashton Greens Wind Farm, Wisconsin‘s first community wind development. This five megawatt project rises alongside Organic Valley Cooperative’s distribution center in this village 40 miles southeast of La Crosse.Owned by La Farge-based Organic Valley Cooperative and Gunderson Lutheran Health System, La Crosse, Cashton Greens will generate enough electricity to offset the energy use for Organic Valley’s corporate...

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More on Action of New England

Last night we introduced you to Action of New England, a leading network of clean tech incubators, and today we want to tell you more about them.Let's take a look at the range of start ups they support:  Keep in mind we've done shows on all of these types of companies, representing many of these industries, and have reported on some fantastic success stories.  With Action's help, we'll be reporting on many more.There's a contact button for them below if you are a potential investor or start-up company.  Good luckOur ACTION incubator members are engaged in supporting early stage cleantech entrepreneurs. These startup organizations are typically involved in developing technologies and services for:Renewable or Clean Energy Generation or ProductionInfrastructure, SmartGrid, and...

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Welcome to ACTION!

We came across the Association of Cleantech Incubators, and liked it a lot.  It fits very nicely with our mission--the business side of green.Here's more about them:  "The Association of Cleantech Incubators of New England (ACTION) is New England’s leading network of cleantech incubators sharing the common goals of accelerating the growth and success of early-stage companies, strengthening the regional cleantech cluster, and creating more green jobs in New England. ACTION is a nonprofit organization. Our network of incubators provides diverse resources and a highly- supportive hub in which entrepreneurs, business leaders, government agencies, community leaders, investors, universities, and other interested organizations can collaborate toward the successful commercialization...

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Business group asks senator to end "unsubstantiated attacks on wind"

From a news release issued by the Wisconsin Energy Business Association:Wisconsin Businesses Call on Sen. Lasee to End His War on Wind Unsubstantiated attacks on wind industry are preventing economic growth across Wisconsin In another attempt to hinder wind development and economic growth in Wisconsin, state Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) is demanding that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin revisit the state’s uniform wind siting rule, PSC 128—a rule that is the product of years of work by the Commission, a citizen advisory council, and industry experts. His most recent attacks are based on the demonstrably false claim that wind energy facilities cause adverse health impacts.“Senator Lasee’s ongoing hostility towards Wisconsin’s wind industry is preventing real economic...

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RENEW responds to Sen. Lasee's latest, meaningless anti-wind joust

In his latest anti-wind publicity stunt, State Senator Frank Lassee (R-De Pere) brought a few of his constituents to Madison to ask the PSC for relief from the supposed impact of the Shirley Wind Farm on their lives. In response to Lasee on Madison's WKOW-TV, RENEW's Michael Vickerman said:"Sen. Lasee has been waging an ideological war against wind power for a long time," said Michael Vickerman of the green energy group Renew Wisconsin.Vickerman believes that is what is really behind Sen. Lasee's crusade, adding that no credible studies have found what the people from Shirley are claiming."The one prepared for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health specifically says 'we cannot find any foundation for a set of symptoms that is called Wind Turbine Syndrome,'" said Vickerman. Additionally,...

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Good Report from VOA

On an updated report on damage and prospect for the Australian Reef.  One of the somber statements is this:  "Marine scientists are also warning that the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia's Queensland state will degenerate if the oceans continue to acidify"Here's the link::let us know what you think:  http://www.voanews.com/content/scientists-warnreef-peril-australian-summit/1404283.htmlPart of the story:  Phil MercerJuly 13, 2012SYDNEY — A document signed by more than 2,500 scientists at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Cairns, Australia said that climate change is a greater threat to coral reefs than pollution and overfishing. Marine scientists are also warning that the Great Barrier Reef...

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Enjoy the show and tour 21012

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Listen to latest radio show

Here's the link:  http://my.blogtalkradio.com/host/segments.a...

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RENEW says renewable energy can reduce gsses

From a presentation on July 11, 2012, at a Capitol news conference in the state Capitol:Pathways to Increase Renewable Energy1. Allow private companies to sell renewable energy to home and building occupants if the renewable system is on private property;2. Allow fair and uniform net energy billing and interconnection policies;3. Increase Focus on Energy funding for renewables;4. Reinstate utility renewable energy commitments;5. Increase renewable energy requiremen...

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Thanks to Bloomberg Business News

For a great story on the gas stations of the future.We've talked here about the chicken and egg dilemma facing consumers looking to drive alternatively-fueled vehicles--do they wait for more fueling spots to open, or do they buy now and the share demand starts to push investor to open more fueling facilities?In CA, as you'll see here, the answer is to start retrofitting existing gas stations.  Looks like a smart answer to us.Also, in answer to a comment posted on this blog (thanks so much), we do have a 175,000 kw solar array up on our facility, and our building (Arpin Group) is one of the most efficient in the State,   We, in fact, just finished a remodeling of our corporate offices that reduced our energy usage by 50%, and 40% of...

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RENEW announces new members of board of directors

Immediate releaseJuly 11, 2012More informationJenny Heinzen,President715.592.6595jennyh@midwestrenew.orgRENEW Announces New Members of Board of Directors RENEW Wisconsin (RENEW) members elected new directors to its governing board in July. “The new board represents a wide range of talents and interests in supporting RENEW’s mission of leading and representing businesses, organizations, and individuals that seek more clean renewable energy in Wisconsin,” said Jenny Heinzen, RENEW’s board president. The new board offers a healthy mix of new and familiar faces, Heinzen said. RENEW is an independent, nonprofit organization that leads and represents businesses, organizations, and individuals who seek more clean renewable energy in Wisconsin. The following were elected to three-year terms...

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Working to open Providence's only cooperative food market

On today's radio show, I am joined by Sheila Brush, Grow Smart RI filling in for John Flaherty who is studying in Boston this month, but will be back with us in August.Sheila will help me introduce you to the Urban Green Coop Market as look at local agriculture, and compare RI's booming local food industry to other state's and countries.  In preparation for the show, here's a link to the Urban Green site: http://urbangreens.com/Here's some of what you will find there:  Don't forget to listen from 12-1p, EST, on WARL 1320 AM and Blog Talk Radio, Renewable Now channel.  You will find the show available, on a recorded basis, 24/7 starting tomorrow:Urban Greens Food Co-op is......a community of members who believe in establishing a full-scale, cooperatively owned market to...

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New Report Shows Tremendous Job Potential of More Efficient Cars

This is a great report from Sierra Club combining the environmental and economic value of EV's.  It perfectly hits our sweet spot on the business side of green.We hope you consider all of these elements as you look at new cars and your next purchase: "Half-a-million jobs!  That's the good news from a new report released today by  the Sierra Club, the Blue Green Alliance, United Auto Workers and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).The report, called "Gearing Up" (PDF),confirms what many Americans – especially those in Michigan – already know. It tells a story about what happens when we act not just to protect our planet and save families money at the pump, but to ensure our auto industry is as competitive...

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Listen to last week's radio show

Now archived on Blog Talk Radio at:   http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewable-now/2012/07/04/waste-segregationWe'd love to have your comments after you listen.More stories later tod...

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