From a story by Colby Robertson on WAOW-TV, Wausau:
WAUSAU (WAOW) -- The 142nd annual Wisconsin Valley Fair kicks off next Tuesday, but this years fair is going to be a little greener.
Every night of the Wisconsin Valley Fair, [one of the oldest and largest ag fairs in Wisconsin], features a different free grandstand performance, thousands of fans turn out for some of music's biggest stars.
This year those performances are going green by using WPS renewable energy to power the musical entertainment.
Kelly Zagrzebski of Wisconsin Public Service says, "You're not going to see anything different other than its runNATS by green energy and there might be a few banners up, but the actual energy use will be exactly the same, just powered by green power."
The renewable energy comes through the WPS Naturewise program that's been selling blocks of renewable energy to customers since 2005.
Zagrzebski says, "As you're looking at the different sustainability groups and people being more conscious of their energy use and where they're getting their energy from, it was a great partnership since it is with Naturewise and the fuel we get for it is really through biomass and the use of manure."
Eco-friendly apartments proposed for Eagle Plumbing building in Stevens Point
From an article by in the B. C. Kowalski in the Wausau Daily Herald:
If all goes according to plan, the former Eagle Plumbing building is in for a makeover.
The Stevens Point Plan Commission on Monday will consider allowing a plan to build apartments at 1000 Third St., the former Eagle Plumbing site. The plan also would encompass adjacent property at 941 Portage St.
Arc Central has proposed converting the existing structure into a two-story, eco-friendly apartment building, company co-owner Jim Lucas said.
"Our interest is to build an energy-efficient building," Lucas said. "The brick walls tend to lend themselves to that."
Lucas said Arc Central also is considering amenities such as catching rainwater, solar panels, tilled gardens and outdoor bicycle storage.
"I think most building owners want energy-efficient buildings," Lucas said. "It's not a matter of promoting green; it's just a matter of good design. Nationally, more energy is consumed from heating and cooling than transportation."
If all goes according to plan, the former Eagle Plumbing building is in for a makeover.
The Stevens Point Plan Commission on Monday will consider allowing a plan to build apartments at 1000 Third St., the former Eagle Plumbing site. The plan also would encompass adjacent property at 941 Portage St.
Arc Central has proposed converting the existing structure into a two-story, eco-friendly apartment building, company co-owner Jim Lucas said.
"Our interest is to build an energy-efficient building," Lucas said. "The brick walls tend to lend themselves to that."
Lucas said Arc Central also is considering amenities such as catching rainwater, solar panels, tilled gardens and outdoor bicycle storage.
"I think most building owners want energy-efficient buildings," Lucas said. "It's not a matter of promoting green; it's just a matter of good design. Nationally, more energy is consumed from heating and cooling than transportation."
Proposed biomass plant has benefits
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
Wood
From an editorial in the Wausau Daily Herald:
The debate about the proposed Rothschild biomass plant has at times been a heated one. The proposal would pair a biomass-fueled We Energies electric plant with the existing Domtar paper mill in Rothschild.
The citizens' group that opposes building that plant, Save Our Air Resources, or SOAR, has at times been openly confrontational toward those its members perceive as wanting to stifle that debate -- or those who simply disagree with them.
But SOAR has forced a public conversation about the plant, and that is a good thing.
That conversation continues in today's Wausau Daily Herald, which includes an in-depth look at the questions raised by biomass opponents, as well as a discussion of the projected benefits -- economic and environmental -- of the plant.
The Daily Herald's Editorial Board has met with representatives from We Energies, Domtar and SOAR. We have editorialized in favor of a thorough study of the plant's environmental impact. We're proud that the paper has provided a thorough look at the pros and cons of the project.
On balance, we continue to see the substantial, concrete benefits of this project as outweighing the costs, at least some of which seem to have been overstated by biomass opponents.
The debate about the proposed Rothschild biomass plant has at times been a heated one. The proposal would pair a biomass-fueled We Energies electric plant with the existing Domtar paper mill in Rothschild.
The citizens' group that opposes building that plant, Save Our Air Resources, or SOAR, has at times been openly confrontational toward those its members perceive as wanting to stifle that debate -- or those who simply disagree with them.
But SOAR has forced a public conversation about the plant, and that is a good thing.
That conversation continues in today's Wausau Daily Herald, which includes an in-depth look at the questions raised by biomass opponents, as well as a discussion of the projected benefits -- economic and environmental -- of the plant.
The Daily Herald's Editorial Board has met with representatives from We Energies, Domtar and SOAR. We have editorialized in favor of a thorough study of the plant's environmental impact. We're proud that the paper has provided a thorough look at the pros and cons of the project.
On balance, we continue to see the substantial, concrete benefits of this project as outweighing the costs, at least some of which seem to have been overstated by biomass opponents.
Rothschild residents preview Biomass plant plans
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass,
Wood
From an article by Kathleen Foody in the Wausau Daily Herald:
ROTHSCHILD -- The mood at the open house hosted by We Energies on Thursday about a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild was calm, though discussion about the project has become heated.
About 110 residents attended the sessions, one each in the afternoon and evening, at the Holiday Inn in Rothschild. Staff from We Energies and Domtar stood near displays and video monitors, explaining the plant plan and its effects on the community.
The proposal to burn woody biomass as fuel to create electricity for sale by the Milwaukee energy company and steam to power the Domtar paper mill is pending before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Since the plant was proposed in September 2009, We Energies has tried to get ahead of critics with direct mailings, community meetings and door-to-door consultations.
Many residents who attended the Thursday meetings said they were undecided or in favor of the $250 million project and felt satisfied with answers to their questions about air quality, jobs and traffic around the plant.
"I want to make sure it's safe. My grandkids attend (Rothschild Elementary School) across the street (from the mill)," Andy Champine of Weston said. "I walked in neutral to get the facts."
Barry McNulty, a spokesman for We Energies at the event, said the company was pleased with turnout and the questions posed.
"No one particular issue stood out," he said. "Residents asked very similar questions (as at the February open house), and we tried to give them a better understanding of what we do and how we do it."
Rob Hughes, a member of Save Our Air Resources, a citizen group that has opposed the plant, said he applauded the open house events. But he's not satisfied with We Energies' responses to his requests for specific information on air quality if the plant is constructed.
ROTHSCHILD -- The mood at the open house hosted by We Energies on Thursday about a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild was calm, though discussion about the project has become heated.
About 110 residents attended the sessions, one each in the afternoon and evening, at the Holiday Inn in Rothschild. Staff from We Energies and Domtar stood near displays and video monitors, explaining the plant plan and its effects on the community.
The proposal to burn woody biomass as fuel to create electricity for sale by the Milwaukee energy company and steam to power the Domtar paper mill is pending before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Since the plant was proposed in September 2009, We Energies has tried to get ahead of critics with direct mailings, community meetings and door-to-door consultations.
Many residents who attended the Thursday meetings said they were undecided or in favor of the $250 million project and felt satisfied with answers to their questions about air quality, jobs and traffic around the plant.
"I want to make sure it's safe. My grandkids attend (Rothschild Elementary School) across the street (from the mill)," Andy Champine of Weston said. "I walked in neutral to get the facts."
Barry McNulty, a spokesman for We Energies at the event, said the company was pleased with turnout and the questions posed.
"No one particular issue stood out," he said. "Residents asked very similar questions (as at the February open house), and we tried to give them a better understanding of what we do and how we do it."
Rob Hughes, a member of Save Our Air Resources, a citizen group that has opposed the plant, said he applauded the open house events. But he's not satisfied with We Energies' responses to his requests for specific information on air quality if the plant is constructed.
Solar panels gain popularity
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Solar
From an article by Molly Newman in the Marshfield News Herald:
When Doug Petznick's roof needed to be replaced last year, he invested $14,000 in the project -- about twice the average cost for a new roof. But thanks to federal and state green energy rebates, Petznick will end up paying only half of that amount for his solar electric roof.
Petznick is one of five Marshfield homeowners who have installed solar electric panels in the past year. He chose photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into energy, both to save money in the long term and to reduce his family's carbon footprint.
He already was considering installing a metal roof when he arrived at Kulp's of Stratford and learned the company offers solar electric metal roofing, Petznick said.
John Maggitti, solar specialist at Kulp's, said the roofing and insulation company has been offering photovoltaic panels for about a year, since customers started asking about them two years ago.
Since last year, Kulp's has installed about 12 photovoltaic roofs statewide and has six more projects pending, Maggitti said.
The panels are an investment that offers an average 6.5 percent return after 15 years, Maggitti said. The systems last about 25 years, so homeowners can expect 10 years of profit on the investment.
"People are acutely aware that the cost of energy is rising, and there's no indication that the cost of energy is going to come down anytime in the future," Maggitti said.
Petznick said he saw an immediate change in his electric bill as a result of his installation, and he now pays about one-third less each month.
When Doug Petznick's roof needed to be replaced last year, he invested $14,000 in the project -- about twice the average cost for a new roof. But thanks to federal and state green energy rebates, Petznick will end up paying only half of that amount for his solar electric roof.
Petznick is one of five Marshfield homeowners who have installed solar electric panels in the past year. He chose photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into energy, both to save money in the long term and to reduce his family's carbon footprint.
He already was considering installing a metal roof when he arrived at Kulp's of Stratford and learned the company offers solar electric metal roofing, Petznick said.
John Maggitti, solar specialist at Kulp's, said the roofing and insulation company has been offering photovoltaic panels for about a year, since customers started asking about them two years ago.
Since last year, Kulp's has installed about 12 photovoltaic roofs statewide and has six more projects pending, Maggitti said.
The panels are an investment that offers an average 6.5 percent return after 15 years, Maggitti said. The systems last about 25 years, so homeowners can expect 10 years of profit on the investment.
"People are acutely aware that the cost of energy is rising, and there's no indication that the cost of energy is going to come down anytime in the future," Maggitti said.
Petznick said he saw an immediate change in his electric bill as a result of his installation, and he now pays about one-third less each month.
Environmental study will add biomass info
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Biomass
From an editorial in the Wausau Daily Herald:
The Sierra Club's Wisconsin Clean Energy Campaign and the advocacy group Clean Wisconsin recently asked the state Public Service Commission to complete a environmental impact statement on the effects of a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild.
We're in favor of bringing more information out to the public about this project, and we hope that a full assessment will be performed.
The $250 million plant, which is being proposed by We Energies and the Domtar paper mill, is not large enough for state statute to trigger the evaluation, which would be completed by state and federal agencies. We agree with the Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin that it should, anyway.
It's worth saying that we're very much open to the possibility that an environmental impact statement will not find that the plant will have a negative effect.
We're living in polarized times, and it's easy to slip this question into that sort of lens -- environmentalism vs. industry, perhaps. The assumption, in this view, would be that having more information will necessarily show that biomass technology is harmful, and a more detailed study will necessarily lead to the rejection of the plant. So people who favor the study must be people who oppose the plant. People who favor the plant, then, will naturally be opposed to doing the study.
We reject that way of looking at this question. Our Editorial Board's experience with Domtar and We Energies has been that they've been forthcoming and willing to provide substantive answers to critics' questions. Even in this specific case, the companies haven't ruled out conducting the formal study. A We Energies spokesman said it would be premature to call for a study before the Public Service Commission completes its own environmental evaluation.
The Sierra Club's Wisconsin Clean Energy Campaign and the advocacy group Clean Wisconsin recently asked the state Public Service Commission to complete a environmental impact statement on the effects of a proposed biomass plant in Rothschild.
We're in favor of bringing more information out to the public about this project, and we hope that a full assessment will be performed.
The $250 million plant, which is being proposed by We Energies and the Domtar paper mill, is not large enough for state statute to trigger the evaluation, which would be completed by state and federal agencies. We agree with the Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin that it should, anyway.
It's worth saying that we're very much open to the possibility that an environmental impact statement will not find that the plant will have a negative effect.
We're living in polarized times, and it's easy to slip this question into that sort of lens -- environmentalism vs. industry, perhaps. The assumption, in this view, would be that having more information will necessarily show that biomass technology is harmful, and a more detailed study will necessarily lead to the rejection of the plant. So people who favor the study must be people who oppose the plant. People who favor the plant, then, will naturally be opposed to doing the study.
We reject that way of looking at this question. Our Editorial Board's experience with Domtar and We Energies has been that they've been forthcoming and willing to provide substantive answers to critics' questions. Even in this specific case, the companies haven't ruled out conducting the formal study. A We Energies spokesman said it would be premature to call for a study before the Public Service Commission completes its own environmental evaluation.
Wind stakeholders cite uniformity as key to more projects
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Economic development,
Wind
From a news release issued by RENEW Wisconsin:
Collectively drawing upon the individual roadblocks that developers experienced in permitting wind energy projects in Wisconsin, a group of renewable energy stakeholders urged the Public Service Commission to adopt standards that can’t be undermined by additional restrictions imposed by local governments.
The comments, submitted on behalf of 38 signatories, addressed the draft siting rule published by the Commission in mid-May. The draft rule proposed standards applicable to all wind energy systems -- large and small -- erected in Wisconsin. In the next phase of this proceeding, the Commission will review the public comments before issuing a final rule in August.
The rule will specify, among other things, setback distances from neighbors, sound limits, shadow flicker durations, procedures for decommissioning inoperable turbines, and mitigating electronic signal interference.
Noting that local governments would have discretionary authority going beyond the legislation’s intentions, renewable energy supporters recommended specific changes to give developers a greater sense of certainty in the permitting process.
“We are willing to work collaboratively and cooperatively with political subdivisions to establish mutually agreeable provisions beyond the requirements of the rules,” the stakeholders said in their joint comments. “However, we cannot develop wind projects in Wisconsin if current uncertainty regarding political subdivision requirements continues.”
Collectively drawing upon the individual roadblocks that developers experienced in permitting wind energy projects in Wisconsin, a group of renewable energy stakeholders urged the Public Service Commission to adopt standards that can’t be undermined by additional restrictions imposed by local governments.
The comments, submitted on behalf of 38 signatories, addressed the draft siting rule published by the Commission in mid-May. The draft rule proposed standards applicable to all wind energy systems -- large and small -- erected in Wisconsin. In the next phase of this proceeding, the Commission will review the public comments before issuing a final rule in August.
The rule will specify, among other things, setback distances from neighbors, sound limits, shadow flicker durations, procedures for decommissioning inoperable turbines, and mitigating electronic signal interference.
Noting that local governments would have discretionary authority going beyond the legislation’s intentions, renewable energy supporters recommended specific changes to give developers a greater sense of certainty in the permitting process.
“We are willing to work collaboratively and cooperatively with political subdivisions to establish mutually agreeable provisions beyond the requirements of the rules,” the stakeholders said in their joint comments. “However, we cannot develop wind projects in Wisconsin if current uncertainty regarding political subdivision requirements continues.”
Will we create a grid smart enough for the 21st century?
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
General
From an article by Joel Achenbach in National Geographic, with photos by Joe McNally
Can we fix the infrastructure that powers our lives?
We are creatures of the grid. We are embedded in it and empowered by it. The sun used to govern our lives, but now, thanks to the grid, darkness falls at our convenience. During the Depression, when power lines first electrified rural America, a farmer in Tennessee rose in church one Sunday and said—power companies love this story—"The greatest thing on earth is to have the love of God in your heart, and the next greatest thing is to have electricity in your house." He was talking about a few lightbulbs and maybe a radio. He had no idea.
Juice from the grid now penetrates every corner of our lives, and we pay no more attention to it than to the oxygen in the air. Until something goes wrong, that is, and we're suddenly in the dark, fumbling for flashlights and candles, worrying about the frozen food in what used to be called (in pre-grid days) the icebox. Or until the batteries run dry in our laptops or smart phones, and we find ourselves scouring the dusty corners of airports for an outlet, desperate for the magical power of electrons.
The grid is wondrous. And yet—in part because we've paid so little attention to it, engineers tell us—it's not the grid we need for the 21st century. It's too old. It's reliable but not reliable enough, especially in the United States, especially for our mushrooming population of finicky digital devices. Blackouts, brownouts, and other power outs cost Americans an estimated $80 billion a year. And at the same time that it needs to become more reliable, the grid needs dramatic upgrading to handle a different kind of power, a greener kind. That means, among other things, more transmission lines to carry wind power and solar power from remote places to big cities.
Most important, the grid must get smarter. . . .
Marshfield renewable energy plan just 7 percent under goal
From an article by Molly Newman in the Marshfield News-Herald:
A report released Friday [July 2] by Energy Center of Wisconsin showed Marshfield is already set to complete 93 percent of its goal as one of 10 pilot programs in Wisconsin's "25x25" challenge.
The 25x25 plan was proposed in 2009 as a way for the state to attain its goal of generating 25 percent of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2025.
Marty Anderson, chair of the city's Sustainable Marshfield committee, said the group came up with 16 projects to reduce energy consumption. These included solar collection and geothermal energy use in city buildings, conversion of the non-emergency fleet to hybrid vehicles and purchasing 25 percent renewable electricity from Marshfield Utilities.
"We tried to put in (the plan) projects that we thought had a reasonable likelihood of being completed," Anderson said.
About 30 percent of the energy consumption goal will be met by projects that have already been implemented or are included on the city's five-year plan, Anderson said. For example, the new fire station integrated several energy-efficient features.
According to Sean Weitner, author of the Energy Center report, Marshfield also proposed installation of a $12 million, 38 megawatt wind farm, a project that was not included in the 93 percent indicator because it would cost more than five times the current total energy budget.
A report released Friday [July 2] by Energy Center of Wisconsin showed Marshfield is already set to complete 93 percent of its goal as one of 10 pilot programs in Wisconsin's "25x25" challenge.
The 25x25 plan was proposed in 2009 as a way for the state to attain its goal of generating 25 percent of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2025.
Marty Anderson, chair of the city's Sustainable Marshfield committee, said the group came up with 16 projects to reduce energy consumption. These included solar collection and geothermal energy use in city buildings, conversion of the non-emergency fleet to hybrid vehicles and purchasing 25 percent renewable electricity from Marshfield Utilities.
"We tried to put in (the plan) projects that we thought had a reasonable likelihood of being completed," Anderson said.
About 30 percent of the energy consumption goal will be met by projects that have already been implemented or are included on the city's five-year plan, Anderson said. For example, the new fire station integrated several energy-efficient features.
According to Sean Weitner, author of the Energy Center report, Marshfield also proposed installation of a $12 million, 38 megawatt wind farm, a project that was not included in the 93 percent indicator because it would cost more than five times the current total energy budget.
Marshfield among communities reaching energy independence
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle on the success of the ten communities in Energy Independent (EI) Pilot -- Brown County; Chequamegon Bay (including the cities of Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn, the towns of Bayfield and La Pointe, the counties of Ashland and Bayfield, the Red Cliff tribe and the Bay Area Regional Transit authority); Columbus; Evansville; Fairfield; Marshfield; Oconomowoc; Osceola, including the school district; Platteville and Lancaster; Spring Green, including the school district:
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced ten Energy Independent (EI) Pilot Communities are well on their way toward achieving “25 x 25” – getting 25 percent of their electricity and 25 percent of their transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025.
“Through the EI Pilot program communities have found ways to reduce their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Governor Doyle. “This is significant considering we spend $16 billion on fossil fuel energy every year in Wisconsin, and all those dollars go outside of our state. We are finding ways to reduce our dependence
and generate jobs in Wisconsin.”
Two independent reports released by the Office of Energy Independence revealed how the ten EI Pilot Communities were able to accomplish 98 percent of their collective 25 x 25 goal.
The communities reduced their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent and reduced their 2025 carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent.
The information gathered by the EI Pilot Communities will assist Wisconsin local units of government including the 140 EI Communities to decide which strategies will work best with their unique assets and capitalize on the diversity of their resources.
The reports were conducted by two non-partisan research and policy organizations: the Local Government Institute and the Energy Center of Wisconsin.
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced ten Energy Independent (EI) Pilot Communities are well on their way toward achieving “25 x 25” – getting 25 percent of their electricity and 25 percent of their transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025.
“Through the EI Pilot program communities have found ways to reduce their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Governor Doyle. “This is significant considering we spend $16 billion on fossil fuel energy every year in Wisconsin, and all those dollars go outside of our state. We are finding ways to reduce our dependence
and generate jobs in Wisconsin.”
Two independent reports released by the Office of Energy Independence revealed how the ten EI Pilot Communities were able to accomplish 98 percent of their collective 25 x 25 goal.
The communities reduced their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent and reduced their 2025 carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent.
The information gathered by the EI Pilot Communities will assist Wisconsin local units of government including the 140 EI Communities to decide which strategies will work best with their unique assets and capitalize on the diversity of their resources.
The reports were conducted by two non-partisan research and policy organizations: the Local Government Institute and the Energy Center of Wisconsin.
Plastic bottles expelled from UWSP campus
Labels:
`Central Wisconsin,
Sustainability
From an article by Nick Paulson in the Stevens Point Journal:
If you want a drink of water on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus this fall, don't expect to find any bottles for sale.
The university's new vending contract, which will go into effect before the school year starts in September, bans bottled water sales in campus vending machines. The 30 or so beverage machines also will switch to aluminum cans for soft drinks, cutting additional use of plastic. Only beverages which don't come in other materials, such as sports drinks, still will be sold in plastic bottles.
UWSP bids its vending contract every five years. When Jerry Lineberger, associate director of University Centers, and other staff members asked for student input on this issue, the biggest call was to get rid of plastics, especially bottled water. The Student Government Association even passed a resolution asking for a reduction.
"If you want water, we have lots of water fountains on campus," said Lineberger, who put together the new contract. "You can bring your own water bottle and fill it for free."
Eliminating bottled water and switching to aluminum will cut, possibly by half, the amount of plastic the campus uses. The switch fits in with UWSP's commitment to sustainability and image as a "green" campus.
But it also has a practical side. Recycling all the plastic costs the university money, but it can make money by selling the aluminum cans.
If you want a drink of water on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus this fall, don't expect to find any bottles for sale.
The university's new vending contract, which will go into effect before the school year starts in September, bans bottled water sales in campus vending machines. The 30 or so beverage machines also will switch to aluminum cans for soft drinks, cutting additional use of plastic. Only beverages which don't come in other materials, such as sports drinks, still will be sold in plastic bottles.
UWSP bids its vending contract every five years. When Jerry Lineberger, associate director of University Centers, and other staff members asked for student input on this issue, the biggest call was to get rid of plastics, especially bottled water. The Student Government Association even passed a resolution asking for a reduction.
"If you want water, we have lots of water fountains on campus," said Lineberger, who put together the new contract. "You can bring your own water bottle and fill it for free."
Eliminating bottled water and switching to aluminum will cut, possibly by half, the amount of plastic the campus uses. The switch fits in with UWSP's commitment to sustainability and image as a "green" campus.
But it also has a practical side. Recycling all the plastic costs the university money, but it can make money by selling the aluminum cans.
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