by jboullion | Dec 31, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a story by John Krerowicz in the Kenosha News:
The need for wind energy technician training is not a lot of hot air, said those involved in a conference to be held here on the topic.
The summit is expected to draw 50 participants from the industry and technical colleges on Jan. 6-7 at Snap-on’s Innovation Works. The renovated building, on the company’s headquarters site, 2801 80th St., was the production factory until it closed in 2004.
Representatives from Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wis., Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater, Texas, and Iowa Lakes Community College are expected to attend.
One goal of the gathering is to designate representatives to be liaisons with lawmakers in Madison and Washington, D.C., where the new administration is expected to be more receptive to clean energy. The liaisons would promote appropriate policies and encourage funding for training and related issues.
The group also wants to develop a standard training program that technical schools can adopt and quickly implement to meet the anticipated need for technicians, said Fred Brookhouse, Snap-on’s business and education partnership manager and business development manager over education.
There appears to be no formal study of the number of jobs that the young industry would create. The Focus for Energy Web site currently lists 21 installers, including some in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illionois, with a Milwaukee firm the closest to Kenosha.
But Brookhouse said the need for technicians to install and service wind energy technology will be evident once the country accepts that our major energy supplies are finite.
by jboullion | Dec 31, 2008 | Uncategorized
From an article by Brian Reisinger in the Marshfield News Herald:
Mike Anderson retired from corporate life several years ago to a big house he didn’t need and a desire to live free. That included how he got his electricity.
“What can we do to minimize our impact?” Anderson, 60, said of he and his wife’s desire to pursue alternative energy.
Today, he powers and heats the home he built in the town of Marathon largely by sun and wind. It’s a transition that includes major costs and logistical challenges, but also long-term benefits to everyone, experts and residents who use alternative energy say.
In Anderson’s case, his solar panel and wind turbine cost about $30,000 and $70,000, respectively. Mike Ritzel, owner of Bullshooters Saloon in Weston, wants to install similar systems at his business, but said upfront costs make it difficult.
“Cost is the prohibitive thing,” he said.
There are government incentives and rebates available. That’s partially how Anderson paid for his systems, but Ritzel said elected officials need to provide more funding and fewer restrictions.
by jboullion | Dec 30, 2008 | Uncategorized
From the Web site of Sustainable La Crosse:
Sustainable businesses offer products and services that fulfill society’s needs while contributing to the well-being of all earth’s inhabitants. Sustainable businesses operate across all business sectors: energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, water and wastewater treatment, resource-efficient industrial processes, advanced materials, transportation and agriculture. They create products and services that compete on price and performance while significantly reducing humankind’s impact on the environment. . . .
Local Businesses with sustainable efforts:
Gundersen Lutheran
City Brewery
Trane
Honda Motorwërks
River Architects
INOV8
Xetex
Michael’s Engineering
Xcel Energy
Dairyland Power Cooperative
by jboullion | Dec 30, 2008 | Uncategorized
An event in Eau Claire:
Thinking of remodeling or building a new home or business? Want to make your office, a single room, or your whole house more comfortable and attractive while minimizing the harmful effects on you and the environment? Find out about the amazing options now available to you, from energy efficient lighting and natural, sustainable flooring materials to countertops made of recycled materials. Learn about New Urbanism, LEED, USGBC – and what exactly is a VOC? Get inspired by ideas for interior finishes and materials that help create beautiful and healthy places to live and work. Touch and feel samples of today’s eco-friendly materials. Discover how cost-effective it is to be green!
Saturday, January 10
1:30 p.m.
Eau Claire Room
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
400 Eau Claire Street, Eau Claire
by jboullion | Dec 30, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a guest column by Dan Kohler and Rep. Andy Jorgenson in the Janesville GazetteXtra:
“We have the opportunity now to create jobs all across this country in all 50 states to repower America, to redesign how we use energy and think about how we are increasing efficiency to make our economy stronger, make us more safe, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make us competitive for decades to come—even as we save the planet.” — U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, Dec. 8
We couldn’t agree more. Our slumping economy is taking its toll, leaving all of us with a sense of anxiety about the future. But we have a tremendous opportunity to rebuild our economy across the country and here in Wisconsin, and to do it on a solid foundation.
President-elect Obama and the new Congress should enact a green economic recovery plan that makes critical investments in clean energy and green infrastructure to help rebuild the American economy, protect our environment and make us more energy independent.
When it comes to clean energy, the Badger State has a unique combination of assets that can help us capitalize on such a plan and lead the way into the new energy future. We have vast renewable energy potential from wind and solar power, the research laboratories to develop new energy technologies, the manufacturing base to build them, and the farms to grow the next generation of fuels.
by jboullion | Dec 30, 2008 | Uncategorized
From an article by Brian Reisinger in the Wausau Daily Herald:
WESTON — The village Plan Commission on Monday approved an ordinance identifying wind as “an abundant, renewable and nonpolluting energy resource” to respond to growing interest among local businesses.
The Village Board could consider establishing rules on wind turbines at its meeting next Monday.
Jennifer Higgins, community development director and zoning administrator, said the village does not prohibit energy windmills but needs an ordinance to define what’s acceptable.
“Right now, we don’t have anything,” she said.
The ordinance would permit “small wind energy systems” that have a capacity of 100 kilowatts or fewer and are no more than 170 feet tall.
At least three businesses — Applied Laser Technologies, K&M Electric and Bullshooters Saloon — are exploring wind energy as an option.
Chris Osswald, president of ALT, a metal fabrication shop, said a wind turbine would allow his company to address environmental concerns and potentially save money.
“It’s important to how we do things,” he said.
Mike Ritzel, an estimator and electrician with K&M, is exploring wind as an energy resource on behalf of the company. He’s also considering Bullshooters, of which he is an owner, as a possible site to help encourage community interest as electric rates continue to rise.
“Nothing ever goes in reverse,” he said of energy costs.
