by jboullion | Apr 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release isssued by State Sen. Julie Lassa:
Madison—The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee [JFC] today approved more than $2 million in federal stimulus funding to provide vehicles and support services for public transit programs in Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield and Plover, State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) announced.
The funds were part of an overall allocation of more than $11 million in transit funding to non-urbanized areas throughout the state. The local funding includes nearly $1.6 million to provide three hybrid buses for the City of Stevens Point. Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield and Plover will get funds for vehicles for their shared ride taxi programs.
“These stimulus funds will be put to good work for the people of Central Wisconsin,” said Lassa, a JFC member who voted to approve the funds. “Public transit not only offers individuals an economical way to get from place to place, it reduces traffic and pollution, and helps us reduce our dependence on foreign oil— especially with energy-efficient hybrid vehicles. At the same time, the purchase of the vehicles will help stimulate the economy overall. It’s a smart investment in our transportation infrastructure.”
Of the $81.4 million in stimulus funds Wisconsin will receive under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for transit, the Act requires the state to allocate just over $20 million to non-urbanized areas with populations of less than 50,000. Today’s action fulfills the ARRA’s requirement that 50 percent of those funds be allocated within 180 days of initial award. The state has nearly a year to allocate the remaining portion of transit funding under the stimulus bill.
by jboullion | Apr 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Jeff Starck in the Wausau Daily Herald:
Central Wisconsin environmentalists say “green” is not as mainstream as it should be, but the movement has evolved from a rallying cry on the first Earth Day 39 years ago to a common practice today.
It’s hard to miss the push for green and environmentally friendly practices in the Wausau area. Downtown Grocery opened in July 2006, focusing on locally grown, organic foods. Virtually every grocery store and many other shops promote the use of cloth bags instead of plastic bags. Wausau residents recycled 1,959 tons of glass, plastic, aluminum and other items in 2008, an amount barely imagined in 1970 — two decades before the state enacted a mandatory recycling law.
Local government bodies have looked at ways to be more eco-friendly and explore alternative energy and conservation techniques. In November, Wausau School Board members voted in favor of installing two wind turbines on Wausau East High School property.
Much has changed in the decades since the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, but longtime activists are concerned that some people still don’t take environmental concerns seriously.
“Many people are ‘green’ on the surface, and do things that make them look good,” said Wausau business owner and resident Kari Bender-Burke. “They need ‘greenness’ throughout.”
Bender-Burke, 50, who owns The Needle Workshop and The Quilting Workshop, replaced 40traditional light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs when she moved the stores several years ago to the present location on First Avenue. The switch has saved her about $40a month on her electric bill. At home, Bender-Burke prides herself on collecting rainwater in a barrel for her large garden and compost pile.
Stevens Point architect Tom Brown, who specializes in environmentally sensitive and energy-conserving designs, said the green building boom in recent years is a direct response to consumer demand. As energy prices increased, businesses and homeowners wanted to find ways to reduce their energy use.
“It’s nothing new. These are old, basic design concepts and rediscovering basic principles that work,” said Brown, who participated in the first Earth Day. “This is more of a reaction to poor design than a new design concept.”
by jboullion | Apr 17, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:
Rising energy costs and concern for energy security and the environment are driving forces in a growing trend to incorporate renewable energy technology into residential housing. Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes Program recognize this as an opportunity for builders. The following checklist of building details is a first step to promote and market the construction of new homes that are built “ready” for future renewable energy installations.
PLANNING AHEAD IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO
To maximize the potential benefit of any future solar renewable energy system, the following should be considered when planning and building a home.
1. Reduce loads
Reduce or minimize energy loads where possible through the home’s heating, cooling, water heating and electrical systems. At a minimum the home should satisfy the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes Program building performance standards and, where possible, incorporate ENERGY STAR qualified lighting, appliances and HVAC systems.
2. Maximize solar access
To maximize solar access, face the roof surface and pitch within 30 degrees of due south. The roof should be unobstructed from both the winter and summer sun and have a slope of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. For more information on solar access, see the Passive Solar Design fact sheet or contact the Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program at 800.762.7077 for solar site assessment information.
3. Follow zoning laws and applicable codes
Wisconsin State law does not allow zoning or covenants that restrict the use of a solar energy system except for reasons of health and safety. Also investigate applicable Uniform Dwelling Code and the National Electric Code as they pertain to any pre-installation requirements.
by jboullion | Apr 16, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a story by Colby Robertson on WAOW-TV:
CUSTER (WAOW) — Wisconsin Lawmakers are discussing a bill that would increase wind production and jobs throughout the state.
The bill would determine where wind power projects in Wisconsin could be built.
Currently, smaller wind projects are regulated by municipal or local rules, making it difficult to develop small and medium sized wind farms.
A spokesperson for the environmental group Clean Wisconsin says this bill is an easy way for lawmakers to create jobs in our state at almost no expense to the taxpayer.
According to the American Wind Energy Association, Wisconsin is 15th in the Country when it comes to installing wind projects, but some local wind experts hope this legislation will push Wisconsin to the top.
Supporters say this bill would not only change the wind industry, but it could bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to the area.
RENEW Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Farmers Union, along with Clean Wisconsin, launched a campaign in December of 2008 to support the proposal and other renewable energy initiatives.
by jboullion | Apr 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Meredith Thorn in the Stevens Point Journal:
It looks like a large black box clinging to the side of the new airport hangar, but it is really a one-of-a-kind energy savings tool for the Stevens Point Municipal Airport.
The wall collects the sun’s heat and fills with warmth. The warmed air then is pulled into the hangar, said Joe Wheeler, the airport manager.
Because it’s so new, the actual energy savings have yet to be calculated. But, Wheeler said, in two months, savings have been “pretty significant.”
“Utilities on the hangar (are) going to be very cheap,” Wheeler said.
The hangar will be a “community” hangar, meaning pilots can rent an unspecified hangar space in the building, and airport employees will take care of the rest, Wheeler said. Rental rates have yet to be determined for the hangar, which can fit eight single-engine planes.
Wheeler didn’t say how much the project cost, but said the wall was completed by Sunny Solutions, a Berlin, Wis.-based company.
It’s the first solar transpired wall in Wisconsin, said Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson.
“We want to be a leader in sustainability issues,” he said, and the project was a way for the city to put “its money where its mouth is” on energy-saving and environmentally friendly projects.
