by jboullion | Jan 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nick Halter in the Wausau Daily Herald:
Mike Ritzel’s vision of central Wisconsin is one that involves the Wausau area attracting a large manufacturer of solar power systems that creates jobs and sells its products all over the Midwest.
Ritzel’s passion for alternative energy propelled him to start a local chapter of the Pickens Plan, a national organization that was founded in July and aims to gain U.S. independence from foreign oil.
The Pickens Plan was founded by Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens and advocates for increased use of wind, natural gas and other forms of alternative energy.
Through the local chapter, Ritzel, a master electrician who also owns Bullshooters Saloon in Weston, hopes to get legislators to offer tax incentives for alternative energy companies to make central Wisconsin their home.
by jboullion | Jan 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
Presented by the Energy Center of Wisconsin
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Lodge at Cedar Creek
805 Creske Avenue
Rothschild, WI 54474
715.241.6300
Agenda
11:30 am—Registration & Lunch
12:00 noon—Presentation
1:00 pm—Question & Answer
1:30 pm—Adjourn
Media coverage around energy and environmental issues exploded over the past year. Sustainability considerations factor into more business decisions as companies green their supply chains and roll out new, eco-friendly products. Major policy initiatives at the federal and state level in Wisconsin will help push what has been called “the green industrial revolution.” What does all this mean for economic development here in Wisconsin? What opportunities should you be considering in your business planning? What are the benefits of greener choices at work and at home? Join us for a lively look at top trends in sustainable business-and discuss cost savings, brand enhancement and the policy climate to help you position your company for new opportunity.
Register here.
by jboullion | Jan 16, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article in the Wausau Daily Herald:
Members of the Wausau School Board on Monday approved a $400,000 donation for the Wausau East High School wind turbine project.
Members voted 5-0 in favor of accepting the donation, which came from the Walter Alexander Foundation. It will cover most of the estimated $575,000 in project costs.
District officials plan to install two wind turbines on the southeast corner of the Wausau East campus.
The turbines will stand more than 150 feet high and could be operational by next summer, East science teacher Lauren Ebbecke said.
by jboullion | Jan 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a media release issued by Governor Doyle:
MADISON – Governor Doyle announced today a major investment in Wisconsin communities working toward energy independence and a clean energy future. To assist local efforts, Governor Doyle awarded over $400,000 in grants to 23 community groups working to create a “25×25” Plan to meet the Governor’s goal of generating 25 percent of the state’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by the year 2025.
“Wisconsin Energy Independent Communities are critical leaders in the state’s efforts to clean our air and water, create jobs, and save money for our communities,” Governor Doyle said. “I am confident that this investment will help create a clean energy roadmap that will boost energy efficiency, expand renewable energy use, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and save taxpayers money.”
The Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership is the first of its kind in the nation and is an integral part of Governor Doyle’s ambitious goal for the state to become the nation’s leader in the drive toward energy independence. The partnership includes counties, cities, villages, towns, tribes, and schools in the state that have committed to Governor Doyle’s “25×25” challenge. Currently, there are over 70 communities committed to Governor Doyle’s challenge, with over 250 more communities interested in participating.
The 2009 Wisconsin Energy Independent Community Partnership pilot communities are: Brown County, Oneida Tribe, City of Washburn, City of Ashland, City of Bayfield, Town of La Pointe, Town of Bayfield, Ashland County, Bayfield County, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Village of Osceola, Osceola School District, City of Marshfield, City of Columbus, City of Evansville, City of Platteville, City of Lancaster, the City of Oconomowoc, Town of Fairfield, Village of Spring Green, Town of Spring Green, and the River Valley School District.
by jboullion | Jan 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nick Paulson in the Steven Point Journal:
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is taking the first step in a plan to place a wind turbine on its radio tower.
Last week, the Student Government Association received the go-ahead from administrators to conduct a wind assessment.
The tower, located west of Stevens Point on County Highway PP, is owned by the university and used by WWSP 90FM, the student-run radio station. With the height, it’s a prime location.
“I think what is driving this is the location; it is the second-highest point in Portage County,” said John Gosz, 90FM’s faculty adviser.
Now with administrative approval, SGA President Katie Kloth will complete the application for the assessment, then request the $600 it will cost through the SGA Finance Committee.
All money coming from the Sustainability Reserve must be approved by the Finance Committee.
Kloth and Gosz say they aren’t sure the turbine will be feasible, but they need to know whether there is enough wind to make continued investigation worthwhile.
“We might as well look,” Kloth said.
