by jboullion | Feb 5, 2009 | Uncategorized
The Renewable Energy Summit opened online registration for the event at the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, March 25 – 28, 2009.
Fifteen program themes highlight bio industry energy; business technologies and practices; curriculum programs and course design; energy efficiency, energy management and renewable, sustainable and green practices; energy policy, legal issues, drivers of the energy revolution, and opportunities for funding; green career pathways; green manufacturing; greening practices for colleges; green transportation; solar electric energy; solar thermal and geothermal energy; utility issues; water technologies; and wind energy.
March 25 and 26 focus on the renewable energy industry with presentations on all sectors of the industry. March 27 features Green Career Day with the focus on educational and job opportunities. March 28 offers workshops and short courses at the MATC Oak Creek Campus. For details see www.renewableenergysummit.org.
by jboullion | Feb 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an editorial in The Country Today:
We hear it all the time in rural Wisconsin communities: “We don’t want that wind farm, large dairy operation or anaerobic digester in our neighborhood.”
The not-in-my-backyard mentality hasn’t gone away and it isn’t likely to anytime soon.
The NIMBY attitude really isn’t so hard to understand. If someone lived in a peaceful rural neighborhood and that person had a choice, he or she probably would opt not to have that tranquility disrupted by a large business being built next door, whether it be an ethanol plant, a hog confinement operation or a widget factory.
It would be quite unusual to hear, “Please don’t build that in my backyard, build it in my front yard!”
Within the past week, stories have crossed our desks about a large dairy project near Rosendale, a Manitowoc County wind farm and a community animal-manure digester project in Dane County.
by jboullion | Jan 28, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a guest editorial by State Senator Kathleen Vinehout in The Tomah Journal:
In my home neighborhood a wind energy development firm is writing to encourage local farmers and other land owners to contact me in support of wind-power.
Renewable energy is on nearly every legislators “to do” list. Although challenges vary across the state, there is almost universal agreement that we need to move beyond our current fossil fuel based economy. Wisconsin is moving forward with leadership from the Office of Energy Independence, the Global Warming Task Force and state agencies.
Last week I met with the Director of the Office on Energy Independence and learned a bit more about the opportunities and challenges Wisconsin faces as we move toward a green economy.
The diversity of our state provides incredible opportunities for the development of renewable energy. Technology is making new options viable. Investors and local entrepreneurs are supplying capital and ideas that could put Wisconsin on the cutting edge of the green revolution.
Liabilities, like manure or waste from landfills, could power our home and industry. Natural resources, like the sun, the wind and the earth (through geo-thermal energy) could provide the jobs we need to grow our economy and the power to run our televisions.
Unfortunately, just when it seems we are on the edge of learning how to work together and embrace the diversity of renewable energy sources, I learned of some competition between those who would profit from wind development and those who would like to invest in other forms of renewable energy. While competition is healthy and often spurs innovation, efforts to shut down competitive alternatives may not be in the public’s best interest.
by jboullion | Jan 28, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a guest editorial by State Senator Kathleen Vinehout in The Tomah Journal:
In my home neighborhood a wind energy development firm is writing to encourage local farmers and other land owners to contact me in support of wind-power.
Renewable energy is on nearly every legislators “to do” list. Although challenges vary across the state, there is almost universal agreement that we need to move beyond our current fossil fuel based economy. Wisconsin is moving forward with leadership from the Office of Energy Independence, the Global Warming Task Force and state agencies.
Last week I met with the Director of the Office on Energy Independence and learned a bit more about the opportunities and challenges Wisconsin faces as we move toward a green economy.
The diversity of our state provides incredible opportunities for the development of renewable energy. Technology is making new options viable. Investors and local entrepreneurs are supplying capital and ideas that could put Wisconsin on the cutting edge of the green revolution.
Liabilities, like manure or waste from landfills, could power our home and industry. Natural resources, like the sun, the wind and the earth (through geo-thermal energy) could provide the jobs we need to grow our economy and the power to run our televisions.
Unfortunately, just when it seems we are on the edge of learning how to work together and embrace the diversity of renewable energy sources, I learned of some competition between those who would profit from wind development and those who would like to invest in other forms of renewable energy. While competition is healthy and often spurs innovation, efforts to shut down competitive alternatives may not be in the public’s best interest.
by jboullion | Jan 27, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, USDA-Rural Development, UW-Extension Offices:
RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR AMERICA WORKSHOP
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Training Opportunities and Topics:
– General overview of the REAP Program
– Changes in the 2008 Farm Bill
– How to apply for a Grant
– Q & A
3 Convenient Ways to Attend:
1. Attend online webinar and teleconference
2. In person at Mid-State Technical College
3. Satellite sites are being hosted at UW- Extension Offices
Onsite Location:
Room L133
Mid-State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids
Host Locations:
Several around the state, including UW-Platteville. See brochure for complete list.
Presenters:
Brenda Heinen,USDA Rural Development
Mark Brodziski, USDA Rural Development
Registration:
See brochure
Questions:
Rural Development
4949 Kirschling Court
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-345-7610
The Renewable Energy Summit opened online registration for the event at the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, March 25 – 28, 2009.