by jboullion | May 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
From details of the Energy Fair, sponsored by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, in Custer, Wisconsin:
Friday, June 19 at 1 pm
Antonia Juhasz
Antonia Juhasz is an author and political activist. She was the author of The Bush Agenda: Invading the World One Economy at a Time in 2006, Alternatives to Economic Globalization for which she received the 2004 Project Censored award. In 2008, she published The Tyranny of Oil.
Saturday, June 20 at 1 pm
Alan Weisman
Alan Weisman spoke at the 10th Anniversary Energy Fair, and we’re happy to have him join us another ten years later to celebrate our progress and help us look forward to another 20 years.
Alan Weisman is an author and journalist whose reports from around the world have appeared in Harper’s, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, Orion, Wilson Quarterly, Vanity Fair, Mother Jones, Discover, and more.
His most recent book, The World Without Us, (a staff favorite) is a bestseller, and was named the Best Nonfiction Book of 2007 by both Time Magazine and Entertainment Weekly.
Sunday, June 21 at 1 pm
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams, an is the author of Cape Wind: Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics, and the Battle for Our Energy Future on Nantucket Sound. The Wall Street Journal called Cape Wind “a ripe subject, populated with the sort of people who would be among the first to count themselves as friends of the Earth but the last to accept an environmentally friendly energy source if it meant the slightest cloud on their ocean views.”
Williams has written for many major publications, including Scientific American, The Christian Science Monitor, The Boston Globe, The Providence Journal and The Baltimore Sun. She has been journalist-in-residence at Duke University and at the Hasting Center. The author of several books, she lives on Cape Cod.
by jboullion | May 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an Associated Press article by Ryan J. Foley, pubished in The Capital Times:
Uncertainty about the availability and cost of biomass fuels makes Gov. Jim Doyle’s $251 million plan to overhaul a University of Wisconsin-Madison power plant somewhat risky, according to a report released Tuesday.
Doyle has proposed converting the coal-fired Charter Street plant, long a major polluter in the area, to run on cleaner-burning biomass fuels such as wood chips and paper pellets. His administration says it would be one of the nation’s largest biomass projects and the plan has delighted environmentalists.
A report from consultants hired by the state recommended Tuesday running the plant on a mix of natural gas and biomass and installing a more expensive boiler that can burn any type of biofuel. But the report also warned the state’s biomass market must be expanded for the project to be successful.
The report said the state should get its money back over 25 years from building the more expensive boiler as long as enough biomass fuel supplies are developed and they cost less than natural gas over time. . . .
The report said there was “a significant risk” that not enough biomass supply would be available for the boiler when it is expected to begin running.
Wood products would likely be the main source of fuel for the plant in the beginning while others are developed, the report said. Paper pellets are another cost-effective biomass source, but they are currently in short supply. Switchgrass and agricultural waste currently cost more than natural gas.
by jboullion | May 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Gregg Hottman in the Vernon County Broadcaster:
. . . at the VEDA meeting, which was held Wednesday, two area initiatives received recognition through the VEDA Star Awards. Coulee CarShare Cooperative is based in Viroqua and will serve the Coulee region by providing a variety of vehicles for short-term rental by members. A reservation schedule will be available online soon.
In accepting the award on behalf of the project, Kimberly Errigo said, “This car-share program can reduce the cost of driving, and reduce the impact of vehicles on the local environment.” Jerry McIntire said, “Members can avoid owning a second car and, in some cases, may be able to manage without a car at all.” For more information on this project you may send an email to: couleecarshare@gmail.com.
The second venture cited was the Food and Farm Initiative coordinated by Valley Stewardship Network (VSN). The goal of this project is to link local farmers and food producers directly with customers. The Initiative hosted the Local Harvest Dinner last October and has been conducting a year long inventory of local food producers.
According to Jessica Luhning, VSN Projects Coordinator, a study has been underway for eight months regarding the impact of local food systems on the economy. Ken Meter, a nationally known rural economist and president of the Crossroads Resource Center, served as a consultant on the project and will present some of the findings at a May 21 event from 6:30-8 p.m. at Vernon Memorial Healthcare’s Community Rooms.
Luhning said, “Ken examines food systems and creates reports using hard economic data to demonstrate the importance of developing local, sustainable food systems. He paints a picture of local food systems that can inspire people to take action to improve their own economies. I hope the public will plan to attend his May 21 presentation.”
by jboullion | May 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the site for Alliant’s Business Efficiency Check Up:
Have you ever wondered how energy-efficient your business is? Alliant Energy’s Business Efficiency Check Up can help!
This free interactive, online tool will help you find where your energy is going and how you can cut energy costs throughout your facility.
– Efficiency Fast Track: Identify energy-saving opportunities and get started on them – fast!
– Detailed Analysis: Make an in-depth energy assessment to get detailed recommendations and project assistance specifically for your business.
– My Benchmark: Compare your energy use to see how you stack up against the competition.
– Case Studies: View quick tips and examples of how similar businesses save energy.
After you’ve completed your check up, you can return at any time to review, track and evaluate the projects you’ve selected for your facility.
by jboullion | May 13, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement by the People’s Food Coop:
If interested in attending the Energy Fair with us please contact the People’s Food Co-op by June 6. Sign up at the customer service desk in person or over the phone—payment for the bus will be taken at this time ($15.00) and does not include fair admission—Get $5 dollars off admission when you ride the bus (sorry, no cancellations)
The Energy Fair is the oldest and largest event of its kind in the U.S.
