by jboullion | Nov 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Steve Cahalan in the La Crosse Tribune:
The final version of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation long-range plan still has alternate routes through Eau Claire and La Crosse for high-speed passenger rail service between Tomah and the Twin Cities.
The DOT soon will study which route might be best.
The agency said Wednesday it has formally adopted its new Connections 2030 long-range plan, available online at www.wiconnections2030.gov.
Local business and government leaders argued at an Aug. 26 public hearing on the plan in La Crosse that studies years ago already had determined Amtrak’s Empire Builder route is the most ideal in the region for planned high-speed passenger rail service between Chicago and St. Paul. That route goes through Tomah and La Crosse, as well as Winona and Red Wing in Minnesota.
Backers of that route announced last week they have formed the Empire Builder High Speed Rail Coalition.
Coalition members remain convinced that is the best route, said the group’s coordinator, James Hill, who also is executive director of the La Crosse Area Development Corp.
by jboullion | Nov 18, 2009 | Uncategorized
A report from WQOW-TV:
Eau Claire (WQOW) – Minnesota regulators have approved a measure to allow Xcel Energy to increase the amount of radioactive waste.
Excel Energy requested to expand its nuclear waste plant near the Western Wisconsin border at Red Wing. The utility will spend roughly $600 million to upgrade the plant to handle higher pressures and temperatures and increase its output. The plan also calls for storage of 98 casks on a concrete pad next to the plant. The plant is located on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River.
Red Wing’s mayor is disappointed with the decision. Now the measure goes to legislators for final approval.
by jboullion | Nov 17, 2009 | Uncategorized
From Green Drinks – Eau Claire:
Green Drinks will be November 18th at 6:30PM at Dooley’s Pub on Water Street, in Eau Claire.
We’ll start with introductions and then a quick presentation by Meg Marshall of Sustainable Eau Claire. Meg will be discussing Sustainable Eau Claire and Eco-Teams – a way to make your home, business, and community “greener”!
Buy a drink and stay for the “Conservation-Conversation” and find out what “green” issues and events are happening in the Chippewa Valley!
Invite your friends to JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!
Eau Claire Green Drinks
6:30PM
Wednesday, November 18
Dooley’s Pub on Water Street (Upstairs Room)
PS – December 16th’s featured presenter will be Erin O’Brien of Erin Designs – discussing green design and eco-friendly products!
by jboullion | Nov 16, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
(Nov. 16, 2009) – LED (light emitting diode) holiday lights are a proven way to help consumers trim energy costs while trimming their trees. How? This technology saves energy, while helping to preserve the environment. What’s more, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy resource, is offering financial incentives toward the purchase of ENERGY STAR® qualified LED holiday light strings.
Now through Dec. 31, 2009, or until supplies last, Focus on Energy is offering a $3Instant Reward, taken at the register, on the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified LED holiday light strings at participating locations including Ace Hardware, Costco, Do it Best, Hardware Hank, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Shopko, Stein Gardens & Gifts and True Value Hardware locations. Limit twelve (12) light sets per customer.
by jboullion | Nov 13, 2009 | Uncategorized
RENEW Wisconsin’s newsletter features these articles:
+ Doyle Signs Wind Siting Reform Bill into Law
+ Solar Outlook Set to Dim in 2010
+ PSC Approves Coal to Wood Conversion
+ Producer Profile: Rick Adamski
+ Educating Schools on Solar Air Heating
+ RENEW Slams Anti-Wind Article
+ Calendar