Winter 2009 • Vol. 39, No. 1
Clean Wisconsin wins coal plant victory!
Election wrap-up: what the November 2008 election means for our environment By Amber Meyer Smith, Program Director
B By Katie Nekola, Energy Program Director and Ryan Schryver, Grassroots Organizer
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hose of us working at Clean Wisconsin will never forget November 11, 2008. For us, this was the day when two years of our hard work culminated in one highly anticipated decision by the Public Service Commission. We are happy to share with you that on November 11, 2008, you helped make history when the Public Service Commission denied Alliant Energy’s proposed coal plant. In 2006, we began fighting Alliant Energy’s application for a coal-fired power plant to be located in either Cassville or Portage. The prospects for our victory looked grim. Wisconsin decision-makers had recently approved the construction of three old-technology coal plants. The state continues to rely on coal to supply nearly 75 percent of its energy and national momentum was growing to push through hundreds of new coal plants. Despite these odds, Clean Wisconsin joined with the Citizens Utility Board and launched a campaign to prevent the project from going forward. At Clean Wisconsin, we believed victory was possible. With our members’ unique combination of resources, we were able to build a strong and sound legal case, work with area leaders and decision-makers, and mobilize incredible grassroots opposition to the coal plant project. Thanks to your support and hard work, we won! More than 4,500 people just like you overwhelmed the Public Service Commission with comments opposing the coal plant. Thanks to your emails, letters, phone calls and petitions, opposition to the coal plant outnumbered support by a margin of nearly 10 to one! All three CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Clean Wisconsin 122 State Street Suite 200 Madison, WI 53703-2500
y now, we’ve all had time to digest the election results and predict what it might mean for Clean Wisconsin’s focus on clean air, clean water and clean energy. We are encouraged by President Obama’s promises for improved environmental policies and we believe that the elections at the state level will also present some interesting opportunities. Democrats now control all three branches of our state government – the first time since 1985. Democrats have a 52-46-1 majority in the state Assembly, and an 18-15 majority in the state Senate. More importantly, the strongest environmental voices in the state Legislature, both Democrat and Republican, won re-election; and several new faces in the Legislature bring strong conservation credentials to the Capitol. The many new and existing members of the state Legislature will bring strong records of environmental advocacy to the state Capitol. We look forward to working with these and other legislators to advance important clean air, clean water and clean energy legislation in the 2009-10 legislative session. Newly elected members of the state Legislature
who have a strong background of environmental advocacy include: • Representative Penny Bernard Schaber (DAppleton) (see Profile of leadership, page 9) is a former chairperson for Wisconsin’s John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club and attended Clean Wisconsin Action Fund’s Candidate Training. • Representative Fred Clark (D-Baraboo) was a senior forester with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and an ecologist with The Nature Conservancy. • State Senator Jim Holperin (D-Conover) specialized in natural resource issues as a former state representative, was the director of Trees for Tomorrow, and the architect of Travel Green while he served as the secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Tourism. • State Representative Nick Milroy (D-Superior) has been an inland fisheries biologist for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, and served on a regional board working to reduce mercury pollution in the St. Louis River watershed. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
2008: An environmental legacy By Mark Redsten, Executive Director
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s the New Year begins, Clean Wisconsin looks forward to embarking on our 39th successful year of fighting for Wisconsin’s environment on behalf of our members. We are also taking this time to reflect on the amazing progress made in 2008, a year that will go down in history books as one of enormous achievements for Clean Wisconsin and victories for Wisconsin’s environment. Our first major victory came in June, when Clean Wisconsin resolved its three-year legal battle over the cooling system at the Elm Road Generating Station coal plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. While we were unable to stop the use of the “Big Pipe,” we reached a legal settlement that will require the owners of the power plant to pay $100 million over a 25 year period
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1291 Madison, WI
to protect the quality of water in Lake Michigan, and to take significant actions to reduce global warming pollution. Complementing the legal settlement’s framework for protecting the water quality in Lake Michigan was the passage of the Great Lakes Compact through the State and Federal legislature. Since 2001, Clean Wisconsin has worked diligently to ensure that the quality of Great Lakes water is protected for future generations through the passage of the strong compact signed by Governor Doyle on May 27, 2008 and later by President Bush on October 3, 2008. A major victory for all of Wisconsin’s clean waterways came when, after more than ten years of diligent work from Clean Wisconsin staff and members, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
INSIDE
Taking Charge and Taking Action: Conservation Lobby Day; water protection campaigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Clean Wisconsin’s 2009-10 legislative agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Restoring our Great Lakes and economic future; Bayfield mayor as eco leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Harnessing renewable energy to solve global warming; Clean Wisconsin member speaks out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Cleaning up the Yahara Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Curbing polluted runoff; cleaning up Wisconsin’s utilities; Compact fluorescent light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Biofuels: Part deux. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Profile of Leadership, Representative Schaber; Ask David . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Session on Superior Finis; Clean Wisconsin wins IT makeover contest . . .10
Below are some of the actions you can take to help protect Wisconsin’s clean water, clean air and clean energy.
Join us for Conservation Lobby Day 2009!
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ach year citizens from across Wisconsin descend on the Capitol to share their conservation values with their legislators. As we head into the 5th annual Conservation Lobby Day, there is one thing we can guarantee: when citizens come together to make their conservation values known, legislators listen - and conservation victories soon follow! Please join us for Conservation Lobby Day on Wednesday, February 25th. Clean Wisconsin will host a member breakfast at our office from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. on Conservation Lobby Day. We will provide a continental breakfast to our members to show our appreciation for participating. Our office is located at 122 State Street, Suite 200 - just one block west of the Capitol and two blocks west of the Monona Terrace. A parking ramp is conveniently located on the neighboring block. At 9:30 a.m., we’ll all walk over to the Monona Terrace and register for lobby day. In 2009-2010, Clean Wisconsin and the conservation community will be working to: 1. Preserve groundwater: Wisconsin’s buried treasure: Manage Wisconsin’s groundwater resources to preserve drinking water supplies, lakes, streams, and wetlands. 2. Stop global warming in Wisconsin: Address the threats of global warming in Wisconsin through clean, renewable energy jobs and energy conservation. 3. Restore conservation integrity: Return Wisconsin to an independent DNR Secretary and a timely appointment of Natural Resource Board members. 4. Protect Wisconsin’s drinking water: protect Wisconsin’s drinking water supplies by making sure we safely dispose of agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste. For more details or to sign up for lobby day, please contact Becky at beweber@cleanwisconsin.org or 608-251-7020 ext. 17. We hope to see you Wednesday, February 25th at Conservation Lobby Day 2009!
Conservation Lobby Day 2009 Wednesday, February 25th
Please join our campaign for statewide groundwater protections and water conservation By Ezra Meyer, Water Resources Specialist
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122 State Street Suite 200 • Madison WI 53703-4333 Phone: (608) 251-7020 • Fax: (608) 251-1655 www.CleanWisconsin.org Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and polluters accountable. Founded in 1970 as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate polluters, makes sure existing environmental laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses. On behalf of its 10,000 members and its coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work and play.
STAFF Executive Director Mark Redsten Senior Policy Director Keith Reopelle Program Director Amber Meyer Smith Energy Program Director Katie Nekola Water Program Director Melissa Malott Staff Scientist Peter Taglia Grassroots Organizer Ryan Schryver Water Resources Specialist Ezra Meyer Media Specialist Sam Weis Communications and Design Specialist Trina Severson Global Warming Program Associate Sarah Shanahan RE-AMP Coordinator Elizabeth Wheeler RE-AMP Program Assistant Andrea Divine Development Director Brian Kelly Membership & Development Manager Becky Weber
s long-time members know, Clean Wisconsin has worked extensively on groundwater issues in the state. In the 1980’s, we pushed for regulations that addressed groundwater quality and necessary cleanups. In recent years, Clean Wisconsin raised awareness of groundwater quantity problems resulting in limited legal protections for ground and surface waters threatened by groundwater pumping.
Development Assistant Allie Theuerkauf
Today’s laws continue to leave too many lakes, rivers, springs, and wetlands without protection from adverse impacts from groundwater pumping. We still need laws that require large users of groundwater (including industry, municipalities, and agricultural operations) to practice water conservation techniques that minimize their impact on groundwater and connected surface waters - resources that belong to all of us.
Accounting Manager Mary Coughlan
Clean Wisconsin will work with a coalition of partners this legislative session to advocate for improvements to those laws. As always, we need your help to be successful. Watch for action alerts in the coming year marking key opportunities for you to make a difference by telling your legislator what you think about this issue. We may even ask you to join us at a meeting with your legislators in the districts they serve. If you would like us to contact you about these opportunities, please contact Becky Weber at beweber@cleanwisconsin.org with your most current email address. If you do not have email, call (608) 251-7020 ext 17.
The Defender is owned and published quarterly by Clean Wisconsin, 122 State Street Suite 200, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, (608) 251-7020. Founded in 1970, Clean Wisconsin is a statewide, non-profit environmental advocacy organization. A one-year subscription membership is $30. Please direct correspondence to the address above. Volume 39, No. 1 Issue date: January 2009 ©2009 Clean Wisconsin. All rights reserved Printed with soy ink on unbleached, recycled paper. ISSN # 1549-8107
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Chief Financial Officer Roger Sneath
Office Administrator David Vitse
BOARD Carl Sinderbrand – Chair (Madison Margi Kindig – Vice chair (Madison) Gof Thomson – Treasurer (New Glarus) Gary Goyke – Secretary (Madison) Kate Gordon (California) Paul Linzmeyer (Green Bay) Pam McGillivray (Madison) Lucia Petrie (Milwaukee) David Wandel (Madison) Guy Wolf (Stoddard)
The Defender, Winter 2008, Vol. 39, No. 1
Capitalizing on unique opportunities to promote clean air and water: Clean Wisconsin’s 2009-10 legislative agenda By Amber Meyer Smith, Program Director
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he new state legislative session begins in January, and much of the work will be dominated by an anticipated $5.4 billion budget deficit. Although the challenge the new legislature faces in addressing this deficit is daunting, there is still much hope for environmental policy gains. Many environmental regulations can actually offer short-term economic gains. For instance, many provisions of Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force have short-term economic benefits, and Clean Wisconsin will be advocating for these issues as government continues to tackle the huge budget deficit.
Global Warming Task Force recommendations: Wisconsin’s contribution to fixing a planet in peril (also see page 5 article “Harnessing renewable energy...”) As a member of Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force, Clean Wisconsin will be working hard to enact the task force recommendations in the 2009-10 legislative session. We expect the task force recommendations will take several forms, including executive orders of the governor, introduction in the biennial budget process, and legislative proposals. Clean Wisconsin will be involved at all steps of the process to highlight our key recommendations of Renewable Portfolio Standards and Energy Efficiency.
Mercury products ban: Protecting our health from toxins in nonessential products During the 2007-08 legislative session, Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) introduced Senate Bill 346 that bans the use of mercury products and thermostats. The bill passed the Senate by a 30-3 vote but stalled in the state Assembly. Clean Wisconsin will once again be working on mercury legislation in the 2009-10 legislative session. We will again focus our efforts on banning the use of mercury containing products, but also feel the time is right to address other mercury issues. Recycling compact fluorescent light bulbs that contain mercury, promoting use of mercury separators in dental offices to prevent dental filling mercury from reaching our water, and prohibiting mercury in schools have been a recent focus of mercury legislation. Mercury products contribute more than 5,000 pounds of mercury releases into our air, land and water. Recently, Wisconsin adopted strong mercury emission rules for utility companies. This, in combination with mercury products legislation, will lead to a major reduction in mercury releases that can cause
Environmental legacy continued from front page Wisconsin passed a new mercury rule in 2008 that will require the owners of coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury emissions 90 percent by 2015. This enormous success will help keep toxic mercury out of our lakes, rivers and streams, protecting the health of Wisconsinites and our treasured fishing traditions. While Wisconsinites witnessed amazing progress in water quality protection in 2008, we also saw progressive and revolutionary changes in air and energy policy.
Clean Wisconsin
brain and nervous system damage in fetuses and young children and make Wisconsin’s fish dangerous to eat.
Electronic Waste: Responsible disposal of your old TVs and computers Electronic waste is the fastest growing source of waste generated in the United States. With digital TV conversion looming, the problem will only get worse. In the last legislative session, Senator Mark Miller introduced Senate Bill 397, which sought to promote the recycling of electronic devices like televisions and computers. Clean Wisconsin’s Senior Policy Director Keith Reopelle serves as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Waste Materials Recovery and Disposal. The task force’s recommendations proved instrumental to the bill’s creation. The Senate voted 30-3 to forward the bill, but it stalled in the state Assembly. Miller plans to reintroduce his bill, and Clean Wisconsin will be advocating for its passage. Senate Bill 397 requires manufacturers to collect and recycle the video display devices they sell. The bill received widespread support, even among the business community, and we are confident that electronics recycling will be a focus of the upcoming legislative session. Electronic devices contain valuable materials like gold, silver and copper. But they also contain highly toxic components like lead and cadmium. Capturing these materials for reuse in manufacturing will improve our economy through new business development and job creation, while reducing toxins in our landfills.
Wind siting reform: Promoting renewable energy for Wisconsin
Senate Bill 544 and Assembly Bill 899 were introduced by Senator Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee) and Representative Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay). These bills sought to put renewable energy on a level playing field with other forms of electrical generation by reforming the way wind turbines are sited in Wisconsin. Specifically, the legislation sought to create uniform standards for local governments looking to regulate wind turbine siting within their municipalities. While the efforts failed last session, Clean Wisconsin will once again be focusing on passage of these bills to encourage the use of renewable wind power.
Phosphorous ban: Protecting the quality of our waterways Last session, Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) and Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) introduced Senate Bill 197 and Assembly Bill 396, which sought to prohibit the use of fertilizers containing phosphorous on lawns, golf courses and other mowed turf. While the state Senate passed the bill unanimously, the Assembly failed to act on it. The bills’ authors have pledged to once again focus on phosphorous issues in the new legislative session. Clean Wisconsin will be part of these important water quality protection efforts. Legislators want to hear what the people of Wisconsin have to say on these and other ideas and proposals. Make no mistake, your voice does count. Because of the powerful voice of the people, Clean Wisconsin may contact you at many points during this legislative session to ask for your help in supporting legislation. We hope you will be willing to participate in efforts to hold legislators accountable for their voting records, and to promote strong environmental policies in the new legislative session.
During the 2007-08 session, companion bills
In June, Governor Doyle’s Task Force on Global Warming finalized its recommendations. Clean Wisconsin played an integral role in the task force, and we feel confident that these recommendations provide an excellent framework to move our state forward by reducing global warming pollution and creating jobs through the development of a clean energy economy. Finally, in November, after Clean Wisconsin staff and members spent more than two years opposing Alliant Energy’s proposal to build a dirty coal-fired power plant in Cassville, Wisconsin, the Public Service Commission rejected the plant. This decision marks the first time in Wisconsin’s history that state
regulators have rejected a conventional coal plant, and signals a monumental shift in energy policy in our state. The environmental victories of 2008 will help protect Wisconsin’s clean air and clean water for generations to come and are both exciting and unprecedented. These historic victories could never have been achieved without the support of you, our members. We are forever grateful for our members and look forward to continuing the momentum of 2008 in 2009 with your continued support.
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Restoring our Great Lakes and economic future By Melissa Malott, Water Program Director
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conomic forecasts for our nation are grim, and it’s no different for the Great Lakes states, where our collective unemployment rate is over 6.4 percent. Wisconsin is facing an enormous deficit, and we expect our DNR will continue to endure crippling staff shortages in its water program. Without increased resources, we will continue to see problems with permits and enforcement that prevent the cleaning up of our waterways. Despite these difficulties, we anticipate some positive changes for the environment. Environmental advocates are already talking about the differences President Barack Obama will make. On the campaign trail, Obama discussed environmental and energy initiatives that he would enact. Overall, we can expect a freeing of the agencies to act more professionally, enforce laws, and use science-based decisions for policy-making. We also expect the appointment of federal judges who will balance the problems created by anti-environmental appointees. More specifically for Wisconsin, both Obama and his Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, a former Democratic congressman from Illinois, have pushed for laws
and funding to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Prior to the economic meltdown, Obama proposed a $5 billion trust fund to jump start cleanup of the Great Lakes, and the appointment of a Great Lakes coordinator to oversee restoration. During the last session, Emanuel introduced the Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act, a $25 billion omnibus bill that would restore the Great Lakes (it failed to pass). Moreover, Emanuel has been available to Great Lakes advocates during strategy discussions. Given the economic problems that developed during the campaign, Obama appears to be thinking strategically about combining environmental and economic policies, and has discussed investing in green job initiatives. If Congress and the Bush administration fail to agree on a multi-billion dollar economic stimulus package, Obama claims such a package will be his first priority. Fortunately, Obama is considering both environmental and economic solutions, such as supporting efforts by automakers to produce fuel efficient vehicles. Furthermore, experts note that this is the only election in recent memory where energy and environmental issues were prominent in the public eye. With pro-environment candidates winning more seats
in Congress, we now have a real mandate for strong energy and environmental policies. Moreover, important Great Lakes congressional leaders agree with the importance of energy and environmental issues. We are encouraged that the incoming administration is thinking about investing in clean energy and the environment and we will work with a variety of partners at the state, local, and federal levels to push for funding for our region. Our data shows that investing in the Great Lakes is good for our economy. It creates jobs, improves quality of life through cleaner water and habitat, and adds property value. For example, recent reports estimate that if Wisconsin got the $1 billion investment it needs to repair clean water and sewage infrastructure, it would create over 47,000 jobs that would absorb many of the workers impacted by the slow-down in the housing market. We can’t do it alone. We need your help. If you would like to help Wisconsin obtain the funding to restore our lakes and economy, contact Water Program Director Melissa Malott at mmalott@cleanwisconsin. org, or call 608.251.7020 x13. Let us know if you are interested in making phone calls, writing letters, or helping to organize and attend meetings with elected officials.
Eco leader on the fresh coast: Mayor Larry MacDonald Clean Wisconsin
By Melissa Malott, Water Program Director
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ometimes I’m amazed by the difference one person can make, and how their actions can avalanche into a movement toward something positive. I witnessed this phenomenon as we campaigned for passage of the Great Lakes Compact. One person who deserves credit for helping pass the compact is Bayfield, Wisconsin’s Mayor Larry MacDonald. MacDonald worked countless hours educating the press about the Great Lakes Compact, which helped the Coalition for a Strong Compact expand our reach into northern Wisconsin. People like MacDonald are so important for our state’s future. They are on the front lines of our trek towards a green future. MacDonald’s advocacy for the Great Lakes and a clean environment extends beyond the Great Lakes Compact. The mayor’s vision led to Bayfield becoming an eco-municipality, which means the city will use principles of sustainability to guide its actions. This includes building a
wastewater treatment plant with zero discharge into Lake Superior, encouraging a “locavore” movement (using locally grown, seasonally-available foods) and creating a program to provide residents with a green cleaning kit to encourage use of earth friendly cleaners. Besides making Bayfield a state leader of sustainability, MacDonald understands and often speaks of the positive economic benefits of preserving our environment. As the owner of the Cooper Hill House Bed and Breakfast in Bayfield, along with his wife Julie (who, by the way, makes a mean locally-sourced breakfast and some of the best steaming fresh muffins in Wisconsin), MacDonald sees the connection between a healthy environment and running a business. The power, beauty, and serenity of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands, and the surrounding areas fuel MacDonald’s business and the city’s economy. Under MacDonald’s leadership, Bayfield is marching rapidly towards a sustainable vision for the future.
coal plant victory continued from front page commissioners complimented the outstanding case made against the coal plant. One commissioner specifically hailed the widespread public opposition to the project as being “extremely significant” in his decision to reject Alliant’s application. We are especially grateful to our members who attended and testified at the public hearings and those of you who attended our rally that we held with the Sierra Club at the Alliant Energy stockholder meeting. It is clear that your voices were heard! In the end, the Public Service Commission found Alliant’s application to be the wrong proposal at the wrong time. The statements from the commissioners were significant and will set the tone for future cases: • “We are at a unique juncture in this country and in Wisconsin, and decisions regarding new sources of electric generation need to account for the likely future costs of complying with constraints on carbon emissions. Cheaper, cleaner options are out there,” said Public Service Commission Chairman Eric Callisto. • Commissioner Lauren Azar noted that “...the Nelson Dewey proposal is not cost effective, is inconsistent with Wisconsin’s energy priorities and does not provide the flexibility we need to deal with our uncertain energy future.”
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“Making Bayfield the way we like has been the slow and loving task of 150 years. To destroy the Bayfield that we know can take but the careless act of a single day.” – Larry MacDonald
These strong statements make it clear that addressing global warming has become a priority for state decision makers. With their decision to reject Alliant’s coal plant, the Public Service Commission: • Prevented nearly three million tons of annual global warming pollution from entering our atmosphere (the equivalent of removing over 650,000 cars from Wisconsin’s roads). • Eliminated hundreds of pounds of mercury pollution that would have poisoned fish in Wisconsin’s waters. • Kept massive amounts of fine particulates and other pollutants out of our air - pollutants that could have compounded respiratory illnesses for all Wisconsinites, especially children, asthmatics, and the elderly. This is a huge victory that should send a clear message: Wisconsin is ready for clean, safe and affordable renewable energy, energy efficiency options and the new jobs they will bring to our state’s economy. We look forward to capitalizing on this momentum by working to ensure state leaders adopt comprehensive climate change policies and begin aggressively building a clean energy economy.
The Defender, Winter 2008, Vol. 39, No. 1
Harnessing renewable energy to solve global warming and rebuild our economy By Ryan Schryver, Grassroots Organizer
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he economic news has been grim. Failing markets, major automakers on the brink of bankruptcy, Wisconsin industries and manufacturers closing their doors or laying off employees and the State of Wisconsin staring down a $5 billion budget deficit for the 2009 – 2010 session have all made for some unpleasant headlines in late 2008.The economic downturn has indeed rippled through almost every aspect of our lives, including our efforts to pass meaningful global warming legislation. Longtime opponents to global warming solutions have used the poor economic performance of the recent months as an excuse to delay investments in renewable energy, mass transportation systems, fuel-efficient cars, and energy efficiency projects until the market somehow fixes itself. Clean Wisconsin members know that argument could not be further from the truth. In fact, investing in global warming solutions may be the best medicine for our ailing economy. The economic and climate crises both call for urgent and bold action to be taken by our state leaders. The clearest path to rebuilding Wisconsin’s economy will be through utilizing our abundance of natural resources and becoming leaders in developing a clean energy economy.
In the months ahead, you will have several opportunities to ensure that the growth of renewable energy in Wisconsin does not stagnate and simply fall back into our old dependency on fossil fuels and unsustainable business practices. We’ve already begun to see economic growth and job production as a result of Wisconsin’s prior commitments to renewable energy such as the Clean Energy Law of 2005 which requires utilities to produce 10 percent of their energy from renewable resources by 2015. To meet this growing demand for renewable energy, wind developers like Eco-Energy, Wind Capital Group, Invenergy, and others have opened up offices in Wisconsin. Their wind farms will provide clean energy for our homes, put Wisconsinites to work, and provide valuable income to rural communities throughout the State. At the beginning of 2008, Wisconsin received roughly 50 megawatts of power from wind turbines. Today we have nearly 1,500 megawatts of new wind power projects slated for development within the state in coming years. This meteoric growth is already paying dividends. When General Motors announced they were closing their manufacturing plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, the company’s displaced electrical workers were hired by Eco-Energy and the Morse Group of Beloit to build new wind farms. In Manitowoc, facilities that once built submarines for the U.S. Navy have been reconfigured to manufacture towers for wind turbines, employing several hundred skilled workers and adding stability to the area’s economy. Throughout the state, farmers and rural landowners are finding financial relief in the form of leases and payments for hosting wind turbines on their property. These are just a few examples of the growth Wisconsin has seen in the world of renewable energy production and manufacturing. We can make sure that this economic growth is just the tip of the iceberg for Wisconsin’s emerging clean energy economy by continuing to advance state policies that prioritize and create incentives for renewable energy production. In the months ahead, you will have several opportunities to ensure that the growth of renewable energy in Wisconsin does not stagnate and simply fall back into our old dependency on fossil fuels and unsustainable business practices. The recommendations from the Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force are a great starting point for initiating the long-term changes that will protect Wisconsin’s environment and economy for generations to come. We have the blueprint, but these policies will not become law on their own. We need your help to fight to ensure the 2009 state budget includes funding for renewable energy projects and other sustainability initiatives. Your voice and actions will be vital to make sure that global warming legislation remains at the top of Wisconsin’s priorities and our politicians follow through on their commitments to protect our environment and rebuild our economy. The economic downturn has altered the debate about global warming solutions. It will be up to us to ensure that this opportunity to reinvest in Wisconsin’s infrastructure and economy is not lost. 2009 will be your opportunity to demand the changes necessary to save our climate and economy. Let’s make sure we don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Clean Wisconsin
Young Clean Wisconsin member speaks out “ The main reason I oppose this is not because of carbon dioxide, but the fact that I live near this coal plant so MY health will be affected by it.” Clean Wisconsin
Andrew Verger
Testimony by Andrew Verger, Clean Wisconsin member * Public input was an incredible part of our victory over Alliant Energy’s proposed coal plant. This victory is an excellent example of what is possible when we join together and make our voices heard. Below is a testimony submitted by ten-year-old Andrew Verger, a Clean Wisconsin member, at the Public Service Commission public hearing in September 2008:
“I oppose the new Add-on to the already polluting coal plant in Cassville. In the proposal coal will make up at least 60-100% of the plants coal energy. Do you want to know why I only put 60%? Not because of biomass, but because of petroleum coke! This produces even more CO2 than coal! The main reason I oppose this is not because of carbon dioxide, but the fact that I live near this coal plant so MY health will be affected by it. Why build this, when you can build a 40 year-old coal plant that is more efficient. The reason, the proposed coal plant will have lower temperature fires, producing more carbon dioxide, toxic ash, and partials that are very hazardous to your health. One more thing, the cost is WAY over the top. You see the coal market has doubled its price and since there are no coal reserves in Wisconsin you have to pay shipping. Let alone the price to build it, over a billion dollars. This will wreck financial havoc on people that use Alliant Energy. Plus more energy efficient resources cost less than coal! Natural gas is at the lowest it has been in years and wind is almost free! Just one more point, Alliant proposes that it might, possibly, someday in the far future be able to use up to 10% biomass. Right now the proposed building can only at best use 5%-6% biomass. Even if they do, they will not install a biomass burner. Without it, the biomass will produce more toxic ash and carbon dioxide. By: Andrew Verger from Platteville, Age Ten PS. I’m not moving”
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Cleaning up the Yahara Lakes By Ezra Meyer, Water Resources Specialist
The Yahara Lakes: Valuable but underappreciated? If you’re from Madison or the Capital Region in south-central Wisconsin—or even if you just pass through Madison on occasion – you know that the lakes along the Yahara River are a major asset to the communities that border them and to the quality of life for those who live and do business near them. You also know that there are times of the year when you don’t want to walk too close to the lakes - much less swim in them - because of the smelly, unsightly algae blooms. These blooms threaten water quality much more than many of us realize. We have been working to address poor water quality with our involvement in the Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership.
A watershed approach to dealing with polluted runoff problems The problems facing the Yahara lakes are not unique to this part of the state or country. Our water quality problems are primarily the result of polluted runoff from agricultural, urban, and suburban land—in other words, the soil, fertilizers, and other contaminants that are washed off the land by rain and melting snow. The problems caused by polluted runoff affect water quality, fish and wildlife, and human enjoyment of our lakes, rivers, and streams. Although there have been some improvements in the worlds of farming and development, the negative consequences from polluted runoff have not gone away. Our work on watershed projects like this one is an effort to find creative new solutions to polluted runoff problems. We think we can be successful, with your help, by collaborating with important partners including people who live in the watershed and care about its waters;
local grassroots environmental groups and land trust organizations; students and teachers; regulatory agencies; cities, villages, and towns; farmers; developers; and others.
Our 2008 accomplishments, thanks to our members and our partners Over the past year, we had tremendous success working with our partners and many of you on this project. We are grateful to the nearly 40 of our members and readers of The Defender who attended the conference we helped organize in Madison in October 2008. Over 400 interested people attended to help us identify workable solutions to some of the most immediate problems facing our lakes, such as manure runoff, urban runoff, beach bacteria, and the need for better coordination among the various agencies and organizations currently working on lake and water issues in Dane County. That day was a victory for us. At this stage, we are working to ensure political leaders recognize how serious and committed the public is about water quality problems. We are calling on everyone—from farmers to urban residents, from businesses to philanthropic interests, and from government agencies to local communities—to be a part of the solution by working together to protect the health and cleanliness of our lakes. One of our main roles during this project’s first year, made possible by funding support from you, our members, and from the Madison Community Foundation, was to help the community generate a shared vision for the lakes that is practical and realistic but that also reflects a future where people will be proud of the lakes every day of the year and will never be afraid to jump in and take a swim. The vision statement for the Yahara lakes looks 20 years into the future. As of the writing of this article, the below statement was still in a working draft form and we
Election wrap-up continued from front page While there are few changes in the Senate committees, the shift in control in the state Assembly comes with a shift in official leadership and committee assignments:
Leadership: Assembly Speaker Assembly Majority Leader Senate Majority Leader Senate President Assembly Minority Leader Senate Minority Leader
Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) Tom Nelson (D-Kaukauna) Russ Decker (D-Weston) Fred Risser (D-Madison) Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau)
Key Committee Chairmanships: Joint Finance Committee Co-Chair Joint Finance Committee Co-Chair Assembly Natural Resources Committee Assembly Fish and Game Committee Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee Assembly Renewable Energy and Rural Affairs Committee Assembly Tourism, Recreation and State Properties Committee Assembly Forestry Committee Senate Environment Committee Senate Utilities, Energy and Rail Committee
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Mark Pocan (D-Madison) Mark Miller (D-Monona) Spencer Black (D-Madison) Ann Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake) Jim Soletski (D-Green Bay) Andy Jorgenson (D-Fort Atkinson) Terry Van Akkeren (D-Sheboygan) Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing) Mark Miller (D-Monona) Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee)
will continue to refine our vision with input from key stakeholders: The Yahara River watershed is a beloved asset to our communities. We are proud of its chain of beautiful, clean and healthy lakes. There is widespread recognition of the lakes’ contributions to our region’s economy and quality of life. The lakes provide benefits that outweigh the investment required to keep them clean and healthy. Creative partnerships among urban and rural residents, farmers and other business people, and the private and public sectors generate lasting results as we tackle shared challenges across the watershed. We’d especially like to thank the leadership of the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission, County Executive Kathleen Falk (a former Environmental Decade director), and the Dane County Board who included $12.5 million in water quality and related expenditures - a significant increase over past years’ amounts. Some of that funding is earmarked to deal proactively with flooding problems brought to the forefront by the record-breaking rains of 2007 and 2008, but most of the funded efforts will have direct benefits for water quality in the Yahara River and its signature lakes.
What’s next and how you can get involved In 2009, we will continue to reach out to you for input on the practical, visionary plan we’ll create with our partners. This plan will serve to guide our collective efforts to clean up the Yahara lakes over the next 20 years. If you would like to stay updated on Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership’s developments, contact Ezra Meyer, Water Resources Specialist, at (608) 251-7020, ext. 20 or email emeyer@cleanwisconsin.org.
Senate Transportation, Tourism, Forestry and Natural Resources Committee Senate Rural Issues, Biofuels and Information Technology Committee
Jim Holperin (D-Conover) Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls)
The powerful budget-reviewing Joint Finance Committee will be co-chaired by Representative Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona). Miller will also chair the Senate Environment Committee, which reviews water and air issues. Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) was named chairman of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Clean Wisconsin is excited about the leadership and committee assignments. We have a strong relationship with several of these legislators who are recognized as environmental leaders in their respective caucuses. Miller and Pocan are both Clean Wisconsin members, as is Senate President Fred Risser. Black, once a Clean Wisconsin staff member in the early 1970’s, has also served as a conservation representative for Sierra Club, and has been the author of numerous important environmental bills, including the Stewardship Fund, the largest conservation effort in Wisconsin’s history. Miller has authored many bills reflective of Clean Wisconsin’s priorities for the upcoming session, including bills banning the use of phosphorous and electronic waste recycling. So what does all of this mean for Clean Wisconsin? The new political makeup gives us the unique opportunity to advance important environmental reforms for Wisconsin - specifically, renewable energy. This was a hot debate topic during the campaign, and many elected candidates made promises to support the use of clean energy. Clean Wisconsin will be making sure our elected officials live up to their campaign promises on renewable energy and other important environmental legislation. We expect Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force recommendations to be THE environmental topic of discussion for the 2009-10 legislative session. Having the Legislature and governor within the same political party should help put the task force’s recommendations into action. With several pro-environment legislators now in our state offices, we can expect exciting opportunities and relationships this coming session.
The Defender, Winter 2008, Vol. 39, No. 1
Curbing polluted runoff: Protecting our water begins on land Clean Wisconsin
By Melissa Malott, Water Program Director
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isconsin’s waterways are in peril. Swimmers are getting sick, rivers are suffocating, and invasive species are flourishing while pushing out our native species. Downstream, the lack of oxygen in the lower Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico is expanding dead zones. This devastates local populations of fish, shrimp, and crabs, along with the fishing industry that relies on them. Much of the pollution causing these problems is agricultural nonpoint source pollution, which is a combination of soil and nutrients (like phosphorus and nitrogen) that runs off of farm fields during rainfall or snowmelt. Thousands of tons of this pollution reach Wisconsin’s waterways each year. The Environmental Protection Agency says that “agricul¬tural nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality impacts on surveyed rivers and lakes. It is also the second largest source of impair¬ments to wetlands and a major contributor to contamination of sur¬veyed estuaries and ground water.” This doesn’t mean we should fully blame agricultural producers. Not all farmers are to blame. Experts estimate that about 20 percent of producers are 80 percent of the problem. Recent fish kills and prosecutions have shown that irresponsible disposal of manure creates major problems in local waterways. Furthermore, recent studies show that liquid manure applied during a rainstorm releases an enormous amount of sediment, bacteria, and nutrients into local streams. Thousands of tons of agricultural pollution empty into Wisconsin’s There is no easy solution to the problem of polluted runoff. To address agricultural nonpoint source pollution is to stare down the greatest chasm of the Clean waterways each year, causing illness in humans and devastating native Water Act. Current laws simply aren’t adequately controlling agricultural pollution. populations of plants and animals that inhabit them. We have to act now to address this issue. The problems will only worsen as other organizations to catalog what is working. At the state level, we are working global climate change increases the likelihood of intense storms in our state. More on legislation and rules to better address these issues. Locally, we are working on flooding like last June’s is predicted, and with it may come an increase in polluted precedent-setting watershed plans that can serve as a model for the rest of the state. runoff. As we move forward, we will depend on you, our members and coalition partners, Wisconsin should be doing a better job of encouraging responsible farming and to help set policies to clean up our waters. creating policies that prohibit the harmful farming practices that are polluting our state’s waters. Clean Wisconsin is working at all levels - regional, state, and local- to find and implement solutions to these problems. Regionally, we are talking with
Bluestem Farm in Baraboo, Wisconsin is a good example of responsible agriculture. The farm has converted all of its fields to perennial crops to minimize soil loss from flooding. The farm’s large wetland - placed in a conservation easement with the county - is capable of handling all of the surrounding snowmelt and flooding. Established perennial grasses collect excess nutrients. The owners of the farm say they used to experience polluted runoff from the neighboring farm, but the neighbor has since installed buffer strips. These strips have made a noticeable difference in the amount of runoff onto Bluestem’s fields.
Cleaning up Wisconsin’s utilities By Sam Weis, Media Specialist
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our support has allowed Clean Wisconsin to work for cleaner energy across all areas of the state and under all of the different electing utilities. While all of the utilities operating in Wisconsin have coal emissions and are major sources of pollution, there is a wide range in how the individual utilities are planning for the future. One utility has gone far above the others towards addressing pollution, both in their participation on Governor Doyle’s Task Force on Global Warming and in the plans they have submitted to regulators. Xcel Energy, covering most of the Northwest part of Wisconsin, has committed to making an unprecedented 22 percent reduction in overall global warming pollution from 2005 levels by 2020 and has moved aggressively to replace coal power with renewable energy in Wisconsin. Clean Wisconsin has spent more time than we would like fighting against utility plans that increase our reliance on dirty coal and fail to move our state forward toward a clean energy economy. We have even fought against Xcel Energy for their garbage incinerator at French Island Wisconsin, and we will continue to push Xcel to reduce and eliminate toxic emissions. But we also give Xcel Energy credit for breaking with every other major utility in Wisconsin by rejecting any new coal power projects and replacing coal with biomass at the Bayfront plant in Ashland, Wisconsin.
Clean Wisconsin
How you can be energy efficient: Compact fluorescent light bulbs By Allie Theuerkauf, Development Assistant
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n a nutshell, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs, last up to ten times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on investment. A statistic from www.energystar.gov states that if every home in America replaced one incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than three million homes! Saving so much energy means that coal-fired power plants do not need to generate that energy. This leads to fewer mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants – the leading source of mercury pollution in Wisconsin. One myth about CFLs is that the mercury they contain causes more harm to the environment than is saved by using them. That’s false. The small amount of mercury that is contained within a CFL light bulb is only exposed to the environment if the bulb is broken, which typically occurs in landfills. Although technology has improved dramatically and less mercury is needed to produce light, that need has not yet been eliminated entirely. Because CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury, it is important to recycle them appropriately. You can find out where to recycle your used CFLs by visiting the Web site of the Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov. From the home page, search “light bulbs, where you live.” Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select your state. From there, you can locate nearby facilities that recycle CFLs.
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Biofuels: Part Two By Peter Taglia, Staff Scientist
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n our last article about Clean Wisconsin’s approach to biofuels, we explained how biofuels, even those produced sustainably, need to fit into a comprehensive approach to reduce the environmental impacts of transportation. In our view, biofuels fit into a three-pronged approach to address transportation emissions. Two other important approaches include conservation, which reduces the need for car travel by promoting bicycle, pedestrian and transit alternatives; and efficiency, because even the cleanest fuels should not be wasted in vehicles that get bad mileage. The most promising types of biofuels, unfortunately, have not yet reached the commercial scale. In this update, we will discuss the strategy Clean Wisconsin is taking to promote the “next generation” of biofuels, those that will replace the corn ethanol that is currently produced at 11 plants in Wisconsin, and steps along the way that build “bridges” to sustainable biofuels.¬ Most people agree that the next generation of biofuels should meet multiple objectives: reduce global warming pollution, increase water quality and wildlife habitat, and provide a sustainable economic alternative to buying oil from overseas. Potential next generation biofuels may include green gasoline made by chemically rearranging molecules from native grasses; cellulosic ethanol which uses fermentation (similar to the process used for corn ethanol) but substitutes grass, wood or waste products for the corn; or synthetic diesel fuel made by gasification technology (using very high temperatures and pressures to convert plant materials into a synthetic gas that can be refined into diesel fuel). While all of the next generation biofuel technologies are exciting for the chemists, microbiologists and
engineers that are working on bringing them to commercial scale, they are not yet ready to replace either conventional oil or conventional corn ethanol. But we do have an opportunity to prepare for the next generation of biofuels and benefit the environment at the same time using transitional approaches such as planting more grasses on depleted farmland and using the grasses for small-scale heating in schools, communities and houses. Then, when the technology is developed to finally make the next generation of liquid biofuels, we will have already developed appropriate ways to grow and harvest plant materials using sustainable practices. The first step to prepare Wisconsin for the next generation of biofuels is to start with the basic ingredients: the plant materials that store the solar energy that we ultimately want to use for transportation. There are a number of promising sources of these materials, including grasses, wood or waste products. One proposal that we support is a program to use highly erodable or unproductive farmland to grow native grasses and trees. Using this type of land for bioenergy is a win-win because grasses and trees can be grown with little or no fertilizer and are harvested without disturbing the soil. Water quality and wildlife habitat can be enhanced and farmers will get income that helps to keep these sensitive lands from going into row crops. Another win-win is to use agriculture, forestry and food industry wastes for energy, which not only provides renewable energy, but can reduce water pollution and landfill needs. The second step is to find current technologies that can use these bioenergy sources while the next generation biofuel technologies are developed. Fortunately, there are many options available: • Progressive businesses in Wisconsin are already making pellets out of native grasses and burning these pellets in highly efficient boilers for heat. • Schools in the state have converted their heating systems from natural gas to wood waste and sustainably harvested wood chips from local forests. • Dairy farmers are putting manure and cheese wastes into anaerobic digesters to produce energy and reduce the potential for runoff into lakes. Each of these technologies are ready to go right now, would reduce our current consumption of fossil fuels and would help to prepare Wisconsin for the next generation of biofuels. The last advantage of a transitional approach to biofuels is that it avoids the pitfalls that may occur if the next generation of biofuels never becomes a significant part of our energy mix. What if wind power and electric vehicle technology breakthroughs make these the most effective way of reducing oil consumption? If this occurs, the only thing lost by taking the transitional approach is the fossil fuel that would have otherwise heated buildings and homes.
Environmental Law and Policy Center
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In 2009 Clean Wisconsin will be working with partners in the farm, sustainable agriculture, and conservation community on the Wisconsin Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign. The campaign has four initiatives to help promote sound bioenergy policies. These policies were also part of the final recommendations from Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force and are specific to the agricultural community.
Biomass Energy Crop Reserve Program We propose to create a state crop reserve program that pays farmers for 10-year contracts in return for native perennial plantings that the farmer can then sell for bioenergy. The state Biomass Energy Crop Reserve Program is mirrored after the federal Crop Reserve Program, which is expected to lose one-third to one-half of its contracts because high commodity prices make row crops more profitable. A state program with a goal of enrolling 500,000 acres by 2020 can help sustain the goals of preventing polluted runoff from reaching our waterways and promoting wildlife habitat, all while turning a profit for farmers and developing additional markets for additional renewable resources.
Renewable Fuels for Schools and Communities Program Seven states currently have a similar program that sets up a small state educational program and a revolving loan program to provide working capital for the purchase of equipment for biomass systems in schools and government-owned buildings. On average, Wisconsin schools spend close to $200 million a year on energy, and in most cases biomass heating will save schools and communities tens of thousands of dollars in heating costs as well as promote homegrown energy.
Renewable Energy Buyback Program: Rewarding renewable energy producers This program would guarantee adequate compensation for small-scale renewable energy producers who generate more energy than they use. Many farmers are generating surplus energy from biomass, solar, wind and hydroelectricity products, but the rates at which utilities will buy that excess energy make it non-profitable. A buyback program would reduce transmission needs and provide conservation incentives among customers who have their own renewable energy system.
Low Carbon Fuel Standard A Low Carbon Fuel Standard calls for a reduction in carbon emissions from transportation fuels. The LCFS will not dictate the mix of fuels delivered, but is instead performance and market-based. This makes the LCFS profitable for farmers and not overly burdensome for industry. Two states have already established LCFS, and fifteen other states are exploring or have proposed a standard.
Environmental Law and Policy Center
The Defender, Winter 2008, Vol. 39, No. 1
Profile of leadership: Representative Penny Bernard Schaber By Amber Meyer Smith, Program Director
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n January 5, Penny Bernard Schaber was sworn in as representative to the 57th State Assembly District, which encompasses the City of Appleton and part of Little Chute in northeast Wisconsin. Representative Schaber’s road to the Assembly is a study in the importance of being an environmental leader in you community. Schaber is a member of the Fox Valley Sierra Group and former chairperson for Wisconsin’s John Muir ChapPenny Bernard ter of the Sierra Club. Her work and activism with Sierra Schaber Club has kept her involved in the environmental concerns of her community and state. Penny worked closely on the Fox River clean up plans, long range land use and transportation planning. She helped get a recycling
program implemented in the City of Appleton, and led volunteer efforts to clean up litter along the banks of the Fox River. Schaber first ran for the 57th Assembly seat in 2006, earning 46.7 percent of the vote and almost defeating a ten-year incumbent. In 2008, Penny resumed her campaign and prevailed with 57 percent of the vote. “This election victory has been very similar to victories we have in the environmental arena,” Schaber noted. “Clean up or similar environmental victories don’t happen overnight, it requires skill building, learning from mistakes and most of all – patience.” Schaber’s past commitments to environmental protection will no doubt carry on in the state Assembly. Clean Wisconsin looks forward to working with her as she takes office.
ASK DAVID By David Vitse, Office Administrator Inevitably when I attend social functions, questions pour in and they sound like this: “You work for the environment?” “I have a compost heap. Does that help the environment?” “Where is the best place for a compost heap?” “I actually heard that composting is bad for the environment.” “What is a compost heap?” “Do rainstorms cause harmful phosphorous to escape from the leaves and then hurt the lakes?” “What is the state legislature doing to regulate compost heaps?” By now, I am staring at my empty glass and full room of people who are thirsty to help the environment and trying to do the right thing. But like many of our members, they have questions regarding the best course of action to take. You may have similar questions about environmental concerns that you face every day. No concern is too big or too small. You may have a question about what kind of light bulbs to use in your home, what home cleaning products are the most ecofriendly and safe for your children and pets, or where to buy solar panels to help power your household. Beginning with this issue of The Defender, I will be answering your questions in my new column, Ask
Clean Wisconsin
David. If you have a question, just ask! Together we can protect, preserve and defend our environment. Dear David, In addition to using elbow grease to remove snow I plan to use salt to minimize the snow that accumulates on my driveway and in front of my door. What are the most environmentally friendly ways to remove snow and what are the environmental concerns associated with the use of salt? Gary V. Madison, WI Gary, Do you have kids? Just kidding! You have a great start by realizing that old-fashioned muscle and hard work is the most environmentally friendly way to remove the certain snowdrifts. Here are five environmental considerations when using salt to remove snow. 1. Use salt early and conservatively. Salt in a solid form will not melt ice until it has dissolved into a liquid, so don’t apply salt pellets to an existing snow bank. Apply salt to the top of a slope in your driveway, walking path or sidewalk so that the salt water can melt snow as it flows downhill. Salt applied at the bottom is often wasted. The recommended application rate for salt is one handful per one square yard. 2. Consider alternatives to salt. a. Calcium chloride is much less toxic than salt and works at much colder temperatures. Furthermore, you use much less of the
product to successfully remove snow. The recommended application rate is one handful per three square yards. b. Calcium Magnesium Acetate is less toxic than salt. c. Magnesium Chloride is less toxic than salt. 3. Consider the outside temperature. Salt pellets are generally not very effective below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Most other salt mixtures are rarely effective below 0 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. Consider plants growing next to the salted area. If you have salt sensitive trees, bushes, flowers or grass growing near the surface to be salted, avoid using any products that contains chlorides. 5. Add native plants. Native plants with deep roots help absorb storm water and filter out pollutants. Thanks for the question, Gary. Remember, if you add salt to your driveway it will find its way into the groundwater.
Please send questions to dvitse@cleanwisconsin.org or write: Attn: Ask David Clean Wisconsin 122 State Street Suite 200 Madison, WI 53703
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Session on Superior Finis Clean Wisconsin
By Melissa Malott, Water Program Director
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fter three months on or sitting huddled next to Lake Superior, Clean Wisconsin’s paddliest members, Alissa Weitz and Brian Castillo, finished their kayak trip around the great lake. Their journey, documented at sessiononsuperior.blogspot.com, is a must-read. Here’s a sample:
“With that, we finished a snack, re-precariously moved our boats from the rocks and headed back in the lake to paddle beyond IsoScared (renamed from Point Isocar, due to the precarious nature of the geography). This particular area preps one’s mind for that total seclusion and isolation which can solely be experienced on this side of the lake. The highway and rural communities dip away from the shore leaving your thoughts, ambitions and spirit to wander with the animals, natural history and tales of the past.” An essential part of Brian and Alissa’s account is the gorgeous pictures that accompany the text. Here’s a taste:
Brian Castillo and Alissa Weitz
We congratulate Alissa and Brian for their bravery and demonstrated commitment to protecting Lake Superior. Watch for their presentations around the state this year. Until next time, on behalf of Brian: “Health, happiness, and laughter your way.”
Clean Wisconsin wins makeover contest!
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lean Wisconsin was selected last November as the grand prize winner of Applied Tech’s Green IT Makeover contest. The contest, sponsored by Applied Tech, Focus on Energy and The Capital Region Business Journal, is awarding Clean Wisconsin over $25,000 in environmentally-friendly products and services from Applied Tech, Focus on Energy, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, WatchGuard and others.
“This makeover will allow our staff to be able to better communicate with and respond to the needs of our members, our donors and our community in an effective and efficient manner.”
Kurt Sippel, president of the Madison-based Applied Tech, says his company is honored to help lead the green IT initiative. “We’re pleased to know that so many companies like Clean Wisconsin are moving toward greening their workplace,” said Sippel. “Clean Wisconsin’s pro-environmental actions represent a great
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example to all businesses and we look forward to working with them.” “Clean Wisconsin is proud to be selected as the winner of Applied Tech’s Green IT Makeover Contest,” said David Vitse of Clean Wisconsin. Executive Director Mark Redsten agrees. “This makeover will allow our staff to be able to better communicate with and respond to the needs of our members, our donors and our community in an effective and efficient manner,” said Redsten of the award. “Clean Wisconsin is looking forward to maintaining this professional relationship as we work together to solve energy issues facing the state of Wisconsin.” Clean Wisconsin was selected as the contest grand prize winner based on an application scoring process that evaluated need, impact, and commitment to environmental responsiveness.
The Defender, Winter 2008, Vol. 39, No. 1