Immediate release
January 16, 2008
More information
Ed Blume
RENEW Wisconsin
608.819.0748
eblume@renewwisconsin.org
Katie Nekola
Clean Wisconsin
knekola@cleanwisconsin.org
608.251.7020, ext. 14
CALUMET COUNTY MORASS BLOCKS WIND PROJECTS AGAIN
Clean energy advocates expressed frustration over the Calumet County board's adoption of a 70-day moratorium on issuing permits for wind turbines.
The action leaves wind developers wondering whether the County, which has among the best wind resources in the state, is effectively off-limits to commercial-scale projects.
State law requires utilities to get 10 percent of the electricity they sell from renewable sources by 2015, but local restrictions have paralyzed wind developers from moving ahead with project to help meet the goal.
"As far as the wind industry is concerned, countywide limits and delays speak louder than the state's renewable energy goals," said Katie Nekola, energy program director for Clean Wisconsin.
"What's the point of state government promoting renewable energy development in Wisconsin when it's practically impossible to obtain permits for wind turbines?" asked Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide nonprofit group that promotes renewable energy.
"This marks the third moratorium on wind development adopted by Calumet County 2005. It seems that every time the Board considers changes to its ordinance regulating wind turbines, it moves farther and farther away from resolving the controversy and allowing projects to move ahead. What a morass Calumet County has become!" Vickerman said.
Between the moratorium in Calumet County and a restrictive ordinance in Manitowoc County, four wind projects totaling 200 megawatts (enough to power 60,000 Wisconsin homes) have ground to a halt, Vickerman added.
RENEW and Clean Wisconsin back a proposal being considered by the Governor's Global Warming Task Force that would allow wind developers to seek approval from the Public Service Commission, the state agency that regulates utilities and large wind projects (over 100 megawatts), instead of local authorities.
"Wisconsin cannot afford to lose clean energy opportunities at a time when our Governor and others in the region have made a commitment to stopping global warming," said Nekola.
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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 corporations 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. Phone: 608-251-7020, Fax: 608-251-1655, Email: info@cleanwisconsin.org, Website: www.cleanwisconsin.org.
RENEW Wisconsin is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that acts as a catalyst to advance a sustainable energy future through public policy and private sector initiatives. More information on RENEW's Web site at www.renewwisconsin.org.
BRIEF REVIEW OF ENERGY 2 GREEN - ARE THEY FOR REAL?
One of the things that we can do to help the environment is to switch from conventional energy to green energy such as solar and wind power. If you have always wanted to know about green energy sources and how to take advantage of them but don't know where to get proper information, then you will find Energy 2 Green as a very useful if not basic guide on the subject. This Energy 2 Green review will tell you all about this guide and how it can help you live a greener more environmentally conscious existence. If you are looking to contribute to helping our planet, then you should consider using green energy. You can learn all about green energy through a reliable guide such as Energy 2 Green.
BENEFITS
Helps to reduce electric bill drastically or completely eliminate it depending on the type and number of devices that you will build. You can save up to 1,000 each year on electric bills.
Building solar panels and wind turbines can be turned to a bonding activity for the family where all family members can participate in the project. It is also a good opportunity for kids to learn about taking care of the environment.
You can recoup your investment in as little as two months after building your first solar panel or wind turbine.
Through this guide, you can also make portable solar panels that you can take anywhere such as camping trips and picnics.
Allows you to fight global warming and contribute in saving the environment. (Probably the best benefit that you can get from this product.)
PROS
Explains how any individual can build their own solar panels and wind power generators in a very simple and easy-to understand manner.
Uses texts, photos and diagrams to make it easier for individuals to start their own green energy project.
Includes a detailed guide on where to find materials for your project.
Includes instructions on how to install solar panels and wind power generators on any kind of home.
Includes a detailed maintenance guide and schedule so your solar panels and wind turbines will last for years.
CONS
Despite its attempt to be as easy-to-understand and accessible as possible, this guide still tends to be too scientific in some parts. Some people who have bought this product found it necessary to refer to other online and offline resources to understand some of the concepts.
It would have been better if instructional videos are included in the package since most people find it easier to understand videos more than diagrams and texts. Videos provide real time step-by-step instructions that diagrams and picture cannot provide.
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