Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Congress and the President signed a bill allowing construction of the Stillwater Bridge over the St. Croix River on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. ELPC and local allies are opposed to a massive new bridge, which we believe violates the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, will deface a pristine bluff, and will decimate recreational activities in the area. We are discussing potential next steps with our local allies. Read the Associated Press story.
Friday, January 27, 2012
“New power lines would cut a swath for more than a hundred miles through northern forests, and they’d be expensive,” says a story by Bob Allen for The Environment Report. ELPC is working to ensure the proposed new transmission lines are studied thoroughly instead of fast-tracked through a proposed special process. Read the story.
Monday, January 23, 2012
ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: “Consumers should not be asked to pay for $1 billion of new transmission lines running through Wisconsin’s North Woods, without a full and fair review of alternatives that might save money and prevent the disruption of key habitats and natural areas.” Read the article.
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Oct. 27th editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Wisconsin must grow cleaner energy jobs. Check it out.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Environmental Law and Policy Center’s new study of Wisconsin’s solar and wind energy supply chain finds that 171 Wisconsin companies are part of the wind energy supply chain and 135 Wisconsin companies are part of the solar energy supply chain.
The solar and wind industries provide over 12,000 jobs in Wisconsin. This job growth has been supported for years by utility incentives and state policies like Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and Focus on Energy Program. However, Wisconsin’s recent political and policy shifts have undermined clean energy development and job creation.
“Wind and solar energy development have created new jobs and business growth that Wisconsin needs,” said ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner. “With over 250 local companies ready to grow, Wisconsin’s leaders should be looking for ways to advance public policies that encourage renewable energy development and progress in the state.”
ELPC surveyed businesses statewide to identify Wisconsin companies that are actively participating in the renewable energy supply chain. The list includes steelmakers, electrical component manufacturers, engineering firms and other longstanding businesses that are profiting from renewable energy development, as well as start-ups and small businesses developing cutting edge clean energy technology. For example:
Caleffi sells solar thermal systems and components from its Milwaukee office. “Solar is a real job creator in Wisconsin and across the United States and one of the biggest generators of growth for Caleffi,” said Rex Gillespie Caleffi’s Director of Marketing.
Oshkosh-based wind manufacturing company Renewegy builds and installs light commercial wind turbines. The company plans to add 50 new employees in the coming years. “Not only do we manufacture and employ workers here in Oshkosh, but 90 percent of our components are sourced from Midwestern partners,” said Dana Enz, Renewegy’s VP of Sales. “As we grow, they grow.”
Smart state and local policies can make a big difference in creating economic development and new jobs for the solar and wind sector. Helios recently opened Wisconsin’s first solar panel manufacturing plant in Milwaukee. Low-interest loans provided by the state and the City of Milwaukee convinced Helios to locate in Wisconsin. “The Midwest is getting close to becoming a real solar hotspot,” said Helios’ General Manager Brent Brucker. “A little more foresight on the part of a state legislatures and this region could really take off.”
As part of its effort to promote economic growth and environmental progress through clean energy development, ELPC has also completed wind and solar supply chain studies for Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. Across these five states, ELPC has identified more than 1,000 clean energy businesses employing over 50,000 people.
To download a copy of the report visit www.elpc.org/WisconsinEnergy
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Sunday, July 31, 2011
| Click to Download |
Publication Date |
State |
Clean Energy Type |
Synopsis |
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October 2011 |
Wisconsin
New! Check out our Wisconsin Google Map showing the wind industry supply chain in your neighborhood! |
WindSolar |
This ELPC report finds that Wisconsin is home to more than 250 wind and solar supply chain businesses that are tied to more than 12,000 Wisconsin jobs. Old-line manufacturing companies are re-tooling to supply growing markets for clean energy equipment. |
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July 2011 |
Illinois
New! Check out our Illinois Google Map showing the wind industry supply chain in your neighborhood! |
WindSolarGeothermal |
This ELPC report finds that over 300 Illinois companies are working in the wind, solar or geothermal energy industries and employing over 18,000 people in the state. From old-line steel fabricators to high-tech start-ups, renewable energy is powering job growth and launching Illinois to the forefront of the green economy. |
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April 2011 |
Michigan
New! Check out our Michigan Google Map showing the wind industry supply chain in your neighborhood! |
WindSolar |
This ELPC report finds there are 121 Michigan businesses working in solar energy and 120 companies involved in wind power. From old-line manufacturing companies retooling for this growing market to high tech R&D, renewable energy is driving business growth in Michigan. Solar and Wind power provide over 10,000 jobs in Michigan. The state ranks fourth in the nation for number of jobs in the solar industry and first in the nation for clean energy patents.Listen: ELPC Briefing |
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January 2011 |
Ohio
New! Check out our Ohio Google Map showing the wind industry supply chain in your neighborhood! |
WindSolar |
This ELPC report finds that 106 Ohio companies are doing business with the wind power industry and 63 Ohio companies are part of the solar energy supply chain. Ohio’s strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce, together with supportive policies and smart investments have helped make Ohio a center for clean energy manufacturing. From major companies like First Solar and Cardinal Fastener to over 100 small manufacturers, developers and service firms; clean energy means business for Ohio.Coverage: Columbus DispatchCoverage: Toledo Blade
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November 2010 |
Iowa
New! Check out our Iowa Google Map showing the wind industry supply chain in your neighborhood! |
Wind |
This ELPC report finds that Iowa’s wind power supply chain comprises 80 Iowa companies with a total of over 2,300 employees in manufacturing alone. The state ranks second nationally in total wind energy generation. With local manufacturers building everything from huge turbine blades to small electrical components, and service firms providing maintenance, legal, marketing and other support to the industry, wind power means business for Iowa.The report states that a commitment to business development combined with tax incentives, a skilled workforce and a central location have helped make Iowa a leader in the wind industry.Listen: ELPC BriefingCoverage: Cedar Rapids Gazette
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November 2010 |
Illinois |
Wind |
This ELPC report finds that more than 100 Illinois companies with a total of over 15,000 employees. These companies range from old-line manufacturers who are retooling to build wind turbine components for the new clean energy economy to corporate headquarters for major wind power developers, to software, financial and support services.Listen: ELPC’s BriefingCoverage: Chicago Sun Times
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A July 19th article in the New York Times, “Cost-Cutters, Except When the Spending Is Back Home,” says the current class of freshman House Republications has pushed for dozens of earmark projects that funnel millions of federal dollars to their districts despite their ardent pledges to stop ‘out-of-control spending.’
One example: The proposed four-lane, $700 million bridge over the St. Croix River at the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
This over-sized and overly expensive bridge would have defaced a pristine bluff and decimated recreational activities in the area, violating the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Despite the financial, environmental, legal and common sense problems with this bridge proposal, some continue insisting on its development. But ELPC has been fighting back. Here are some recent actions:
- In March 2010, ELPC successfully persuaded the Federal District Court to rescind the original permit issued for the bridge and require the National Park Service to reconsider its original authorization for the project. In response, the National Park Service changed its position and required the state transportation agencies to assess alternatives that would protect the St. Croix River’s “wild and scenic” designation.
- In January 2011, ELPC and 24 other environmental and community organizations submitted a joint letter to the Minnesota Governor to voice support for protecting the river.
- In March 2011, bridge supporters persisted, introducing House legislation to exempt the massive bridge proposal from the standards of the Wild and Scenic River Act. It received some bi-partisan support, but was never put to a vote.
ELPC remains a steadfast opponent to this bridge project. Our legal and policy advocacy to protect the St. Croix River and oppose an unnecessary new bridge is the right economic, environmental, legal and common-sense decision. We continue working with the National Park Service; state transportation officials in Wisconsin and Minnesota; allies at the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, National Parks Conservation Association, American Rivers, and Sierra Club; and other key players to promote better transportation and land use alternatives that will be more protective of natural resources.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
In January 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) adopted a new set of rules to significantly reduce phosphorus pollution to Wisconsin waters. Phosphorus is nutrient that fertilizes the growth of algae and other obnoxious water plants. When these weeds die and decay, they consume oxygen, reducing the number and health of fish in Wisconsin waters.
The new criteria were developed by a collaboration of scientists, business leaders, landowners and environmental advocates who utilized almost 20 years worth of scientific data. The new rules set standards to control and limit phosphorus pollution, stating that Wisconsin rivers and lakes should have no more than 100 parts per billion (.1mg/L) phosphorus while streams should contain no more than 75 parts per billion (.075mg/L) phosphorus.
Permits for industrial and municipal polluters need to limit phosphorus pollution to keep within these limits. “Point sources” that discharge phosphorus must comply with these criteria.
Unfortunately, a number of Wisconsin legislators want to weaken these rules under the mistaken belief that clean water measures are an impediment to economic growth. Actually, Wisconsin’s economy capitalizes on our waterways and loses when we pollute those waters. Dirty lakes, streams and rivers reduce fish populations sought by sportsmen and vacationers, who can go elsewhere, hurting Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Dirty lakes reduce property values for lakefront homes. Subsistence fishers will find fewer fish to pull from dirtier waters.
We need Wisconsin Legislators to leave the new phosphorus rules alone. Increasing pollution to Wisconsin waters will not create more jobs or a better quality of life for Wisconsin residents. By maintaining these new rules we can help clean Wisconsin’s waters and improve the treasure of Wisconsin’s natural heritage. Click here to take action!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Assembly passed the Electronic Products Recycling Bill (Senate Bill 107) that requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the growing problem of electronic waste.
ELPC helped create Illinois’ e-waste recycling bill and advised on policy and built support for Wisconsin’s legislation.
“Electronic waste is the fastest growing toxic segment of the solid waste stream, and this Wisconsin legislation is part of the solution,” said ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner. “This legislation helps solve our e-waste problems, creates jobs and makes recycling easier for residents. It’s a win-win-win for Wisconsin.”
Read ELPC’s press release here
Monday, September 21, 2009
ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner said that federal climate legislation will create job growth and economic progress in his address at a Climate Change and Green Jobs conference at the University of Wisconsin.
“There may be a negative impact on the coal industry or on a company that owns a lot of coal plants, and you may hear them howling,” said Learner. “But on the other hand there’s a large number of winners who are creating jobs and that’s a boost to our economy.”
The event was part of the University of Wisconsin’s graduate program in sustainability and was covered by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Read the article here
