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

Solar 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. July 2011 Illinois Wind

Solar

Geothermal 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. April 2011 Michigan Wind

Solar 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 January 2011 Ohio Wind

Solar 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 Dispatch

Coverage: Toledo Blade
November 2010 Iowa 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 Briefing

Coverage: Cedar Rapids Gazette
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 Briefing

Coverage: Chicago Sun Times
]]> http://elpc.org/2011/07/31/supplychainreports/feed 2 http://elpc.org/2011/07/20/nyt-article-says-congressional-cost-cutters-still-spend-in-home-districts-example-st-croix-river-bridge-in-minnesota-which-elpc-helped-defeat http://elpc.org/2011/07/20/nyt-article-says-congressional-cost-cutters-still-spend-in-home-districts-example-st-croix-river-bridge-in-minnesota-which-elpc-helped-defeat#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:07:46 +0000 Kcoleman http://elpc.org/?p=6629 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.

Please tell your state Assembly Representative and State Senator to support these new phosphorus rules and oppose efforts to weaken clean water rules. Wisconsin waters should be prized and protected by the Wisconsin Legislature.  Defending clean water will protect both our economy and our natural heritage.

A new bill is expected to be introduced soon. Send a message to your Legislators asking them to maintain these clean water rules for the safety and beauty of Wisconsin’s waters. If they think no one is listening, they may continue these outdated dirty water habits.

Your representatives need to hear from you.

TAKE ACTION TODAY! Please send a free fax to your Senator and Representatives to ask them to take action to help implement these new rules.

1933: The federal government establishes first watershed protection program in Wisconsin.  This program sought to curb soil erosion on farms, thus limiting the degree to which runoff affects local waters.

1972: Congress passes the Clean Water Act, with two main goals: make waters “fishable and swimmable” and eliminate discharges to waterways.  This act made it illegal to discharge pollutants (such as phosphorus) without a permit.

1970’s: Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States aims to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Great Lakes.  The agreement included a clause that required dischargers of phosphorus to reduce their discharges to 1 milligram/ liter.

1977: Wisconsin creates a program that offers to share costs with landowners to reduce the amount of runoff created by their farms or feedlots.

1983: Wisconsin becomes the first state to meet the “fishable and swimmable” goals of the Clean Water Act.

1984: Wisconsin requires large-scale feed and farm operations to obtain permits detailing their use of manure and fertilizer.

2002: Wisconsin passes the most complete set of rules to date that aimed to limit polluted runoff.

2007: The rules governing large-scale operation were tightened, making pollution permits more stringent, in an attempt to decrease runoff pollution from such operations.

2010: Major year for phosphorus regulation. As of April, 2010, fertilizers that contain phosphorus cannot be applied to lawns in the state of Wisconsin and as of January, 2010 it is illegal to sell or use soaps or detergents with more than .5% Phosphorus by weight.

What is Phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a chemical that occurs naturally in small quantities.  Phosphorus is used for a number of industrial and agricultural purposes.  In the agricultural sector, phosphorus is used mainly as a fertilizing nutrient.  Phosphorus is also used in the production of certain types of animal feeds, as well as soaps and detergents.

Why is Phosphorus a Problem?

Although it does occur naturally (as phosphate) in small quantities, large quantities of phosphorus are harmful to lakes, rivers and streams.  Large amounts of phosphorus lead to algae and other aquatic plant growth, which uses up oxygen (when those plants die) that is vital to aquatic plant and animal life  In addition, dense algae “blooms” reduce the sunlight reaching aquatic vegetation, limiting their growth and in many cases, killing them. When phosphorus leads to the growth of blue-green algae, the algae produces nuero-toxins that can be harmful to humans, pets and other animals.  The foul smelling, ugly algae makes Wisconsin waters unattractive to fisherman, recreational users, and homeowners.

Phosphorus pollution damages Wisconsin’s economy, along with Wisconsin’s waters.  Wisconsin ranks second in the nation for fishing licenses, and the fishing industry creates almost 300,000 jobs and $2.75 billion in revenue annually. Phosphorus also reduces waterside property values.  A study has shown that, for every additional meter of water clarity, waterfront property increases $45 per frontage foot.    In addition, phosphorus pollution decreases the recreational desirability of lakes and rivers.  All of this hurts our tourism and recreational industries.

How Does Phosphorus Get into Wisconsin Waters?

There are two main ways that phosphorus can get into our surface waters.  One way is through “point” sources.  “Point” sources are those in which the phosphorus come from a single, identifiable source, and are often discharged directly into waterways.  While “point-source” pollution is a major contributor of phosphorus, much of the phosphorus in Wisconsin waters comes from “non-point source” pollution.   “Nonpoint source” pollution is transported into waterways when runoff carries fertilizer, feed and other contaminants into lakes and rivers.  While “nonpoint source” pollution is a major contributor to phosphorus pollution, it is the most difficult and expensive to regulate.

What Are the Revised Phosphorus Rules?

In January of 2010, the Wisconsin DNR opted to adopt a new set of rules aimed at significantly reducing the amount of phosphorus pollution in Wisconsin waters.  The new criteria were developed by a collaboration of scientists, industry leaders, landowners and environmental advocates who utilized almost 20 years worth of scientific data.  The new rules establish a set of numeric criteria standard to control and limit phosphorus pollution.  The revised rules state 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.  As of December 2010, permits for industrial and municipal polluters were required with limits to prevent surface waters from having more phosphorus than these criteria establish.  “Point sources” that discharge phosphorus will be evaluated to comply with these criteria.

How Much Will Establishing These New Rules Cost?

The Wisconsin DNR has estimated that these new criteria will cost up to $900 million over the next ten years to implement.

Who is Challenging the New Rules?

Governor Scott Walker has directly challenged these new rules.  His recent budget proposal included an attempt to delay the implementation of the rules for at least two years.  Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce has also opposed the new rules, ignoring costs to Wisconsin’s economy of polluted waters and claiming that costs would be higher than the $900 million estimated by the DNR. The Midwest Food Processors Association also opposes the revised clean water rules.  Although repeal of these was included in the governor’s budget proposal, in early June 2011, the Joint Finance Committee struck down the governor’s attempts to delay the implementation of the new rules. Legislators intend to introduce a separate bill.

Who Supports the New Rules?

The following organizations support the implementation of the new phosphorus criteria: Wisconsin Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Clean Wisconsin, Sierra Club, Wisconsin Environment, Midwest Environmental Associates, The Wisconsin River Alliance, The Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, The Wisconsin Pork Association, The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, Municipal Environmental Group, and Wisconsin Corn Growers Association. Other groups support keeping the rule but have not stated as much publicly.

What Do These New Rules Mean For Wisconsin?

For the past 70 years, Wisconsin has been leading the nation in attempt to reduce and control phosphorus pollution in surface waters.  These new rules would help maintain Wisconsin’s status as a leader in clean water policies.  By maintaining these new rules, Wisconsin protects the fishing and tourism industries, as well as maintaining waterfront property values. The new rules would also help ensure the physical and ecological health of Wisconsin residents, wildlife and ecosystems for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

Where Can I Get More Information?

ELPC Take Action Campaign: Defend Wisconsin Clean Waters

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Media kit on phosphorus rules

Midwest Environmental Advocates: Phosphorous Pollution – An Environmental, Economic and Public Health Threat to Wisconsin

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!