RTA meeting: Land use, transit decisions must mesh

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

From a letter to the editor of The Capital Times from Phil and Libby Lewis:

Dear Editor:
We are at a critical juncture with regard to dealing with high energy costs, inefficient transportation and land use policies, and environmental degradation.

With regard to the ongoing debate over land use and transportation decisions for Dane County and municipalities within the county, in a time of restricted economic activity, the priorities of our citizens are in a state of flux.

The Dane County League of Women Voters will hold a forum to address these matters and the proposed referendum on a regional transit authority at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Capitol Lakes Grand Hall, 333 W. Main St. Viewpoints on the best transit system for the county will be presented by David Trowbridge, Transport 2020 project manager; Keith Plasterer, president, Pro-Rail Wisconsin; Susan Schmitz, director, Downtown Madison Inc.; and Bruce Speight, field director, WISPIRG. A discussion will follow their presentation.

One purpose of the meeting will be to acquaint people with the RTA and what it can do - what the cost/benefit ratio would be.

It is time to make things work better rather than looking at progress as a series of minute decreases in environmental quality, quality of life, health of people, all living things, and our resources (cultural, social, environmental, physical and economic).

Interestingly enough, an improved transportation network depends on having developed areas fairly densely populated, avoiding sprawl over the landscape, and using more efficient transportation options that are inherently more comfortable and convenient.

The most important factor in the whole mix is water. Effective land use and transportation policies and methods are the best tools for preserving and improving the quality and quantity of our surface and sub-surface water.

The spine of all our plans for the future is an integrated, multi-modal transportation system as well as intercity transportation.

Madison Solar Street Fair, Oct. 3

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The City of Madison, Madison Gas and Electric, Focus on Energy, solar Installers, and other organizations will have displays and information regarding solar energy and more! Be part of the answer, the future and the sun!

Saturday, October 3rd from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. - Just off the Square

Come and Learn about Solar Energy! It's Free!

Dueling survey results differ on climate change and energy

Monday, September 28, 2009

Two surveys released on September 28, 2009, produced widely different results on Wisconsinites' opinions on climate change and renewable energy.

From a news release about the survey conducted by the Forest County Potawatomi:


[Crandon, Wisc.] In anticipation of state legislation to reduce greenhouse gasses which cause climate change, a recent statewide poll shows a majority of Wisconsin voters favor action by the State of Wisconsin to reduce carbon emissions.

When asked, “Do you favor or oppose the State of Wisconsin taking action to reduce (its) emissions of gases like carbon dioxide in Wisconsin that cause global warming?” nearly three-fourths of voters (70%) favor the State of Wisconsin taking action to reduce carbon emissions. Only 24% of voters oppose taking action.

Support for action to reduce emissions also crosses party lines, with majorities of Republicans (53%), independents (67%) and Democrats (87%) favoring action by the State of Wisconsin.

“Carbon pollution threatens to dramatically change our world for the worse,” said Forest County Potawatomi Attorney General Jeff Crawford. “We have a responsibility to our children and grandchildren to be good stewards of the environment.”

The poll also found that two-thirds of Wisconsin voters favor requiring utilities to generate 25% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

From the press release on the survey conducted by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce:

MADISON – With jobs dominating the public’s mind, a statewide poll of voters found over 60 percent say Wisconsin should not enact its own global warming policies, favoring national and international approaches, WMC reported Monday.

Also, voters oppose global warming proposals that hit them in the pocketbook with increased energy prices or potential job losses, the poll found. In 2007, Governor Jim Doyle convened a Global Warming Task Force that called for numerous new regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The Legislature is likely to consider some of those proposals later this session.

Columbia ParCar at forefront of electric vehicles

Friday, September 25, 2009

From an article by Karen Rivedal in the Wisconsin State Journal:

The U.S. Army's recent order for 799 of the electric vehicles made by Columbia ParCar Corp. in Reedsburg will be a financial boon, no doubt.

It's the single largest order ever - taken by any producer of electric vehicles at any time - in the fledgling industry's history, company president Todd Sauey said, and it'll be worth nearly seven figures for Columbia if it's filled by December as required.

But it was the vote of confidence the order represents, especially during this difficult economic period, that the company especially values, Sauey said.

"It indicates to us that we're doing the right things, in very trying and troubling times," he said. "It's not easy out there and I know a lot of businesses that are suffering like crazy. This order from the government helps us in a significant way."

Sauey's company designs and sells a variety of battery-charged, all-electric vehicles for moving people and materials, from small golf carts to commercial/industrial models capable of carrying up to 6,000 pounds and a dozen people. The vehicles are manufactured in Reedsburg by a sister company, Seats Inc., and customers for the vehicles, which range in retail price from $3,500 to more than $30,000, include airports, zoos, college campuses, factories, hospitals and sports stadiums.

Badger Bus continues service cuts

Thursday, September 24, 2009

From: Scott Kreisler
Date: Sep 23, 2009 7:17 AM
Subject: Badger Bus Schedule Change

Hello and thank you for your letter. With our Madison depot closing, we no longer make stops on East Washington Avenue. With this change, customers who have used the East Washington stops will need to either come to the Memorial Union, Kelley’s Market on West Washington or Dutch Mill. While we understand that this change will cause inconvenience to some, we feel this change, and especially our new stop at Dutch Mill, allows us to offer a better location that can serve not only the East Side passengers but the West Side and South Side passengers who previously had to go downtown to catch the bus. For years, we have had customers ask us to make the stop at Dutch Mill and with our passenger load counts from Dutch Mill after less than a month of service; it has shown us that this change is indeed appreciated and being utilized.

From: Scott Kreisler
Date: Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Subject: RE: Badger Bus Schedule Change

At this time, we have not made plans to stop at the new Greyhound station. As far as we understand that location near Woodmans has not been finalized yet so there is still some uncertainty in that move. On the way back from Milwaukee the only bus that will make any stops on East Washington is the 7am departure. All other buses will make the stop at Dutch Mill on their schedules. Please write back if I can be of further assistance. Thank you.

Scott Kreisler
Badger Bus

Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara sustainability meeting, Sept. 26

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

An e-mail invitation from Don Ferber:

The Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara Neighborhood Association will be holding a meeting this Saturday from 9:30 - 11:30 AM at the Goodman Community Center to discuss sustainability in the Atwood neighborhood area. It will include a slide show on the Vauban neighborhood of Freiburg, Germany, a neighborhood that has only 95 cars, enough solar power to energize homes for 5500 people, kids play safely in the streets, and people easily walk and bike to neighborhood businesses.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009


The barrel, created by Nate Pinney and pulled behind his bike in the Willy Street Parade, drove home the point. People would walk by the table and say, "Imagine a world without oil. Yeah!" Or people would stop and ask questions.

Thanks, Nate.

Thanks for the photo, Marie!

DOE names MGE green power program nation's best

Monday, September 21, 2009

From a news release issued by Madison Gas and Electric:

Madison, Wis., Sept. 16, 2009—Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) received the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Utility Green Power Program of the Year Award. The award was announced at the Green Power Leadership Awards banquet in Atlanta, Georgia.

DOE's awards recognize the country's top individuals, companies and organizations that are significantly advancing the development and use of green energy. "The Department of Energy applauds these organizations for taking a leading role in advancing markets for renewable energy," said Secretary Steven Chu.

"We share this prestigious award with our customers who helped us achieve this top national ranking," said Gary Wolter, MGE chairman, president and chief executive officer.

MGE was recognized for expanding its wind power program by eight times, significantly reducing the price premium and growing the number of participants purchasing 100% green power to 70%. The company was also recognized for its Clean Power Partners program which helped stimulate the local solar market through education and a premium buyback rate. Ten percent of MGE's electric customers purchase some or all of their electricity from renewable resources. MGE's green pricing program has the second highest participation rate of all investor-owned utilities in the country according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Participate with MPOG at the Willy Street Fair

Friday, September 18, 2009


RENEW Wisconsin and the Madison Peak Oil Group will have a table in the 1000 block of Williamson Street for the fair on Sunday. Everyone is welcome to volunteer to talk to people who stop by.

We can also march in the truly unique parade. We have a 55 gallon drum to pulldown the street with a message about the last barrel of oil. I’ll be wearing a t-shirt with the slogan prepare for peak oil and riding my electric moped. Feel free to make signs about peak oil to carry in the parade. Someone dressed as a fat-cat oil magnate would be great too. Nothing is too outrageous for the parade! More parade details here.

Pre-parade assembly is set for 10:15 a.m. in the former Star Photo Parking Lot, 924 Williamson St. Just wander around until you find other peak oilers.

IMHO, the Willy St. Fair is Madison’s #1 event of the summer!

New rules for wind projects clear Assembly

Thursday, September 17, 2009

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2009

MORE INFORMATION
Michael Vickerman
RENEW Wisconsin
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org

Wisconsin wind energy prospects advanced with bipartisan Assembly support for legislation to set uniform statewide permitting rules.

Under the Wind for Wisconsin umbrella, more than 60 organizations as diverse as unions, trade associations, environmental advocates, health groups, and renewable energy manufacturers sought uniform permitting standards for future wind developments.

As in the State Senate, Senate Bill 185 won bipartisan approval from 48 Democrats and 17 Republicans voting in favor of passage.

Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a nonprofit sustainable energy advocacy organization, expects Governor Doyle to sign the bill into law.

“The Assembly’s vote is critical to reviving the development of a high priority renewable energy resource in accordance with Wisconsin energy policy,” said Vickerman.

“We believe that wind energy suppliers will see the action as an invitation to locate and do business in Wisconsin. Our economy will benefit from the investment and jobs in a sustainable energy future,” Vickerman said.

“We look forward to working with the Public Service Commission in shaping the specific standards for permitting wind projects,” Vickerman said.

“RENEW and our members thank Rep. James Soletski (D-Green Bay) and Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay) for guiding the proposal through the Assembly. The entire legislature should be proud of this accomplishment, which we view as a prerequisite for a more aggressive renewable energy standard likely to be included in a comprehensive global warming legislative package,” commented Vickerman.

The bill now goes to Governor Doyle for his signature before becoming law.

Read additional statements from Rep. James Soletski and Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan.

Columbia ParCar at forefront of electric vehicles

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

From an article by Karen Rivedal in the Wisconsin State Journal:

The U.S. Army's recent order for 799 of the electric vehicles made by Columbia ParCar Corp. in Reedsburg will be a financial boon, no doubt.

It's the single largest order ever - taken by any producer of electric vehicles at any time - in the fledgling industry's history, company president Todd Sauey said, and it'll be worth nearly seven figures for Columbia if it's filled by December as required.

But it was the vote of confidence the order represents, especially during this difficult economic period, that the company especially values, Sauey said.

"It indicates to us that we're doing the right things, in very trying and troubling times," he said. "It's not easy out there and I know a lot of businesses that are suffering like crazy. This order from the government helps us in a significant way."

Sauey's company designs and sells a variety of battery-charged, all-electric vehicles for moving people and materials, from small golf carts to commercial/industrial models capable of carrying up to 6,000 pounds and a dozen people. The vehicles are manufactured in Reedsburg by a sister company, Seats Inc., and customers for the vehicles, which range in retail price from $3,500 to more than $30,000, include airports, zoos, college campuses, factories, hospitals and sports stadiums.

State Senate strongly backs new rules for wind projects

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2009

MORE INFORMATION
Michael Vickerman
RENEW Wisconsin
608.255.4044
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org

In a show of bipartisan support, the State Senate approved legislation that will open the door to new wind energy projects in Wisconsin.

Under the Wind for Wisconsin umbrella, more than 60 organizations as diverse as unions, trade associations, environmental advocates, health groups, and renewable energy manufacturers sought uniform permitting standards for future wind developments.

Six Republicans joined 17 Democrats to pass Senate Bill 185. The legislation directs the Public Service Commission to begin a rulemaking process that will lead to greater certainty and predictability in siting wind generation facilities.

“The Senate’s vote is critical to reviving the development of a high priority renewable energy resource in accordance with Wisconsin energy policy,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a nonprofit sustainable energy advocacy organization.

“We believe that the wind energy suppliers will see the action as an invitation to locate and do business in Wisconsin. Our economy will benefit from the investment and jobs in a sustainable energy future,” Vickerman said.

“RENEW Wisconsin and its members thank the bill’s primary authors, Senator Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee) and Senator Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac), the leadership of both parties, and all of the state senators who recognized the need for a statewide approach to permitting windpower installations,” Vickerman added .

The Assembly will vote on the companion bill later this week. Then it will go to the governor.

Columbia ParCar at forefront of electric vehicles

Monday, September 14, 2009

From an article by Karen Rivedal in the Wisconsin State Journal:

The U.S. Army's recent order for 799 of the electric vehicles made by Columbia ParCar Corp. in Reedsburg will be a financial boon, no doubt.

It's the single largest order ever - taken by any producer of electric vehicles at any time - in the fledgling industry's history, company president Todd Sauey said, and it'll be worth nearly seven figures for Columbia if it's filled by December as required.

But it was the vote of confidence the order represents, especially during this difficult economic period, that the company especially values, Sauey said.

"It indicates to us that we're doing the right things, in very trying and troubling times," he said. "It's not easy out there and I know a lot of businesses that are suffering like crazy. This order from the government helps us in a significant way."

Sauey's company designs and sells a variety of battery-charged, all-electric vehicles for moving people and materials, from small golf carts to commercial/industrial models capable of carrying up to 6,000 pounds and a dozen people. The vehicles are manufactured in Reedsburg by a sister company, Seats Inc., and customers for the vehicles, which range in retail price from $3,500 to more than $30,000, include airports, zoos, college campuses, factories, hospitals and sports stadiums.

Fall 2009 Community Environmental Forum

Friday, September 11, 2009

From an extensive listing of presentations sponsored The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies:

Fall Theme: Economic and Social Dimensions of Climate Change Impacts
All forum sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 - 7:00pm
1106 Mechanical Engineering

September 15
Wisconsin's Changing Climate: Recent Trends and New Projections
Christopher Kucharik, Assistant Professor, Agronomy & Environmental Studies and Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment; Daniel Vimont, Assistant Professor, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research

September 29
Potential Impacts of Changes in Wisconsin's Precipitation Patterns
Speakers: Kenneth Potter, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chair, Water Resources Management Program; Kenneth Bradbury, Hydrogeologist, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey

October 13
Adaptation in Agriculture and Forestry
Avery Dorland, Forest Geneticist and Nursery Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; other speakers to be announced

October 27
Climate Change and Our Sense of Place
Curt Meine, Director for Conservation Biology and History, Center for Humans and Nature, and Senior Fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation; other speakers to be announced

November 10
Decision Making Under Risk
Lauren Azar, Commissioner, Wisconsin Public Service Commission; Sean Dilweg, Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance

November 24
Working Toward a Positive Future
Speakers to be announced

Public comment invited on proposed UW-Madison heating plant project

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

A news release from the UW-Madison:

A public informational meeting about the proposed rebuilding of the Charter Street Heating Plant at UW-Madison will include representatives of UW-Madison and an external design team.

The "scoping meeting" will cover a proposal to expand and rebuild the plant, with information presented by UW-Madison's Facilities, Planning and Management and the P3M/Potter Lawson Group. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 5:30-8 p.m. in UW-Madison's Welcome Center (Rooms 1106 and 1108), 21 N. Park St. Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in the adjacent parking ramp.

Alan Fish, associate vice chancellor for facilities, will present a brief description of the project and its potential impacts. The meeting, which will include visual displays and a public comment period, precedes the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) by Ayres and Associates.

"As we go through the design process, we want to get as much input as we can to make sure we cover any concerns from the public," says John Harrod, director of the university's Physical Plant.

Impacts identified during the scoping process will be incorporated into a draft EIS, which will be made available to the public for a 45-day review period and circulated to appropriate federal, state and local agencies.

The proposed project would eliminate the heating plant's use of coal fuel and move to the use of biomass. Expansion would include new boilers; a new steam turbine; rail delivery-system upgrades for biomass; and demolition, rebuilding and replacement of existing coal-fired boilers. The $250 million project is targeted to start in May 2010 with anticipated completion by December 2013.

Edgewater Hotel redevelopment: So “last century!”

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

An op-ed letter by Dave Steffenson about the Edgewater Hotel development plan:

The Edgewater Hotel developers and Mayor Dave ignore the scientific fact that, “You can’t have infinite growth on a finite planet!” Edgewater’s business plan is so “last century!” Madison’s economic elite has convinced green (sic) Mayor Dave that only land developers can make us prosper.

After initial construction, hotels provide mainly low-wage jobs and pull down the local economy while our Capitol disappears behind their ugly inefficient high-rise buildings.

Instead of a temporary recession, we are really retracting toward a smaller, sustainable, steady state, middle-class economy where most people can work and have modest prosperity, but getting rich is obsolete. Let’s not give away our taxes to enrich a few while they destroy what makes Madison unique. Rather than insult us by branding our current city as “blighted,” TIF funds could be used to refurbish and retrofit existing buildings, or build creative new energy-efficient buildings, all across our city.

While we learn how to live within natural limits, eliminate carbon-based energy, and cope with diminishing oil supplies; gasoline and aviation fuel prices will soon skyrocket. In a few years, there won’t be any “destination hotels” serving national conferences, business travelers or tourists. Business folks and conference goers will stay home and communicate electronically. Let’s finance our transition to a city that really works for all with our TIF money.

Dave Steffenson, Director
The Upstream Institute for Ecological Ethics
Madison, WI

Local food and energy fun at SMART Cookout, Sept. 8, Madison

Friday, September 04, 2009

Energy Hub is teaming up with WE CONSERVE, Engineers without Borders, and REthink Wisconsin to bring you a fun and educational event on Library Mall. Come enjoy some FREE grilled sweet corn, in-season apples, and learn more about renewable energy, smart recycling, and conservation!

"Energy Hub (eHub) is a center where UW-Madison student organizations can explore, discuss and take part in the future of energy.

"We exist to connect existing student organizations that are interested in energy issues. By linking organizations with a common focus, we hope to make energy events and news more accessible to students, and provide a forum for open discussion of energy issues.

"We also aim to connect the student body with professionals in the energy industry. This serves to encourage communication between academics and industry, as well as linking students with future career and internship opportunities."

Several upcoming events

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

From an email sent by Barbara Smith:

*Sept. 17
Will Allen with Growing Power speaks
special intro event with WI Book Fest (link below)

*"Mad City Chickens"
Outdoor Film at Willy St. Coop
Sat. Sept. 19
8:30pm

*Williamson St. Fair & Parade
Sun. Sept. 20th

*World Car Free Day
(stay tuned for details on events planned in Madison)
9/22/2009

*Food for Thought Festival
Saturday, Sept. 26, 8am - 1:30pm
MLK Blvd. (off Capitol Square), during the farmer's market
Guest speaker: Michael Pollan
www.reapfoodgroup.org

*"Greening of Southie"
(documentary about a new green building going up in South Boston)
Outdoor Film at Willy St. Coop
Saturday, Sept. 26th
8:30pm

*Wisconsin Book Festival: Courage
Oct. 10-11
Large number of presenters, events
Keynote: Wendell Berry, 4pm, Overture (get a ticket for free admission)
http://www.wisconsinbookfestival.org

*Worldwide Call for Global Warming Actions
A call to put our world on course to get back to 350ppm. Ahead of the
Copenhagen meetings. Watch for local events.
Oct. 24th everywhere
www.350.org

*Future Cities Conference, Post-Carbon, Post-Nuclear
Nov. 5-8

*Environmental Film Fest @ UW!
Tales from Planet Earth
Nov. 6-8, 2009
http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/tales