Brown bag lunches on climate change

Friday, August 21, 2009

From Clean Wisconsin:

Senate and Assembly leaders are currently drafting clean energy legislation based on the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force recommendations.

Bring your lunch to this series of policy briefings that will provide overviews of those policies and allow legislators and staff to have their questions answered by some of the state’s leading experts on these topics.

August 26: Energy Efficiency, 12-1 pm Capitol - 400 SE
The Governor’s Global Warming Task Force recommends that Wisconsin reduce its electricity use by 2% per year. Energy efficiency experts will discuss how that goal and other Task Force policy recommendations can be achieved in Wisconsin.

Keith Reopelle, Senior Policy Director, Clean Wisconsin
Susan Stratton, Executive Director, Energy Center of Wisconsin
Clay Nesler, VP, Building Efficiency, Global Energy and Sustainability, Johnson Controls

September 2: Renewable Electricity Standard, 12-1 pm Capitol - 425 SW
Current Wisconsin law requires utilities to produce 10% of their energy from renewable resources, and the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force recommended an increase to 25% by 2025. Renewable energy business, utilities and environmentalists will discuss the importance of this higher standard for Wisconsin.

Peter Taglia, Staff Scientist, Clean Wisconsin
Kristine Krause, Vice President – Environmental, WE Energies
Curt Bjurlin, EcoEnergy LLC, Project Developer

September 30: Midwestern Governors Assoc., Greenhouse Gas Accord, 12-1 pm Capitol - 425 SW
At the direction of six Midwestern Governors, a roadmap was developed for a Midwest cap and trade program to regulate greenhouse gas emissions throughout the region. Members of this MGA process will discuss the recommendation process and what it would mean for Wisconsin.

Keith Reopelle, Senior Policy Director, Clean Wisconsin
Roy Thilly, CEO, Wisconsin Public Power Inc.

October 14: Low Carbon Fuel Standard 12-1 pm Capitol - 425 SW
A Low Carbon Fuel Standard ensures that oil and fuel distributors begin switching to the cleanest, most efficient fuel sources including biofuels and renewable electricity. Discussions will focus on the impacts of an LCFS on Wisconsin.

Peter Taglia, Staff Scientist, Clean Wisconsin
Mary Blanchard, Director of Marketing, Virent Energy Systems
Gary Radloff, Director of Policy and Strategic Communications, DATCP

Speakers are subject to change. For more information, please contact Keith Reopelle at (608) 251-7020, ext. 11 or kreopelle@cleanwisconsin.org

Mayor recognizes the high cost of driving

Thursday, August 20, 2009

From a post on the Madison mayor's blog:

There was an "Eggs & Issues" forum this morning on the proposed Regional Transit Authority. It was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and it featured Kathleen Falk, Verona Mayor Jon Hochkammer and myself. It was a very good discussion, but we got the inevitable question from an audience member who I guess listens to too much talk radio. He went on for awhile about how expensive transit is and how drivers pay their own way.

He's wrong and here are the facts. The general City of Madison taxpayer support for Madison Metro's bus routes weighs in at about $8 million a year. The riders themselves pay over $11 million more and the rest of Metro's budget comes from state and federal sources. Compare that to what we do for drivers. The total Traffic Engineering budget is $8 million and this year we're spending $32 million on general fund support for building and rebuilding streets.

So when you add it all up we're spending a minimum of about $40 million on things directly related to driving while we spend about $8 million on Metro transit. Moreover, none of the costs attributable to driving are paid for directly by drivers. Instead those costs are borne entirely by general taxpayers, mostly property tax payers, while a fifth of the bus budget comes from actual users.

Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing, Oct. 6-8, Milwaukee

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Wisconsin Machine Tool Show (WMTS) features an Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion to introduce show participants to energy efficient, lean, green, and sustainable manufacturing processes.

The American Wind Energy Association will have a presentation on the wind industry supply chain.

Dave Jenkins from the Office of Energy Independence will update show attendees on ARRA programs and funds.

The German-American Chamber of Commerce will make two presentations:
+ Energy Efficiency in Germany: How U.S. Manufacturers Can Benefit;
+ Supply Chain Opportunities in Renewable Energy.

Focus on Energy will be the Gold Sponsor of the Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion. They plan to make a presentation each day of the show:
+ Controlling your Energy Costs - An overview of Focus on Energy;
+ A Case Study on Energy Efficiency;
+ Save Energy, Save Money - Getting started with energy self-assessments for small-mid size industrial facilities.

MATC’s Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing and RENEW are also sponsors.

Fare rise reduces ridership

Monday, August 17, 2009

From an article by Dean Mosiman in the Wisconsin State Journal:

Since a controversial bus fare hike in April, Metro Transit ridership has dipped and revenue is below projections.

Metro, which had a 30-year peak in ridership in 2008, saw monthly ridership increases from January through April over last year.

But since April, when cash fares rose to $2 from $1.50 and the cost of ticket packages and passes also increased, ridership dropped 1.3 percent in May and nearly 1 percent in June.

Metro’s revenue is increasing but is $440,000 behind projections for the first six months of 2009.

Metro general manager Chuck Kamp said he is confident ridership will increase about 1.4 percent to 13.5 million by the end of the year — about what was projected. But that’s far below a 6 percent projected increase if there had been no fare hike.

Meanwhile, revenues are estimated to be about $400,000 short of projections by the end of the year, Kamp said.

But Metro expects to get savings through fuel prices, wages and other means and will balance its budget, he said.

"We’ll get back on track," he said. "It might take a little bit longer than we thought."

But Metro’s ridership and revenue report for the first six-months of 2008 is causing concern.

Where should the Madison train station go?

Thursday, August 13, 2009

An article by Jeramey Jannene in Urban Milwaukee gives a Milwaukeean's point of view:

Things look good for high-speed rail (110mph max speed) to be connecting Milwaukee and Madison courtesy of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The state has actively drafted plans for the route and conducted environmental assessments to put Wisconsin as close to first in line as possible if and when capital funding were to become available. The stimulus package provides just the perfect opportunity.

While we won’t know if Wisconsin gets the funds until the final months of the year at the earliest, the announcement that Talgo will locate in Wisconsin and that $47 million in train equipment will be purchased from Talgo seems to indicate that Governor Doyle is either extremely confident we’ll get the money, or has received a verbal promise.

Milwaukee has recently invested in an excellent, centrally-located intermodal station that will provide an excellent hub on the line. The Milwaukee Intermodal Station itself is near a number of bus transit routes, will likely be served by the coming streetcar, and is even within walking distance of numerous destinations. It also features a lot of available, low-cost parking, which encourages many to take the Amtrak Hiawatha to Chicago from further off neighborhoods and suburbs. Also important, the development potential of the site is limited only the looming presence of Interstate 794, something that eventually be overcome. . . .

What does Madison have? Well at the moment, nothing. The plan is, however, for the stop to be located at the Dane County Airport in Madison.

What does the airport provide in terms of opportunity? For starters at least a $12 cab ride to the Capitol. Sure it provides parking, but at a cost greater than the parking in an urban location in Milwaukee.

There are few to no development opportunities at the airport itself, which of course enforces building height restrictions. The proposed station site is a big parking lot shared with the airport that can never be developed, and it is constrained by a creek and other wetlands. Without connections to an urban context or a street grid, walking to the station will never happen, and taking a bus isn’t much better. The current single bus route that serves the airport requires a transfer at Madison Metro’s North Transfer Point to reach downtown.

Stoughton homeowners begin net zero energy pursuit

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

From a news release issued by WPPI Energy:

STOUGHTON, WIS., August 12 - Homeowners John and Rebecca Scheller are constructing one of the region's first net zero energy homes (NZEH) in the WPPI Energy member service territory of Stoughton Utilities. Together with Stoughton Utilities and WPPI Energy, John and Rebecca Scheller celebrated the kickoff of their environmentally responsible building project Wednesday, August 12.

A NZEH is one that produces at least as much energy as it consumes. Through WPPI Energy's GreenMax Home initiative, the Schellers' NZEH will combine renewable energy technologies with advanced energy-efficient construction, generating more power than it uses for a net zero impact on the nation's energy supply. The Schellers' home will raise awareness of the NZEH concept while demonstrating practical ways to save energy and use renewable resources at home.

"We are excited to support the Schellers as they begin the pursuit of net zero energy use and demonstrate their commitment to environmental
stewardship," said Senior Vice President of Customer Services and Administration Tom Paque. "With their GreenMax Home, the Schellers will showcase how normal construction practices, lifestyle and behavior changes, and an eye for details can enhance the efficiency of any
home."

Paque presented the Schellers with initial GreenMax Home funding in the amount of $18,000. WPPI Energy will provide a total of $42,000 in GreenMax Home funding for the Schellers' project. An additional $18,000 payment will be awarded once construction of the home is complete, and a final $6,000 will be awarded after the Schellers have demonstrated net zero energy use for one year.

Although unique in its goal of net zero energy use, the home's construction methods are similar to most average homes today. Attention to basic details, such as insulation and air sealing, will help make the home far more efficient. The Schellers will work with Shaw Building & Design, Inc. and WPPI Energy to construct their NZEH, advancing the home's status from highly efficient to net zero.

Key design features of the home include:

- All electric home
- Two ground source heat pumps that will extract heat from the ground and provide heating, cooling and hot water
- Two pole-mounted 2.88 kilowatt arrays of solar photovoltaic panels
- Simple New England Saltbox design making the house easy to insulate and seal
- Structural plumbing with advanced designs and controls to reduce hot water waste and energy use
- Building shell improvements, including ENERGY STAR windows, special attention to air sealing, and increased insulation levels.

Sun power heats Verona aquatic center

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

From an article by Kevin Bargnes in the Wisconsin State Journal:

It’s not just the campers and sunbathers soaking in the rays at Verona’s Goodman Aquatic Center anymore.

Joining them are 45 new solar panels installed this summer to heat the 5,500-square-foot pool.

The $80,000 project, funded in part with a $7,500 grant from the state’s renewable energy initiative, Focus on Energy, will eventually pay for itself.

Heaters at the pool are constantly running and are kept particularly high on cloudy days and at night. As a result the pool has spent an average of $18,000 on propane each summer since it opened in 2002.

"These are special," says Jamie Gepner, management and marketing director for the Goodman Jewish Community Campus, which owns the pool. "We’re not the first to do it, but we’re one of the first pools open to the public in (the) Madison (area) and even in Wisconsin to do this."

Program restarts: Badgers love 'Clunkers' cash

Monday, August 10, 2009

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

The experts continue to debate the pros and cons of the "Cash for Clunkers" rebate program, but Wisconsin car buyers have already given it a big thumbs-up.

Wisconsin is 10th in the amount of cash requested from the program based on figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation released this week.

Of the nearly $775 million in clunker cash requests so far, more than $24 million came from Wisconsin. Michigan, California and Ohio were the top three states.

The U.S. Senate has approved another $2 billion for the program, which was initially funded with $1 billion.

Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System Act, the measure provides up to $4,500 in taxpayer subsidy for those who trade in an old vehicle for a more efficient model. To qualify, the old car needs to get 18 miles per gallon or less while the new one must get at least 22 mpg.

Madison needs train service to major airport

Friday, August 07, 2009

A letter to the editor of The Capital Times by Steven Rockwell:

Dear Editor: It's great to see all the articles on upcoming rail travel possibilities in Madison. I do think the planners are sometimes missing the mark.

I travel to Switzerland eight times a year on business and always travel from Zurich to Basel via train. The trains run every hour, on time, are spotlessly clean and run directly from the airport to the center of Basel about 60 miles away. I never fly from Madison unless I have a direct U.S. destination; I always drive to O'Hare as the connecting flights from Madison are not dependable enough.

I would love to board a train in downtown Madison and be delivered directly to Mitchell Field or O'Hare, but the trains would have to run on a frequent, on-time schedule and at a reasonable price.

In reality, we don't need an airport in Madison as much as we need good train service to a major airport.

A regional transit authority should include more than just trains

Thursday, August 06, 2009

A letter to the editor of the local newspapers sent by Susan De Vos, Madison Area Bus Advocates:

Back in April, an opinion letter in this paper asked for clarity as to what a regional transit authority (RTA) here meant. We reiterate that call for clarity. Many people seem to mistakenly believe that an RTA in the greater Madison Area would initially only be about commuter rail. In fact, an RTA here should be multi-modal. Initially, it should oversee a vastly improved and expanded bus system.

An RTA’s main focus should be on improving urban transit within the Madison RTA area. In fact, Madison Area Bus Advocates believes that we should have an RTA whose priority is to improve and expand our current transit system first. We feel it is essential that bus transit be expanded to include express buses (buses stopping infrequently to make transit more time-competitive with cars). Only after our existing bus system is improved and expanded to include express or rapid buses should we consider rail. Furthermore, the system needs to be expanded to serve the entire RTA area, not just Madison.

Another important function of the RTA should be to build and operate a multi-modal terminal (a hub) which would tie intercity bus (e.g., Van Galder, Badger Bus, and Greyhound) and expected intercity passenger rail to our local transit system. Note that the Madison Area will no longer have an intercity bus terminal after the closing of the Badger terminal at the end of this month.

Before we are asked to vote on whether we want an RTA in this area, we need to know what we are voting on – and that must include a vastly improved and expanded bus system.

Ride in the Election Cycle, Sept. 27

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

From an announcement issued by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters:

A bike ride for the conservation majority

Help to raise awareness, funds and fun for the conservation majority
Sunday September 27th, 2009
Registration: 12:00 pm

Depart: 1:00 pm

Ride Closes: 5:00 pm
Departure / Return Point: WLCV office parking lot at 133 S. Butler Street, Madison, WI

•Choose from two tours:
◦A short ride of 25 miles along the well known Capital City Trail with 90% on bike trails. Ride includes trail access fee.
◦A long ride of 51 miles departing the Capital City loop (trail access fees included) and heading out on some challenging roads to Paoli then looping back [ Click here for a map of the long ride ]

•Warm-up laps and photo ops around Capitol Square at 1:00 pm
•Finish line fun
•Amazing prizes for the three riders with the highest sponsorship
•Water and snacks provided

Wind siting legislation expected to pass Senate committee

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

As predicted in the news release below, issued by Clean Wisconsin, the Senate committe voted 6 to 1 to recommend passage of the wind siting reform bill (Senate Bill 185):

MADISON — Wisconsin could soon see greater economic growth in the promising wind energy industry after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Energy, Utilities and Rail votes on Senate Bill 185 Tuesday. This bipartisan bill replaces the chaotic patchwork of local regulations with sensible statewide standards for permitting wind farms. The bill is scheduled for a committee vote at 2 p.m.

“Wind energy holds the potential to address many of the greatest problems facing our state — it can help our environment while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and creating jobs for Wisconsinites,” says Ryan Schryver, clean energy advocate for Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. “With so much to gain, we’re extremely encouraged that the legislature is poised to eliminate administrative barriers holding up the development of this industry.”

While wind developers stand ready to invest in Wisconsin’s economy and put Wisconsinites to work building wind farms, a complicated system of over-stringent local regulations currently puts our state at a disadvantage to neighboring states, stalling dozens of proposed wind farm developments in Wisconsin. As other industries have struggled in poor economic times and cut workers, the wind energy industry grew immensely in 2008, increasing its national workforce by 70 percent to over 85,000 workers.

Senate Bill 185, companion legislation to Assembly Bill 256 which passed the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities by a vote of 11-2 in early June, would charge the Wisconsin Public Service Commission with studying and determining permitting standards for wind farms to replace the current disorganized system that discourages the growth of the wind energy industry with sensible statewide standards.

Advocates make last-minute pitch to site Amtrak depot on isthmus

Monday, August 03, 2009

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

Fast forward to 2013.

President Barack Obama, fresh off a narrow re-election victory over Sarah Palin, is celebrating the opening of new Amtrak service between his hometown of Chicago and Madison.

Obama is riding with Gov. Jim Doyle and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz as the train rumbles past East Towne and under Wisconsin 30 and starts across East Washington Avenue.

"There's the Capitol," says Obama, looking out the window of a new Spanish-built Talgo passenger car. But instead of slowing, the train sweeps around the corner at First Street and starts heading back out of town.

"Wait a second," says the confused president. "I thought you promised we'd stop in Madison for a beer?"

Doyle looks sheepishly at Cieslewicz before answering.

"We will eventually stop, Mr. President, but the new Madison train station is actually out at the airport," an embarrassed Doyle explains. "We'll have to get a ride back into town."

"Forget that," says Obama, grabbing his briefcase and ordering the engineer to stop at East Johnson Street. "I'm thirsty. You airport guys can meet me later."

-------------------

With federal funding for rail service between Madison and Milwaukee tantalizingly close, a group of downtown advocates -- including a prominent real estate developer and a successful restaurant owner -- is making a pitch for locating a new train station at First Street and East Washington Avenue rather than the Dane County Regional Airport.

The so-called "Yahara Station" is on the existing mainline route that would bring Amtrak trains in from Milwaukee. Supporters note that the tracks at that point are just 1.7 miles from the Capitol, compared to 5.1 miles for the airport site.
Moreover, they argue a First Street location has unlimited potential for sparking "transit-oriented" development of apartments, stores or offices that could generate millions in new property tax revenues while providing a catalyst for the long-awaited overhaul of the blighted East Washington Avenue corridor.

"Compare that to the airport, where you have zero opportunity for anything like that," says Barry Gore, a Madison-based urban planner who has previously worked on transit issues in Chicago and the Twin Cities.

Too popular Cash for Clunkers suspended

Friday, July 31, 2009

From an article in the Wisconsin State Journal:

WASHINGTON — The government plans to suspend its popular "cash for clunkers" program amid concerns it could quickly use up the $1 billion in rebates for new car purchases, congressional officials said Thursday.

The Transportation Department called lawmakers’ offices to alert them to the decision to suspend the program at midnight Thursday. The program offers owners of old cars and trucks $3,500 or $4,500 toward a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. . . .

A White House official said later that officials were assessing the situation facing the popular program but auto dealers and consumers should have confidence that transactions under the program that already have taken place would be honored. . . .

Congress last month approved the Car Allowance Rebate System program, known as CARS, to boost auto sales and remove some inefficient cars and trucks from the roads. The program kicked off July 24 and was heavily publicized by car companies and auto dealers.

Through late Wednesday, 22,782 vehicles had been purchased through the program and nearly $96 million had been spent. But dealers raised concerns about large backlogs in the processing of the deals in the government system, prompting the suspension.

City of Madison to start recycling vehicle batteries

Thursday, July 30, 2009

From a news release issued by the City of Madison:

The City of Madison will now accept vehicle batteries at its two self help drop off sites. The sites are located at 1501 W. Badger Rd and 4602 Sycamore Av. This service is limited to City of Madison residents, property owners, and businesses.

"Vehicle batteries, also called lead acid batteries, can be easily recycled and there is a strong market for them," Madison recycling coordinator George Dreckmann said. "Residents usually recycle these batteries at retailers when they buy a new battery. However, we have received numerous requests from people who want to another option for recycling and we are pleased to be able to accept them at our self help sites."

The City of Madison will accept batteries form cars, truck, motorcycles, scooters, boats, golf carts, and forklifts. Also accepted will be lead acid batteries that are used in computer systems, electrical back up systems, emergency lighting, and medical devices.

Additional information is available at the Streets Division's web site www.cityofmadison.com/streets or by calling 267-2626.

Author promotes Slow Money

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

From an article by Susan Troller in The Capital Times:

A big new idea is a little like a seed; it needs fertile soil and a nurturing environment to flourish.

That’s why author, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Woody Tasch is in Madison, explaining and promoting his thoughts on Slow Money. It’s a bold perspective on financial investing focusing on getting local sources of money to support local businesses, especially those that have to do with the production of food.

Tasch, who has been part of a financial network that raised over $133 million since 1992 for about 200 ventures promoting sustainability, intends for Slow Money to become a national financial movement.

Judging by the enthusiastic response of a crowd of about 100 at Mills Hall on the University of Wisconsin campus Sunday evening, he may be onto something big.

Today Tasch is the featured speaker at a series of private workshops with food entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, financial experts, investors, policy directors and researchers.

“The current economic system is broken,” Tasch said flatly Sunday night. As evidence, he held up this week’s cover of The Economist, showing a textbook titled “Modern Economic Theory.” The book is melting.

“Money and investing must come back down to earth,” he added, as he argued for sustainability and responsibility in investing. Tasch believes this is an historic economic moment as we bump up against limits to growth.

What Tasch calls a restorative economy is at the heart of his new book, “Inquiries Into the Nature of Slow Money: Investing as if Food, Farms and Fertility Mattered.”

Madison architects advance to nationals in Green Building contest

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

From an article by Judy Lawrence in OnMilwaukee:

When the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a national non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable building design and construction, hosts the finals of its annual Natural Talent Design Competition at the Greenbuild Conference in Phoenix in November, future leaders in the green building movement from around the country will be on hand to present their innovative, integrated design ideas implementing learned principles of sustainability and social consciousness.

Among them will be Madison-based Flad Architects. Flad recently took first place at the local level of the Natural Design Competition, hosted in Milwaukee by the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and Walnut Way Conservation Corp., a resident-led, community development organization serving the neighborhood bound by North Avenue, 12th Street, Fond du Lac Avenue, Walnut Street and 20th Street.

Flad's five team members -- Cody Axness, Leigh Streit, Chitani Ndisale, Jeremy Braunschweig and Jon Rynish -- set out to create design solutions for the North Avenue corridor within the Walnut Way neighborhood according to LEED Green Building Rating System guidelines.

Each team was asked to consider an integrated design approach and address pedestrian safety, stormwater management and sustainable building practices on a 3.8-acre site that would include the following:

•Rehab of a three-story warehouse (36,000 square feet)
•Grocery store / co-op space (20,000-30,000 square feet)
•Restaurant (5,000 square feet)
•Educational and community gather space (24,000 square feet)
•Mixed use / residential space (30,000-40,0000 square feet)
•Community garden / open space (15,000-25,000 square feet)
•Pocket park / neighborhood playground (25,000-35,000 square feet)

Flad's design conquered the development in many facets, but primarily focused on "passive comfort," says Axness, Flad's landscape designer, who has degrees in both environmental design and landscape architecture. Passive comfort, he says, means using strategies that don't require energy to create comfortable interior environments, such as constructing buildings in ways that optimize solar gains in winter and natural ventilation in summer.

Flad tackled the ongoing city-wide issue of stormwater runoff by including cycling bio-filtration swales, constructed wetlands, rain gardens and green roofs.

"Our design approaches the issue of excess runoff as an opportunity to lessen the need for potable city water for non-potable purposes like irrigation and flushing toilets," Axness says.

Cash for Clunkers kicks off

Monday, July 27, 2009

From a news release issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation:

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today kicked off a buyer incentive program designed to help consumers purchase new fuel efficient vehicles and boost the economy at the same time. The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), commonly referred to as Cash for Clunkers, is a new federal program that gives buyers up to $4,500 towards a new, more environmentally-friendly vehicle when they trade-in their old gas guzzling cars or trucks.

“With this program, we are giving the auto industry a shot in the arm and struggling consumers can get rid of their gas-guzzlers and buy a more reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle,” Secretary LaHood said. “This is good news for our economy, the environment and consumers’ pocketbooks.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also released the final eligibility requirements to participate in the program. Under the CARS program, consumers receive a $3,500 or $4,500 discount from a car dealer when they trade in their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new, qualifying vehicle. In order to be eligible for the program, the trade-in passenger vehicle must: be manufactured less than 25 years before the date it is traded in; have a combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less; be in drivable condition; and be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year before the trade-in. Transactions must be made between now and November 1, 2009 or until the money runs out.

The vehicle that is traded in will be scrapped. NHTSA estimates the program could take approximately 250,000 vehicles that are not fuel efficient off the road.

Hilldale enacts anti-idling rules

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

From an article by Deidre Green in The Capital Times:

Hilldale Shopping Center is the first mall in Wisconsin, and one of the first in the nation, with anti-idling rules for trucks.

Tim Metcalfe, co-owner of Metcalfe’s Sentry at Hilldale, heard about the amount of waste diesel trucks emit while idling, and decided to do something about it. He led a campaign to prevent idling trucks from spewing smog.

“Outside of Metcalfe’s Sentry alone, we had trucks idling for a combined 15 hours every day. By simply requiring them to turn off their gas, we’re basically preventing nearly 110,000 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere yearly,” Metcalfe said in a press statement.

The group lobbying for restrictions on unnecessary idling is hosting a press conference at Metcalfe’s Sentry on Tuesday at 2 p.m. to report the amount of fuel the rule will conserve once it goes into effect.

RENEW testimony supports Excel conversion of generation plant to wood

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

From the direct testimony of Michael Vickerman on behalf of RENEW Wisconsin:

Q. What is the purpose of your testimony?
A. The purpose of my testimony is to communicate our organization’s support for the installation of a biomass gasification system that would produce biomass-derived synthetic gas (“syngas”) for serving Northern States Power’s Bay Front Unit #5.

Q. Why does RENEW support this particular application?
A. We note the following public policy objectives that would be advanced if the proposal submitted by Northern States Power Corporation (“NSPW”) were approved. These objectives include:
1) Meeting Wisconsin’s current Renewable Energy Standard;
2) Eliminating a source of coal-fired power from its system;
3) Using a locally available renewable energy resource;
4) Reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other gaseous pollutants;
5) Maintaining a strong generation source in northern Wisconsin; and
6) Investing Wisconsin capital in a renewable energy generating facility power plant within its borders.

Northeast Neighborhoods plan "deeply disappointing"

Monday, July 20, 2009

From a commentary by Michael Vickerman, member, City of Madison Sustainable Design and Energy Committee:

The Northeast Neighborhoods Plan is a deeply disappointing exercise in sustainable and forward-looking urban design. All of the rhetorical flourishes and modest gestures toward sustainability cannot disguise the essence of the plan, which is to continue the fundamentally unsustainable practice of reserving relatively undeveloped and distant parcels of land for future highly urbanized development that may or may not ever materialize. There is no immediate reason to absorb this parcel of land into greater Madison. Between the deteriorating conditions in the local commercial and residential real estate marketplace and the current excess of vacant land already zoned for development, it is doubtful that development pressure will return to boom levels any time soon, if ever at all. And, from a sustainability perspective, that is not a bad thing, considering how much land was consumed and pavement was created during the housing boom that ended in 2007. It’s worth adding that no amount of “green” add-ons--bike paths, electric vehicle charging stations, district heating systems or rooftop solar systems--can offset the environmental degradation that will arise from transforming a relatively undeveloped area with few roads into a full-blown city neighborhood.

Mpower Champions reduce carbon footprints

Friday, July 17, 2009

Watch Jessie Lerner's interview on WKOW TV about Mpowering Madison and the seven business champions that are adopting "green" practices, reducing their carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency at their facilities, including Sergenian's Floor Coverings. Jim Garner, CES of Sergenian's says, "All these little things that add up, all of a sudden your mind thinks differently than it used to think."

Dane County Board conservatives seek referendum on RTA

From an article by Matthew DeFour in the Wisconsin State Journal:

A group of conservative Dane County Board members are calling for a Regional Transportation Authority referendum during next spring’s County Board election, something county leaders have already ruled out.

County Board Chairman Scott McDonell and Executive Kathleen Falk have said they don’t anticipate a referendum until November 2010 at the earliest. McDonell expects the County Board to create an RTA, which would then develop a proposal to put before voters. Falk said the county needs a decision from the Federal Transit Administration on its rail application, which won’t happen by the spring.

“We don’t have a full transit plan developed,” McDonell said. “We would want to (hold a referendum) when we’re ready.”
But Sup. Eileen Bruskewitz, of Waunakee, said the referendum needs to happen before an RTA is created so the agency doesn’t have to use property taxes.

“Before we even go down that path, we need to decide if it’s a path we want to take a first step on,” Bruskewitz said.

From Prius to Superprius

Thursday, July 16, 2009

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

For the past 30 years, Trish Moran has been convinced the U.S. must face two big challenges related to energy and natural resources — make better batteries and figure out how to desalinate sea water on a large scale.

She hasn’t made much progress on un-salting the oceans. But the battery part is done.

“I finally put my money where my mouth is,” said Moran, a business owner from a suburb of Chicago, in an interview this week.

Late last month, Moran became one of the first people in the Midwest to get her Toyota Prius made super-fuel efficient with a new plug-in module installed by Smart Motors in Madison. The upgrade can boost the hybrid’s performance to around 100 miles per gallon, or about double what the gas-electric hybrid already does.

The conversion kit adds a second high-voltage battery that can be charged from any standard 120-volt outlet using an extension cord plugged into the back of the car. A full charge takes about five hours and provides 30 to 40 miles of all-electric driving capacity.

“That’s going to take care of most people’s work commutes,” Smart Motors hybrid sales specialist John Dolan said. “At night, they can just plug it in inside their garage and charge it up, and by morning you’re ready to go again.”

Court rules against local wind restrictions

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

From the written decision of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District 2 in ruling against Calumet County's restrictive ordinances that blocked the Ecker Brothers from adding turbines to the one already on their farm:

To encourage the use of renewable sources of energy, the legislature resolved to remove legal impediments to such systems in four ways: (1) codifying the right of individuals to negotiate and establish renewable energy resource easements; (2) clarifying the authority of, and encouraging, political subdivisions to employ existing land use powers for protecting access rights to the wind and sun; (3) creating a procedure for issuing permits to owners and builders of active solar and wind energy systems; and (4) encouraging political subdivisions to grant special exceptions and variances for renewable energy resource systems. Numrich, 242 Wis. 2d 677, ¶18 (citing Laws of 1981, ch. 354, § 1(2)(b)). No. 2007AP210913

These strategies indicate that the legislature determined it appropriate to give political subdivisions the power to assist in the creation of renewable energy systems and thus become an integral and effective factor in the State’s renewable energy goal. But, this history does not indicate that the State intended to delegate the power of policymaking. Instead, the evidence is that the State delegated the authority to execute and administer its established policy of favoring wind energy systems, and the statutory scheme was intended to create avenues for political subdivisions to assist the State. If the County and other similarly situated localities believe that localities should be able to decide for themselves whether and to what extent wind systems are welcome in their geographical area, their argument is best made to the legislature.

Because the legislature did not delegate legislative powers to localities, the County cannot make findings of legislative fact. The County thus exceeded its authority under WIS. STAT. § 66.0401 when it created its wind energy ordinance. We therefore hold the ordinance to be [beyond the authority of the county].

We reverse and remand with directions that the circuit court reconsider the Ecker Brothers’ declaratory judgment action given that the ordinance is [beyond the authority of the county].

Which is more energy efficient a dishwasher or hand washing?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A question from AskFocusonEnergy:

Quesiton: Would I save more energy by replacing my old dishwasher or doing my dishes by hand?

Answer: Compared to washing dishes by hand, an ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher:
+ Can lower utility bills
+ Uses half as much energy
+ Saves nearly 5,000 gallons of water per year

ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers:
+ Use 25% less energy than conventional models
+ Use less hot water, saving you $90 over their lifetime
+ Internal water heaters, which reduce water heating costs by 20%
+ Boost water temperatures to 140 degrees -- well above scalding temperatures. Washing dishes with hotter water allows for improved disinfection compared to washing by hand at much lower temperatures.
+ Run quieter than older models -- over 50% quieter than models produced 10 years ago!

Closing bus station leaves riders in the cold

Monday, July 13, 2009

A letter to the editor of The Capital Times by Mary Dally-Muenzmaier

Dear Editor: I am writing in response to the Madison City Council's unanimous vote of approval for the closing of the downtown bus depot in August without a satisfactory alternative site.

This decision is not only detrimental to Badger Bus and Greyhound passengers but an embarrassment to the city of Madison -- the place of my birth and upbringing.

The depot is a highly prized resource for me, as a weekly Badger Bus commuter, and my fellow riders. The realities of travel necessitate a brick and mortar building at which people can purchase tickets and receive shelter from the elements. Not everyone has the luxury of buying tickets online.

The city of Milwaukee -- which has been my happy home for 19 years -- has often been maligned for some of its decisions, but it still managed to build the downtown intermodal station, serving Amtrak, Greyhound and the occasional Badger Bus passenger, and neither the original train station nor the bus station closed until it was completed. This modern, sleekly designed hub is now the first impression mass transit travelers have of Milwaukee.

It is clear that through this decision both Badger Bus and the City Council have abandoned the working poor, regular commuters and those of us who opt to use mass transportation. With the proposal to utilize the Mobil station across the street, we have literally been left out in the cold, rain, snow, sleet, and burning sun.

Mary Dally-Muenzmaier
Milwaukee

Put RTA tax to binding vote in Madison area

Friday, July 10, 2009

From an editorial in the Wisconsin State Journal:

Voters should have the final say on whether to add a half-cent to the local sales tax to fund mass transit improvements in the metro Madison area.
Consequently, city and county officials should follow through on their pledge to put any future transit tax proposal to a public vote in a binding referendum.
Voters should hold them to that promise. Furthermore, all future officials should be held to the same standard.

The degree of control voters will have over a transportation tax was thrown into doubt by one of Gov. Jim Doyle’s state budget vetoes. Doyle struck a provision guaranteeing that no transit tax would be imposed unless voters approved in a referendum that would be binding on officials.
The veto made the referendum optional. That means officials could impose the half-cent tax without voter support.

Prospects for a veto override are virtually nil.

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, County Board Chairman Scott McDonnell and Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz have promised that Madison area voters will get to decide the fate of a transit tax in a binding referendum.

That’s the right approach. If regional transportation is to succeed, the public, which will pay the tax and benefit from the improvements, must be on board.
Doyle was wrong to veto the binding referendum. The measure was included in a state budget provision allowing the Madison metro area to create a regional transit authority with the power to impose a half-cent sales tax.

The tax could be used to fund bus improvements and, potentially, a commuter rail line.

The tax should have been available to fund road improvements, too. But Doyle vetoed the road provision, shrinking a transportation measure down to a transit-only measure.

Just how close is Dane County to getting commuter rail?

Thursday, July 09, 2009

From an article by Kristin Czubkowski in The Capital Times:

Transport 2020 project manager David Trowbridge needs the fingers on both hands to count all of the mass transit and rail studies completed in Dane County in the past 30 years. Like clockwork, a study seemed to crop up every few years, with paperwork accelerating in the late 1990s as Trowbridge's work on the Transport 2020 project began.

On June 29, however, the Madison area saw arguably the biggest single step toward getting a regional transit system when Gov. Jim Doyle signed a state budget that included approval for Dane County to form a regional transit authority (RTA). It would have taxing authority within federally set boundaries, and discussion so far has centered around the idea of the RTA enacting a half-cent sales tax that would raise some $38 million annually. The commuter rail line is separate from a potential high-speed rail line connecting Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and the Twin Cities that is currently part of a multi-state application for federal stimulus funds.

But while Dane County leaders say there are still many details to figure out about what an RTA would fund before putting a referendum before area voters, critics say that the RTA has always been about trains and that they will be gearing up opposition accordingly.

One of the chief critics of an RTA has been Dane County Board Supervisor Eileen Bruskewitz, who represents the Waunakee area. She says transportation discussions have focused much too heavily on a commuter rail line running from Middleton through Madison to the town of Burke, which has an estimated price tag of $250 million, plus $10 million in annual operating costs.

Council okays bus station demolition, orders study

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

From an article by Chris Rickert in the Wisconsin State Journal:

Downtown’s Badger Bus depot will close at the end of August to make way for 82 apartments and 11,500 square feet of retail space after the City Council unanimously approved the redevelopment plan Tuesday night.

Although the project, consisting of three buildings and an underground parking garage set on a one-acre lot, will be a dramatic change from what’s at 2 S. Bedford St. now, most of the discussion during the two-hour public hearing Tuesday centered on how the demise of the depot fit into the broader need for a transportation center for buses and possibly trains.

Susan De Vos, of Madison Area Bus Advocates, was among several people who urged the council not to OK the redevelopment plan until the city had identified a site for a future transit hub. She suggested the depot’s current location might be a good fit.

"The depot could well become part of a new Downtown multimodal terminal," she said. . . .

Still unclear is where Greyhound — which also uses the Bedford Street depot — will make its stops. The Meiers and Ray Harmon of the mayor’s office said the company is considering Dutch Mill and the Metro Bus East Transfer Point as alternatives.

Alderman Mike Verveer, whose 4th District includes the depot, said the apartment project has been under review since last year and that the neighborhood is strongly in support of it.

"The only issue — and I admit it’s a big one — is the future of inner city bus service" and a future transit terminal, he said.

He also pointed out that the city attorney had said it would be inappropriate for the council to make approval of the depot redevelopment contingent on finding a location for a new terminal.

The council did agree to an amendment to the plan that requires the mayor’s office and city staff to report back to the council in 60 days with details on where Greyhound and other bus providers will be picking up and dropping off passengers after the demise of the Badger depot.

Electric scooters, motorcycles can qualify for tax credit

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

From an Associated Press article Daisy Nguyen on Mother Nature News:

Sales of motorcycles and scooters shifted into high gear last year when gas prices soared. Then recession-wary consumers hit the brakes. Now, like so many other industries, the makers of two-wheeled, fuel-efficient bikes are relying on tax breaks offered in the federal stimulus package and other incentives to get sales moving again, while easing gas consumption.

"Even before we quote the price, we tell people how much they can get off the bike," said Jeff Bosco Biafore, a salesman at the San Jose Motorsport Scooter Center in Northern California.

Under the stimulus plan, the same provision that lets taxpayers deduct sales and excise taxes on the purchase of a new car or truck also applies to a motorcycle or scooter. They also can get a 10 percent federal tax credit if they buy plug-in bikes.

Read the federal law on page 217 of the stimulus bill.

City officials disinterested in bus station closure

Monday, July 06, 2009

Knuti and Voss question whether the Memorial Union should become the de facto bus station when it may not be equiped to handle the number of people and buses that use the Badger Bus Station.

A letter sent to various alders by David Knuti and Susan Vos:

We are contacting you on behalf of the Madison Peak Oil Group and Madison Area Bus Advocates in your capacity as District 8 Alder serving the UW campus area. You have a special role in the review of the proposed redevelopment of the Badger Bus Station coming before the Council this Tuesday, because of its strong direct impact of this action on your district.

In effect, the closure of the Badger Station makes Langdon Street by the Union the de facto bus terminal of Madison—a role for which it is ill suited—and weakens intercity bus service for the public in general, including students and the disabled in particular. The narrow approach to the review of this project has focused all attention on 4th Ward issues at Washington and Bedford, whose traffic impact will be reduced by the project and supposed legal restrictions on considering the broader public interest.

Since the real estate aspect of this plan has passed the City Planning Commission, and has aroused little interest on the Long Range Transportation Planning Commission, its approval by the Council may be expected. We are asking your support for a strong condition on demolition of the station that will require a City supervised plan for the consequent relocation of intercity bus service. At the request of our organizations, David Knuti has prepared an article for the Sustainable Times which presents our findings and recommendations after five months of meetings.

What should be done?
If the Council is prepared to accept the Badger Company's project as a legal and acceptable real estate venture, it should also regard the associated transportation issues as vital unfinished business. Two kinds of measures are needed: first, adopting clear and firm conditions for bus station demotion, and, second, creating a structure for the City to assert controls and coordinate planning of subsequent intercity buses services:

+ The City should not permit demolition until financing is clearly and firmly in place—an issue which should not be taken for granted given the surplus of downtown apartments and empty commercial space, and the widely anticipated national crisis in commercial real estate finance.

+ The Council should further condition demolition on the Badger Company’s acceptance of an acceptable plan for intercity bus arrivals and departures with provision for all major stake holders including Van Galder, Greyhound, charter bus operators, and State bus planners. The formulation of the plan should be led by City Traffic and Planning staff with the participation of UW’s Union and transportation authorities.

+ The Mayor and Council should adopt a policy statement officially recognizing the City's role in fostering and regulating intercity bus service, and assigning execution to planning and traffic control units and policy oversight to appropriate city commissions.

+ The Mayor and Council should review the city’s parking and traffic control powers to regulate and channel bus arrival and departure activities in the public interest and prepare to use these powers to influence a proper implementation of the above plan.

+ If necessary, the City should enact such additional controls as needed to control on-street bus boarding and arrivals, and to channel such bus traffic through appropriate terminal points with appropriate fees that share the burden of their operation.

Tuesday's Council review is a last opportunity for the City to retain some leverage over the intercity bus issue and avoid future problems. Although the legality is not iron clad, the attached article outlines ample public purpose for a delay and the assumption of city responsibility. Badger may find it uncomfortable to legally challenge the need to ameliorate the effects of its unilateral action. While more work and leadership would be required of of reluctant City staff and officials, this an era of new priorities.

We urge your consideration for this matter before Tuesday's vote and thank you for your willingness to discuss it.

David Knuti, Madison Peak Oil Group, knutifam@yahoo.com
Susan De Vos, Madison Area Bus Advocates, mbaa@tds.net

Is Madison making the right choices on transit?

Friday, July 03, 2009

From a commentary by Tim Wong published in The Isthmus:

The city of Madison currently faces three separate but related decisions on transportation, each with long-ranging consequences.

These issues are: 1) the need for a downtown multi-modal transit facility; 2) the location of the high-speed rail terminal; and 3) the composition and goals of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA).

At its July 7 meeting, the Madison city council will vote on a proposal to demolish the Badger Bus depot on the corner of West Washington and South Bedford and replace it with mixed-use retail and luxury apartments. The proposal has cleared all its committee hurdles, including the Plan Commission, and now comes to the council for a final vote.

There may be little the city can do to stop this redevelopment, but city leaders seem oddly unconcerned about losing this last remaining intercity bus terminal.

Madison's Platinum Biking Plan

Thursday, July 02, 2009

From the City of Madison's Web site:

In the fall of 2006 Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz formed the Platinum Biking City Planning Committee with the overall goals of

1) achieving the Platinum designation level through the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Communities program, and

2) putting forward a roadmap - or bike path - for Madison to become the best city in the country for bicycling.

The Committee's report was adopted by the Common Council on April 8, 2008.

From the report:

A. Vision Statement
Make bicycling an integral part of daily life in Madison, thereby making Madison a model for health promotion, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.

B. Goals

• Madison will ensure a safe and well planned bicycle friendly transportation network that allows connections to all destinations. The network will include bikeways, off-street paths, on-street marked lanes and low volume/low speed local roads, adequate bike parking, and adequate links to public transit. The network will be accessible to riders of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
  
• Madison will promote a bicycling culture that supports experienced riders and brings new riders safely and comfortably into cycling.
  
• Madison educational institutions, businesses, health care providers, and government will actively support bicycling as a transportation choice.
  
• Madison will build social capital by encouraging bicycling as a social norm for all of Madison’s diverse population.
  
• Madison will facilitate a mutual respect among drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians by promoting knowledge, acceptance, and consistent enforcement of traffic laws.
  
• Madison will collaborate with surrounding municipalities, Dane County, and colleges and universities to develop complementary bicycle transportation plans and a seamless network of bikeways in the Madison area.
  
• Madison will take advantage of the unique resources in our area (UW-Madison and other educational institutions, bicycle industry, other businesses and nonprofit organizations) to engage in public-private partnerships to develop innovative bicycle facilities, educational programs, outreach efforts, and funding mechanisms.
  
• Madison’s bicycle plans will be incorporated into other city plans (such as transportation plans, land use plans, neighborhood plans, the Comprehensive Plan, Climate Protection Plan, etc.) to promote bicycle use as part of a multimodal, environmentally-friendly urban transportation network designed to benefit all citizens of the Madison metropolitan area (including persons unable to walk or ride, and in cases when bicycling is not feasible).
  
• Madison will create an on-going mechanism for cooperation and cross fertilization on bicycling issues across city department disciplines including Traffic Engineering, Engineering, Public Works, Police, Health, Parks, Madison Metro, and Planning.
  
• Madison will increase its bicycle mode share (the percent of the traveling public that uses a bicycle for transportation).

Sauk, Rock, and Elkhorn utilities join Focus on Energy

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced today [July 1] that Sauk City Utilities, Rock Energy Cooperative, and Elkhorn Light & Water became a program member beginning July 1, 2009.

Utility participation allows utility customers to take advantage of Focus on Energy's Business, Residential and Renewable Energy offerings under the Focus on Energy umbrella. The benefits of participating include:

+ Business Programs that help manufacturers, commercial businesses, farmers, schools and local governments reduce operating costs, increase their bottom line and improve productivity and employee and customer comfort. The programs offer technical expertise, training and financial incentives to help implement innovative energy management projects.
+ Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Apartment & Condo Efficiency Services Programs that encompass new and existing homes, multi-family construction and remodeling projects for all types of residential dwellings. These programs help homeowners and landlords integrate energy improvements into their remodeling projects, as well as deliver newly-built homes, apartments and condominiums that are comfortable, safe, durable and energy efficient.
+ Lighting and appliance programs that increase the availability of ENERGY STAR qualified products ranging from compact fluorescent light bulbs to heating and cooling equipment. These efforts deliver lower energy bills for residents and businesses and increased sales for retailers and contractors.
+ Renewable Energy Programs that help residents and businesses harness energy from sunlight, wind and organic materials.
+ Targeted Home Performance that reduces energy bills while increasing comfort and safety for income-qualified participants.

A sustainable energy checklist for green communities

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

From a brief guide published by Focus on Energy:

Cities and towns across Wisconsin are seeking ways to address concerns about global climate change while improving the environment and their local quality of life.

Environmentally-friendly or “green” options for communities have long included programs to encourage recycling and the purchase of recycled products, improving public transportation and developing new zoning ordinances that reduce urban sprawl.

Recently, many communities have begun to seek strategies for achieving carbon reduction goals as a way of becoming greener. Because fossil energy use is the primary source of carbon emissions, communities are turning to energy efficiency and
renewable energy to make their energy production and use more sustainable.

The guide answers the following questions:
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY?
HOW DOES SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PLANNING FIT
INTO OTHER GREEN COMMUNITY GOALS?
HOW DO COMMUNITIES GET STARTED?
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

Monthly meeting, July 2

Monday, June 29, 2009

The Madison Peak Oil Group will meet for one hour beginning at noon on July 2 in the lower level conference room at 222 S. Hamilton St.

We have plenty to discuss:

+ Madison bus station and related issues, including long range transportation planning
+ Outreach events
Alternative Vehicle Festival (formerly Hybridfest)
Willy Street Fair
Ride the Drive
+ DOT’s 2030 planning
+ Anything else that comes to mind

Everyone is welcome to the one-hour brown-bag meeting.

Rural and Urban Economic Revitalization Workshops, July 6-7, MATC

Friday, June 26, 2009

From a news release posted on Business Wire:

The International Institute for Ecological Agriculture (IIEA) announced today that it is working with the Wisconsin Farmers Union and the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence along with agencies and groups across the region to present its next series of educational workshop programs. The two-day Intensive workshops, (June 27 and 28 in Osseo, WI and July 6 and 7 in Madison, WI) promote rural and urban economic revitalization and non-exportable job creation through the optimized production of food and fuel source crops and related by-products.

The workshops will be led by David Blume, renowned Permaculture and Biofuels expert and author of Alcohol Can Be A Gas. Mr. Blume, is the recent author recipient of the American Corn Growers Association’s Truth in Agricultural Journalism award, and will teach attendees how they can:

•Earn federal and state renewable energy tax incentives that can offset as much as 80% of the startup costs for a small-scale alcohol fuel business.
•Beat the fuel and food price increases predicted for 2009.
•Produce clean alcohol fuel for less than a dollar per gallon from waste, toxic and spoiled food, common weeds, as well as high-return crops.

“Because of our current economic climate, farmers everywhere are struggling,” said Sue Beitlich, President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union. “At WFU we are working diligently to help provide our members and community with the knowledge and means to improve our local and regional economic outlook. David Blume’s workshop provides proven systems based on agriculture science that will enhance and optimize food and fuel source crop production. That knowledge can help Wisconsin farmers build new businesses and become leaders in the sustainable energy movement.”

The two day workshops will be held . . . Monday and Tuesday July 6 and 7 at the Madison Area Technical College, (Truax Campus) in Madison WI. The open-to-the-public programs present an ideal launch pad for green business entrepreneurs, activists, farmers, and people everywhere who are interested in developing their own energy independence and taking control of their economic future. For more information on the workshop program and schedule please visit http://www.alcoholcanbeagas.com/store/alcohol_workshops

Getting a (plug-in) charge in Madison

Thursday, June 25, 2009

From a story by Bob Hague on the Wisconsin Radio Network:

Drivers of plug in electric vehicles will soon be able to charge up on the streets of Wisconsin's capital city. Madison Gas and Electric is the first utility in the nation to make electric vehicle charging stations publicly available, with the purchase of six such stations to be installed around the city, according to MG&E's Steve Krause.

"One of the disadvantages (to electric vehicles) now is when you don't have a public charging station, is you have to either charge the car at your home, or you have to charge it a prearranged location," said Krause. "People that want to use electric cars all day long, either in town or even town to town, need a place to refuel that vehicle, and these charging stations will do that. We also have an additional bonus. All of the power that will be used to power these cars will come from renewable sources, and it will be primarily wind energy."

This is a demonstration project and for now, electric vehicle drivers won't be charged for the juice. MG&E's Don Peterson said the utility sees this as a business opportunity eventually, so they'll be collecting data. For example, how many electric vehicles are out there in the Madison area? "We really don't know how many electric vehicles are out there," said Peterson. "The estimates go to anywhere from 25 to 75 vehicles." That's a number that could be increasing fairly rapidly: Peterson noted that a Madison area car dealership is already doing a brisk trade, converting Toyota Prius hybrids into all electric plug ins.

"We see this is as a business opportunity, but right now each charging station, installed, is costing somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000," said Peterson. "We're exploring avenues for grants and additional research money, but right now this is an MG&E funded program."

Revitalizing Ourselves Through Renewable Energy

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

From a presentation by RENEW's Michael Vickerman (above) at the Energy Fair of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association:

Energy Policy Must Recognize Energy Realities
+ Supplies of liquid fuels peaked in 2008
+ Capital is disappearing before our very eyes
+ Energy and food are the original currencies
+ The shift from stores to flows is inevitable
+ Current economy is highly energy-intensive
+ Energy return on energy invested (EROEI) must inform decision-making
+ We can’t afford to prop up existing energy sinks or engage in wealth-draining military adventures

Three paths to choose
+ Business as usual
+ Clean green technology
+ Curtailment and community

A Short Guide to Setting Up a City-Scale Retrofit Program

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

From an introduction to a guide just released by the Center on Wisconsin Strategy and Green for All:

Green For All and COWS have just released A Short Guide to Setting Up a City-Scale Retrofit Program. This guide provides a model for designing and implementing energy efficiency retrofitting programs on a citywide scale, with a goal of making these retrofits available to more households and providing good, entry-level jobs with career pathways that are accessible to low-income communities and communities of color.

Energy efficiency retrofits of our homes, schools, and workplaces are the first steps to building an inclusive clean energy economy by addressing climate change, putting people in careers, and reducing working families' energy bills. Despite their overwhelming economic and environmental benefits, current retrofitting programs have limited capacity and limited scope. Many are available only to income-eligible individuals, or to those with the money up-front to do the work. Furthermore, many current retrofitting programs only create low-wage, short-term jobs, rather than providing pathways into sustainable careers in construction and green building.

Clearly, a new model is needed. This guide is a tool for local organizations, business leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and others in cities across the country to use to promote energy efficiency in their communities. It outlines all of the important aspects of such a program, including policies, labor standards, community coalitions, and long-term funding options.

Don’t let bus station closure set back Madison

Monday, June 22, 2009

From a letter to the editor David Knuti, Madison Peak Oil Group, and Susan De Vos, Madison Area Bus Advocates:

The Badger Bus Company plans to close its intercity bus terminal at West Washington and Bedford, which is likely to clog city streets, discomfort bus passengers and reduce total ridership when it needs to be sharply increased. In addition, the best site for a future central transit hub should not be permanently lost. When the issue comes up at its June 15 meeting, the City Planning Commission should withhold approval of the redevelopment plan until viable plans for intercity bus service have been worked out.

No plans have been offered for future service other than pile the rest of Madison’s intercity bus activity onto the curb at Langdon Street and have the Union service the passengers. UW has said it will not cooperate with this development, and the added bus traffic is likely create a hopeless pile-up in an already crowded location. But a worse alternative would be for bus service to be completely dispersed to scattered street corners and peripheral locations.

It is time for the Mayor and Council to lead a joint search for solutions involving all the companies--Van Galder, Greyhound and Badger. To make this work, the city should dust off its traffic control ordinances, planning capability, and financial resources. Ultimately, an effort should be made to refocus bus service back to the station, and consider public support for its operation and improvement—with or without public acquisition.

At this time, Badger is rushing to build another downtown commercial-residential development when space is empty and projects are stalled all around them. In the meantime, a Regional Transportation Authority is being created, high-speed rail is coming to town, the state is considering more intercity bus routes, and commuter rapid transit is in planning—all with expanding Federal support. The current Bus Station is the best point for all these developments to converge in a multi-modal center. Time is needed to seriously deal with these issues.

Give your opinion on State of Wisconsin coal plant in Waupun, June 23

Thursday, June 18, 2009

From the Sierra Club:

Did you know...
...that the State of Wisconsin owns and operates 15 coal-fired plants?
...that our tax dollars are shipped to Appalachia to buy dirty coal from mountain-top removal mines?
...that our institutions of higher education and health spew soot, smog, mercury, and global warming pollution?

Governor Doyle took the first step by committing to get UW-Madison and Capitol Heat and Power off of coal, a move that will cut the state's coal use by more than 60%. We can finish the job and transform the 13 remaining state-owned plants.

Tuesday, the State wants to know what we think about proposed options for the coal plant at Waupun Correctional Facility. Please join us in asking the State of Wisconsin to completely kick the dirty coal habit, stop importing coal from the mountains of Appalachia, and fuel our facilities with cleaner, safer, cheaper sources of energy.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 6:00 to 8:30 pm
Waupun Utilities
817 S. Madison Street, Waupun

Sierra Club will help provide transportation from Madison. Contact Jennifer Feyerherm at jennifer.feyerherm@sierraclub.org or 257-4994 if you would like more information.

The Governor's Task Force on Global Warming reccomended that state government lead the way in doing our fair share to reduce global warming pollution. With your help, we can move our state government beyond coal and bring cleaner, safer energy solutions home to Wisconsin.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice from the Wisconsin Department of Administration



Notice of Town Hall Meeting

On Draft Study of the State-Owned Heating Plant at the Waupun Correctional Institution

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
6:00 to 8:30 pm
Waupun Utilities
817 S. Madison Street
Waupun

The public is invited to learn more and provide input on a draft comprehensive feasibility study that looks at how to meet the Waupun Correctional Institution’s energy needs.

The Wisconsin Department of Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections invite citizens to a Town Hall Meeting to learn more about a study that analyzes alternatives to ways the state generates electricity and heat at the Waupun Correctional Institution. There will also be an opportunity for citizens to comment on the draft report from the study.

The Town Hall Meeting will include opportunities for one-on-one discussions with experts, displays on the findings in the draft report and a forum for comments. The agenda follows:

6:00 Self-guided review of displays, discussion with experts
6:30 Information Presentation
6:45 Open Forum
8:00 Revisit displays and discussions
8:15 Wrap-up

The study is being conducted as part of an agreement reached in November, 2007 between the Department of Administration and the Sierra Club to complete feasibility studies on the cost-effectiveness and reliability of different energy-generation alternatives at several state-owned heating plants, including the Waupun Correctional Central Heating Plant.

Built in 1949, The Waupun Correctional Central Heating Plant provides heat, electricity and emergency power for the Waupun and Dodge Correctional Institutions. The plant also provides well, tower and a potable water supply for these correctional institutions and three smaller state facilities in the area. Energy at the plant is currently generated with three coal-fired boilers built in 1949 and one natural gas boiler built in 1970.

A copy of the draft report will be posted online before the meeting at: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/section.asp?linkid=146&locid=4.

The public is welcome to offer feedback on the study at the town hall meeting, or by sending an email to StateHeatingPlantComments@wisconsin.gov by June 30, 2009. For more information about the town hall meeting, please contact Linda Barth with the Department of Administration at 608-266-7362, or John Dipko with the Department of Corrections 608-240-5060.

Peak Oil Group signs onto letter of support for regional transit authority

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

From a letter to state senators from a coaliton of organizations, including the Madison Peak Oil Group, in support of legislation authorizing creation of regional transportation authorities:

June 17, 2009

To the members of the Wisconsin Senate:

We write to you in strong support of regional transportation authority (RTA) enabling legislation. We urge the state senate to keep the creation of RTAs moving forward in the state budget, and expand the RTA opportunity to other communities in Wisconsin.

Research shows that access to transportation is a major priority for business owners and commuters because it leads to economic growth while also providing options for getting around. New businesses will locate in Wisconsin cities where they know they will have access to large labor pools, and where travel connections with other large economic centers are quick, easy and help them grow their operations. And students graduating from Wisconsin schools will stay here to take advantage of new jobs, vibrant communities, and convenient transportation.

One critical step necessary in the short term for Wisconsin to reap these economic benefits is the creation of regional transit authorities. Under Wisconsin’s current, antiquated rules, cities that provide transit must contract with one another and squeeze transit funding out of their general revenues, mainly from property taxes.

The resulting unstable, underfunded transit cannot compete for federal construction dollars, and cannot provide sustainable service to our communities. RTAs will put Wisconsin on a more level playing field with other states, and enable regions to plan and sustain a regional transportation network.

Panel approves plan to remake Badger Bus terminal

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

A proposal to redevelop the Badger Bus terminal site at the corner of West Washington Avenue and Bedford Street has moved forward, despite pleas from mass transit backers.

The Madison Plan Commission Monday night approved plans for 82 luxury apartments units and 12,000 square feet of retail space in three buildings in the Bassett neighborhood.

The development would force closing of the bus terminal at 2 S. Bedford St., but that issue fell outside the review of the commission.

"I don't like to see the bus station going away and that's not to say it's not an important matter," said commission member Tim Gruber.

Still, a half-dozen transit backers spoke against the project. In addition to regular Badger Bus service between Madison and Milwaukee, the station also serves 10 Greyhound trips daily.

"This is going to make bus travel that much more difficult, especially for people without cars," said Barbara Smith.

Free solar service available from City of Madison

Monday, June 15, 2009

From an e-mail sent by Jeanne Hoffman, sustainability coordinator for the City of Madison:

If you want to know if a solar system would work for you, you can use the FREE service of the solar agent. The agent was hired by the City of Madison to evaluate the solar options on your property. He also will, if you wish, help you find a contractor.

All residents, businesses and non-profit organization with property in the City of Madison are eligible for this FREE service.

For assistance from the Solar Agent please contact (608) 243-0586 or email solar@cityofmadison.com.

Plan commission set to vote on Badger Bus depot demolition

Saturday, June 13, 2009

An e-mail from Barbara Smith:

Plan Commission
Public Hearing - 6pm
Monday, June 15th
Madison Municipal Building, Room 201

TOPIC: Badger Bus Depot

Are you concerned about the plans to demolish the Badger Bus Depot without
a workable alternative for inter-city bus service?

The city's Plan Commission will review and vote on the Badger Bus
redevelopment plan on Monday, June 15th. The rezoning of 2 S. Bedford St.
(Badger Bus Depot) is item #8.

The meeting is at 5:30pm in the Madison Municipal Building, Room 201. The
meeting includes a PUBLIC HEARING at 6pm.

Please consider sending an e-mail to Plan Commission members with your thoughts, or showing up at the public hearing Monday with a prepared statement (I think 3 or 5 minutes per person is allowed).

The Plan Commission needs to hear about the public's concern for the lack of transit planning with this redevelopment plan. If the Plan Commission approves the demolition, the City Council votes 7/7 and that's final, is what I understand.

Here are the Plan Commission members:

COMMON COUNCIL MEMBER - 1
Michael Schumacher
district18@cityofmadison.com

COMMON COUNCIL MEMBER - 2
Lauren Cnare
district3@cityofmadison.com

COMMON COUNCIL MEMBER - 3
Julia S. Kerr
district13@cityofmadison.com

MAYOR OR DESIGNEE
Nancy E. Fey

ADULT CITY RESIDENT - 1
Eric W. Sundquist
erics@cows.org

ADULT CITY RESIDENT - 2
Judy K. Olson
jolson@operationfreshstart.org

ADULT CITY RESIDENT - 3
James C. Boll
jboll@mge.com

ADULT CITY RESIDENT - 4
Judith A. Bowser
jabowser@facstaff.wisc.edu

ADULT CITY RESIDENT - 5
Michael A. Basford
mabasford@charter.net

FIRST ALTERNATE *
Michael G. Heifetz
michael.heifetz@deancare.com

SECOND ALTERNATE *
Timothy Gruber

MAD METRO SCHL DST SUPT OR DES *
Douglas J. Pearson
dpearson@madison.k12.wi.us

No Fear Dentistry taps sun for hot water and electricity

Thursday, June 11, 2009

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

Madison No Fear Dentistry, a newly constructed dental office, [hosted] an open house on June 5, 2009 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event celebrates the facility’s grand opening as well as the completion of its new solar electric and solar hot water systems. The office is located at 344 S. Yellowstone Dr. in Madison, Wis.

The renewable energy systems were completed with technical assistance and more than $12,000 in financial incentives from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative. Because of Focus’ assistance, Dr. David Ducommun, owner of Madison No Fear Dentistry, will be able to cut the facility’s natural gas and electricity consumption — shielding him from increases in energy costs and helping him gain energy independence.

“David is a great example of what other Wisconsin business owners can do to cut their energy costs, while helping the environment,” said Eric Callisto, Public Service Commission Chairperson. “His efforts can be emulated by so many, as Focus on Energy has a network of renewable energy experts and financial incentives readily available for thousands of eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses.”

H&H Solar Services, a Madison, Wis., based company, installed both the solar electric and solar hot water systems. The 5.4 kilowatt (kW) solar electric system consists of 30 panels on the roof of Madison No Fear Dentistry. The solar hot water system, which consists 78 square feet of collectors on the roof, is expected to offset 164 therms per year.

Increasing wind power would improve economy

From a letter to the editor of The Capital Times by Scott Ribin:

Dear Editor: I'm writing in regard to recent letters about wind energy in Wisconsin. In my opinion, one of the best reasons to use more wind energy is that it will strengthen our economy.

First, using wind power will allow us to stop importing fossil fuels from out-of-state sources, which will lead to the creation of thousands of in-state middle-class manufacturing jobs, an area hit hard by the recent recession.

Second, constructing wind farms is also more cost-effective than building new coal or nuclear power plants because they have a greater direct impact on the local economy.

Third, northeastern Wisconsin is one of the best areas in the country to construct and place turbines because of its wind strength and speeds. This area already has a well-developed manufacturing base that is eager to thrive under a renewable revolution.

Wind power also will lower health care spending. Fossil fuel use is directly related to rising asthma and lung cancer prevalence rates. This especially occurs in lower-income families without insurance, further increasing health care costs.

Take the bus from Madison to the Energy Fair, Custer, WI

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Don’t Miss the 20th Anniversary Energy Fair, June 19-21, 2009

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association will celebrate its 20th Anniversary Energy Fair on June 19-21, 2009. Next weekend, the MREA’s Energy Fair transforms central Wisconsin into the global hot spot for renewable energy education, with over 20,000 fair attendees each year. The Fair is the nation’s largest and longest running energy education event. The Energy Fair is held in Custer, WI just seven miles east of Stevens Point.

Take the Bus from Madison! Sponsored by Madison Gas and Electric
The MREA offers mass transit transportation from Madison to The Energy Fair. Help us to reduce the carbon footprint, and receive a discount on your entrance ticket. Coffee and breakfast items from the Willy Street Co-op will be served on the bus each morning to help jump start your day! Round trip ticket is $20. Depart from The Northside Town Center- Sherman Plaza at Sherman Ave. and Northport Dr. at 7 am each morning. Free Parking in the middle of the front lot. The bus will leave the Fair at 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Ride the bus and get $5 off admission to the Fair.

Get your bus ticket by Friday, June 12!
Sign up online at: http://www.the-mrea.org/fair_registration.php

Features of the 2009 Energy Fair
* Over 280 exhibitors - featuring sustainable living and energy products
* Over 200 workshops - from introductory level to hands-on education
* Clean Energy Car Show - featuring demonstration vehicles and workshops, with live car conversions
* Green Home Pavilion –focused on building and remodeling in a sustainable way, with hands-on demonstration walls
* Sustainable Tables – learn how to bring sustainability to your dinner table with workshops, farmers market, and chef demonstrations
* Keynotes – including Alan Weisman, author of The World Without Us
* Music – including national recording artist Michelle Shocked!

More information about the Fair
Contact the Midwest Renewable Energy Association
715-592-6595 or online at http://www.the-mrea.org

Hope to see you at the Fair!

WORT to discuss Badger Bus and transit issues, noon, Friday, June 12

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Please plan to listen and call in to Friday's "A Public Affair" radio show
on WORT. The Badger Bus Terminal and transit in general are the topics!

Friday, June 12th
12 NOON to 1pm
WORT FM 89.9

"A Public Affair"
Host: Diane Farsetta
Guests include Robbie Webber and others.

If you have to miss the show Friday, you can listen later to the on-line archive at www.wort-fm.org and choose "Archive" on the right.

Hope you can join the conversation Friday at noon!

Traffic volume plan not anti-developer

Monday, June 08, 2009

From a commentary in The Capital Times by Eric Sundquist, a member of the city's Plan Commission and Long Range Transportation Planning Committee:

Madison's City Council will soon review a proposal aimed at providing efficient transportation access in the city. The proposal would save money for the city, which spends millions of property tax dollars on roads. It would reduce pollution and protect productive farmland. And it would provide better access to work and other destinations for those who cannot or choose not to drive.

The resolution would judge our success in this effort by measuring traffic volumes, setting a target of 25 percent fewer vehicle-miles on city streets by 2020, after accounting for population growth. This goal would return us to the same levels of driving that existed in the 1980s. . . .

The resolution would not force anyone to stop driving. Rather, it would encourage development and infrastructure that lets people and businesses make fewer and shorter car trips, and would make walking, biking and transit more feasible for those who choose those modes.

A Capital Times story of June 3 paints the resolution as anti-developer. This is not the case. Zoning applications today are judged on "public health, safety, morals and general welfare," a general standard that can vary depending on who happens to complain about a project.

In contrast, the traffic resolution would make clear the public interest in transportation efficiency. Developers would know better how to design and present projects that can get approved -- by ensuring good and varied access between uses.

Some have worried that because some traffic comes from the suburbs, city policy is irrelevant. This problem is overstated because Madison has two-thirds of the population of the regional transportation planning area, most trips people make are local, and Madison's built environment affects travel even for those coming from other localities.

Falk Announces “Green Energy Dane Plan"

Thursday, June 04, 2009

From an news release issued by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk:

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced today the county has compiled a list of projects that will both save taxpayer dollars and generate new sources of revenue to help fund vital county human services. The work will be paid for through a $2.26 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Dane County received under the federal stimulus legislation. . . .

Headlining the “Green Energy Dane Plan,” are a significant number of projects to make more than 50-year-old county facilities much more energy efficient and less costly to operate. These efforts include changing lighting and improving heating and cooling systems. The plan also calls for the installation of solar-photovoltaic systems (solar panels) at county facilities that will convert solar energy into electricity Dane County will sell to local utilities.

The “Green Energy Dane Plan” also includes using approximately $350,000 of the grant for a feasibility study to explore potential benefits of a facility to convert food waste into energy. The study will look at taking food waste from commercial sources and turning it into energy rich bio-gas. Early estimates indicate this could generate $2 to $4-million a year in revenue for the county.

“We’re converting trash at our landfill into millions in cash each year for taxpayers and moving forward with work to make money and energy from manure, so exploring the possible benefits of collecting all the waste food from our hospitals and restaurants just makes great economic and environmental sense,” Falk said.

Falk noted the county recently signed a ten-year contract with MG&E in which the utility pays the county $3-million each year for electricity generated at the landfill. This effort nets enough electricity to power 4,000 homes.

Madison wants to cut auto traffic 25 percent by 2020

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

The city of Madison is poised to add another hoop for developers to jump through when considering new projects: how many car trips will be generated.

A resolution working its way through City Hall sets a goal of reducing the total amount of vehicle miles traveled here 25 percent by 2020. That could make it harder to build homes, offices or stores on the urban fringe where cars are the sole means of transportation.

But supporters say reducing automobile dependency will bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the city. They also contend it won't tie the hands of the private sector or drive investment out of town.

"These are goals, just one more thing to consider when making decisions," east side Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway told the Madison Plan Commission at its meeting this week. "It doesn't require the council or Plan Commission to do anything other than pay attention."

Approved by the Plan Commission on a 7-1 vote, the resolution says automobiles are "a major contributor to environmental degradation, including air emissions that increase levels of ozone, particulates, greenhouse gases, stormwater runoff, heat island effects, habitat and agricultural land destruction."

It further states that transportation inefficiency is a "major contributor to social inequity," making it harder for the poor or disabled to get to work or meet other daily needs.

The resolution calls for coordinating transportation and land-use planning on a citywide scale, noting that mixed-use development within individual neighborhoods alone won't make much difference

Preserve Our Climate meeting, June 8, Madison Public Library

Our next Preserve Our Climate meeting will be on Monday, June 8th at the Madison Public Library. The regular meeting will start at 6PM, but we will also start the discussion at 5:30 as some people need to leave early. Please feel welcome to come for some or all of the meeting, depending on your convenience.

One of our agenda items will be discussion regarding the climate legislation currently before Congress. Please send other agenda topics you would like to discuss. We'll send out an agenda soon.

Best wishes,
Susan and Sierra

The latest peak oil projection: a stunning difference

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

From a post by John Kingston, Platts, on EnergyBulletin.net:

A session with a leading Peak Oil supporter can always be a sobering experience. That was certainly the case May 28 at the "New Challenges for Crude Oil" conference in Geneva, where the president of main international Peak Oil group spoke.

Swedish professor Kjell Aleklett is actually a physics professor at Uppsale Universit, not a geology professor. But he is also the president of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil, and he was chair of the Platts' conference.

He is about to present a paper for peer review and inclusion in the academic magazine Energy Policy. That paper will take issue with the International Energy Agency projections on oil supply out to 2030, by an enormous factor.

The difference between the IEA and Aleklett's work is fairly straightforward. Aleklett adopts what he calls a "parameter" in determing the rate of depletion in fields that have yet to be developed or fields yet to be discovered, two key elements in the IEA's projections.

The gap between his work and that of the IEA is huge. IEA projections of liquids supply see total output of 101.5 million b/d by 2030. Aleklett's research sees it at a little more than 75 million b/d.

There are numerous areas where Aleklett said his research agreed with the IEA, including the projected rate of decline of existing fields. But beyond that, what Aleklett says are the different approaches toward depletion rates creates enormous differences in projections out to 2030. Output in fields to be developed would be 22.5 million b/d in the IEA forecast; it's 13.6 in Aleklett's. The difference in fields yet to be discovered is 19.2 million b/d vs. 8.7 million b/d.

Aleklett, like other Peak Oil proponents, also criticized the IEA practice of counting all barrels of NGLs equally with a barrel of crude, even though the BTU content is not equal.