Pre-production plastic pellets, or “nurdles,” are used in the manufacturing of the plastic products and can easily enter the environment. PHOTO: Flickr/NOAA Marine Debris Program The burgeoning problem of microplastics, itty-bitty plastic pieces in our water While plastic has been a water pollution concern in for awhile, it is only recently that researchers have started
MADISON — From its meager beginnings as a day of environmental awareness, Earth Day has grown into a global affair in support of healthy, sustainable ideas for use year-round. April 22, 2014, marks the 44th observance of Earth Day. Especially for Wisconsinites, it’s a time of proud reflection. After all, it was Wisconsin native, U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who established the first Earth Day 44 years ago.
Clean Wisconsin, dozens of citizens, are granted hearing after calling for action
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural resources is granting a public hearing for April 15 after the widespread call for action over dangerously high nitrate levels in the groundwater near a Central Wisconsin dairy farm. Clean Wisconsin joined more than 40 concerned citizens requesting the hearing to advocate for cleaner water.
Bill aims to create jobs and transition Wisconsin to a clean energy economy
MADISON — By the year 2030, 30 percent of the electricity in Wisconsin would be generated by renewable sources under a plan unveiled today in the state Legislature called the Wisconsin Renewable Energy Act. The proposal would build significantly on the current standard for 10 percent renewables by 2015.
Environmental impact statement falls short of legal requirement to explore impacts on natural resources
MADISON — A 74-mile natural gas pipeline proposed in west central Wisconsin has potential to create numerous and significant adverse impacts on wetlands, surface water, rare or threatened species’ habitats and high-quality woodlands. The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) fails to adequately address many key environmental issues including the effects of increased sand mining that could be promoted by the pipeline.
Legislation would train next generation of skilled workers to create sustainable solutions
MADISON — U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s new clean energy legislation poses a significant opportunity to revitalize our manufacturing base by training the bright students of today to create the clean energy solutions of tomorrow.
Winter: The Season of Salt Winter in Wisconsin may mean different things to different people, but snow and ice are always the major theme. And when that snow and ice piles up on roads, driveways and sidewalks, it also becomes one of winter’s major tasks. Removing snow and ice is a huge investment of both
Ruling comes as part of Adams County dairy lawsuit
MADISON — Today’s ruling makes it clear: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has the authority to require high-capacity well owners to monitor groundwater levels. That authority came into question when an Adams County dairy sued DNR after approval to tap two new wells at a time the area already suffers from significant groundwater problems.
World Resources Institute analyzes possibilities in 2020 outlook
MADISON — Extending the lifespan of Wisconsin’s clean energy policies and using existing infrastructure more efficiently could cut carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 43 percent below 2011 levels by the year 2020. That’s according to an analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI).
Energy efficiency program has proven to provide major return on investment
MADISON — Energy efficiency is both a money-saver and a job-creator for Wisconsin, producing a $7 return for every dollar invested. That’s according to an independent analysis of the economic impact of Focus on Energy, a program that has been reducing energy costs for businesses and homeowners for more than a decade.
