New solar panel plant will lie in shadow of one of state’s dirtiest coal plants MILWAUKEE — Helios USA, a start-up solar panel manufacturer, demonstrated how clean energy can boost economic recovery today when the company’s CEO announced it would create at least 50 new positions at its new plant located in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley.
Reducing phosphorus will improve water quality, reduce algae blooms MADISON — Wisconsin residents will be able to run dishwashers with less concern about negatively impacting the quality of the state’s waters after a law substantially limiting phosphorus content in automatic dishwasher soap takes effect today. “Phosphorus is the primary culprit responsible for triggering the unsightly
New policies will help reduce water pollution from farms, factories and sewage treatment plants MADISON — The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board took an important step toward reducing unsightly algae blooms and cleaning Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers and streams today by voting to strengthen rules that reduce phosphorus pollution from farms, factories and sewage treatment plants. “Our
Agency Seeks More Thorough Review of Alternatives to Diversion MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) returned Waukesha’s application to divert water out of Lake Michigan under the Great Lakes Compact Wednesday, citing deficiencies in the application’s review of alternatives to Great Lakes water. “Waukesha’s application represents the first full-fledged application to divert
Rules could help protect Wisconsin’s groundwater from toxic contamination MADISON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today published two alternative proposals to regulate the disposal and storage of toxic coal ash: one that would classify coal ash as a hazardous waste and another that would regulate it as non-hazardous. “Coal ash contains dangerous toxins
Conservation groups urge Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation to continue pushing for $475 million for Great Lakes restoration MADISON — Groups in Wisconsin will receive over $29 million for 50 projects to restore Lakes Michigan and Superior as part of a $475 million federal program to restore the Great Lakes, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Tuesday.
State Spends $853 Million Every Year on Imported Coal MADISON — Wisconsin is the fifth most dependent state on imported coal, spending $853 million to import the fuel in 2008, according to a national report released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). “Despite having no in-state coal supplies, Wisconsin relies on coal for
Toxic Coal Ash Threatens Groundwater and Public Health MADISON — The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a proposal to create rules designed to protect groundwater and public health by regulating the disposal of toxic coal ash. “Most people understand the high environmental cost of smoke pouring out of coal plants, but few
MADISON — Wisconsin residents are celebrating the state’s “nuclear moratorium” law today, 24 years after a nuclear reactor exploded in Chernobyl contaminating tens of thousands of square miles with radioactive fallout, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents, and unleashing an epidemic of health problems still felt today. “The anniversary of the Chernobyl tragedy serves as
Long-term campus commitment and unique city program get results MADISON — He’s running a first-of-its-kind energy efficiency and renewable energy program at River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU), but Mike Noreen is still surprised by the attention it’s getting. “I’ve done countless interviews. It’s pretty exciting,” said Noreen, RFMU’s conservation and efficiency coordinator. “Other utilities and
