Bio-fuel growth raises concerns about forests

From an Associated Press article by John Flesher in The Mining Journal (Marquette, Michigan):

PARK FALLS, Wis. - Forests are a treasure trove of limbs and bark that can be made into alternative fuels and some worry the increasing trend of using that logging debris will make those materials too scarce, harming the woodlands.

For centuries, forests have provided lumber to build cities, pulp for paper mills and a refuge for hunters, fishers and hikers. A flurry of new, green ventures is fueling demand for trees and the debris leftover when they are harvested, which is called waste wood or woody biomass.

''There simply is nowhere near enough waste wood for all of these biomass projects that are popping up all over the place,'' said Marvin Roberson, a forest policy specialist with the Sierra Club in Michigan.

Waste wood has become a sought-after commodity, prompting concerns that the demand might overwhelm supply and damage the ecosystem. But government officials say there's plenty available and they point to guidelines that are aimed at maintaining tree debris to give the soil nutrients.

Many biomass projects are tied to the forests that extend across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and part of Ontario. Among them is Flambeau River Papers, a mill in Park Falls, Wis., that emerged from bankruptcy three years ago and is pinning its hopes for profitability on generating its own heat with woody biomass.

In another Wisconsin town 50 miles away, a power company is switching from burning coal to producing combustible gas from logging leftovers. And in Michigan's neighboring Upper Peninsula, a plant under development called Frontier Renewable Resources will convert timber into 40 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol a year.

Researchers led by University of Minnesota forest expert Dennis Becker reported this summer that many would-be investors are uneasy about supplies of waste wood.

They fear environmental reviews and litigation could make some public woodlands unreliable sources, particularly in the West, where most forest lands are under federal ownership and logging often raises legal tussles, the report said.

Another problem with woody biomass is that much of the supply is in protected areas, or so far from markets that removing and transporting it would be too expensive, Becker said.

He led a separate study that found a realistic estimate of biomass available in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin was 4.1 million tons a year. Annual demand soon could reach 5.7 million tons, it said.

Energy pilot project one of first steps in 25 X 25 plan

From an article by Chad Dally in The Daily Press (Ashland):

Six municipalities, one transit system and more than seven million kilowatt hours of electricity consumed.

That is one of many initial discoveries of local government officials, the Alliance for Sustainability and others through a Wisconsin Energy Independent Communities pilot project.

The Chequamegon Bay region was one of 10 communities — and the largest of the 10 — that took part in the pilot project, which in the first phase attempted to pin down a baseline assessment on energy and fuel consumption for the past three years. The initiative is one of the first steps in Wisconsin's 25 x 25 Plan, which set a goal of generating 25 percent of the state's energy and transportation fuel from renewable sources by 2025. Also included is the goal of securing 10 percent of the nation's emerging bio-industry jobs within Wisconsin. Generating more alternative and renewable energy and fuel within the state and especially within the Chequamegon Bay region has huge implications, since Wisconsin spent more than $21 billion on energy in 2007.

DOT undecided between La Crosse, Eau Claire high-speed rail routes

From an article by Steve Cahalan in the La Crosse Tribune:

The final version of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation long-range plan still has alternate routes through Eau Claire and La Crosse for high-speed passenger rail service between Tomah and the Twin Cities.

The DOT soon will study which route might be best.

The agency said Wednesday it has formally adopted its new Connections 2030 long-range plan, available online at www.wiconnections2030.gov.

Local business and government leaders argued at an Aug. 26 public hearing on the plan in La Crosse that studies years ago already had determined Amtrak's Empire Builder route is the most ideal in the region for planned high-speed passenger rail service between Chicago and St. Paul. That route goes through Tomah and La Crosse, as well as Winona and Red Wing in Minnesota.

Backers of that route announced last week they have formed the Empire Builder High Speed Rail Coalition.

Coalition members remain convinced that is the best route, said the group's coordinator, James Hill, who also is executive director of the La Crosse Area Development Corp.

Minnesota regulators allow increased nuclear waste

A report from WQOW-TV:

Eau Claire (WQOW) - Minnesota regulators have approved a measure to allow Xcel Energy to increase the amount of radioactive waste.

Excel Energy requested to expand its nuclear waste plant near the Western Wisconsin border at Red Wing. The utility will spend roughly $600 million to upgrade the plant to handle higher pressures and temperatures and increase its output. The plan also calls for storage of 98 casks on a concrete pad next to the plant. The plant is located on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River.

Red Wing's mayor is disappointed with the decision. Now the measure goes to legislators for final approval.

Green Drinks on Wednesday, November 18

From Green Drinks - Eau Claire:

Green Drinks will be November 18th at 6:30PM at Dooley's Pub on Water Street, in Eau Claire.

We'll start with introductions and then a quick presentation by Meg Marshall of Sustainable Eau Claire. Meg will be discussing Sustainable Eau Claire and Eco-Teams - a way to make your home, business, and community "greener"!

Buy a drink and stay for the "Conservation-Conversation" and find out what "green" issues and events are happening in the Chippewa Valley!

Invite your friends to JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!

Eau Claire Green Drinks
6:30PM
Wednesday, November 18
Dooley's Pub on Water Street (Upstairs Room)

PS - December 16th's featured presenter will be Erin O'Brien of Erin Designs - discussing green design and eco-friendly products!

Discounted LED holiday lights help consumers trim their trees, not their wallets

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

(Nov. 16, 2009) - LED (light emitting diode) holiday lights are a proven way to help consumers trim energy costs while trimming their trees. How? This technology saves energy, while helping to preserve the environment. What’s more, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy resource, is offering financial incentives toward the purchase of ENERGY STAR® qualified LED holiday light strings.

Now through Dec. 31, 2009, or until supplies last, Focus on Energy is offering a $3Instant Reward, taken at the register, on the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified LED holiday light strings at participating locations including Ace Hardware, Costco, Do it Best, Hardware Hank, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Shopko, Stein Gardens & Gifts and True Value Hardware locations. Limit twelve (12) light sets per customer.

Renewable Energy Quarterly, Fall 2009, now online

RENEW Wisconsin's newsletter features these articles:

+ Doyle Signs Wind Siting Reform Bill into Law
+ Solar Outlook Set to Dim in 2010
+ PSC Approves Coal to Wood Conversion
+ Producer Profile: Rick Adamski
+ Educating Schools on Solar Air Heating
+ RENEW Slams Anti-Wind Article
+ Calendar