Wisconsin Residents Celebrate Nuclear Moratorium Law on 24th Anniversary of Chernobyl Disaster

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

River Falls Breaking New Ground on Energy Efficiency

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

Wisconsin Democrats Say No to Clean Energy on Earth Day

MADISON — Hours ago, the democratically controlled state Legislature failed the people of Wisconsin when it adjourned before taking up the Clean Energy Jobs Act. “It’s ironic that on Earth Day, our Democrat-led state Legislature effectively killed a vital piece of clean energy legislation,” says Keith Reopelle, senior policy director, Clean Wisconsin. “Senate Democratic leaders

40 Ways to Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

MADISON — This Thursday, April 22, marks the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day and a leading environmental organization is encouraging residents to celebrate with action by releasing 40 earth-friendly ways to celebrate. “Whether at home, on your commute, at work, in your community, or on vacation, there are hundreds of simple actions you

Passage of Senate Bill 273 Rolls Back Commitment to Renewable Energy

Clean Energy Jobs Act needed to strengthen commitment MADISON — The Wisconsin State Senate passed Senate Bill 273 today, a bill that rolls back Wisconsin’s commitment to renewable energy by expanding what qualifies as the “renewable energy” utilities must produce to meet Wisconsin’s renewable electricity standard. “The passage of Senate Bill 273 represents a significant

Assembly Committee Passes Clean Energy Jobs Act

Full Assembly, Senate now have one week to pass bill MADISON — The Assembly Committee on the Clean Energy Jobs Act held an executive session in the Capitol today, where they voted 6-3 to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act will help keep our environment clean and aid in our

Offering General Permits for Factory Farms Would Threaten Environment and Public Health

Proposed system would further burden water protection program MADISON — A new proposal easing permit requirements for large-scale livestock operations could increase the already high environmental and health impacts of factory farms, according to testimony delivered today at public hearings held by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Fitchburg. “The DNR currently lacks

Eau Claire Leads Wisconsin on Energy Efficiency

City saves $1.2 million over 10 years EAU CLAIRE — When it comes to energy efficiency, Wisconsin communities could take a lesson from Eau Claire. The city began decreasing its energy use years ago, then used federal stimulus funds to improve more public facilities. Now, the city is using its experience to help others become