This Weeks Articles...

   ...more

Northeastern Wisconsin manure spill thinning as it nears bay

   ...more

Ken Notes: Why does not one article mention that Betley Farms was a CAFO with 1500+ head on site. We can fix this by requiring CAFO`s with 1,000+ head digest their manure and heat the effluent. It can, and is, being done right here in Wisconsin. I have been extremely worried about this happening in Wisconsin and I believe it will happen again....

Dairyland Power Cooperative has named Jennifer Shilling to the position of Government Relations Manager, effective June 1, 2020.

“Dairyland is pleased to add Jennifer Shilling to our government relations team,” said Barbara Nick, President and CEO. “Jennifer’s record of service to the people of western Wisconsin is well known, including her positive, proven ability to work with lawmakers of both parties.  Those capabilities will be an asset to Dairyland’s cooperative membership, as we continue to work for safe, sustainable and reliable power in our four-state service area.”

Shilling will be an integral part of Dairyland’s government relations team, developing and implementing Dairyland’s legislative, regulatory and member relations strategies at the state and federal level...

   ...more

This week, the more than 6,000-square-foot roof at 770 N. Water St. is getting a green makeover.

Designed by Milwaukee`s New Eden Landscape Architecture, the roof uses vegetated trays atop an open drainage board that helps facilitate drainage on a flat roof like the one on the the 1968 office building, which is on the way to getting a full interior rehab.

The roof covers a bit more than half the roof, leaving room for necessary building mechanicals.
   ...more

Ken Notes: Great idea, great story! Between solar and vegetated trays we should strive to cover every roof in Wisconsin. For the business readers both of these techs are COST EFFECTIVE...

Kenosha, WI – America’s leading beverage companies and their environmental and sustainability partners announced today that the city of Kenosha is the latest locale selected for investment under Every Bottle Back, a breakthrough initiative to improve the collection and recycling of plastic bottles.

The $520,000 investment will help more than 32,000 households convert from an outdated plastic bag recycling system to 96-gallon, curbside recycling carts. This modernization will support the automation of recycling collection so that carts will be lifted and dumped into trucks via an automated arm, upgrading from the city’s current labor intensive, manual collection of bags. 

   ...more

MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison Water Utility says annual testing has found chemicals known as PFAS in all of the city`s drinking wells, although it maintains the levels fall below the state`s proposed safe drinking water limit.

Total amounts ranged from 2.5 to 47 parts-per-trillion.

PFAS, or Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are used in everything from food packaging to upholstery, clothing and firefighting foam. The chemicals do not break down in the environment and are commonly found in dust, air, soil and water....
   ...more

Ken Notes: I will mention one more time that it will become problematic for Wisconsin to get too far ahead of federal policy on this issue. We may find a problem without a solution and my guess is that people right now are saying any PFAS is too much.

Utility provider accomplishes 30 percent carbon-free goal 10 years early

   ...more

Ken Notes:Thank you! What a great commitment. Working together we can do great things....

Last week, nature lovers across the U.S. received some big news: The Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law, securing funding for environmental efforts across the country.

“This is a very significant investment in conservation in the United States, as well as in Wisconsin. Probably the most significant decades,” says Keith Warnke, administrator of the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Division for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “It`s a monumental step forward.”

President Trump signed the act on Tuesday...

   ...more

Ken Notes: I would love to hear from any of the conservancy advocates out there on their take on this...

   ...more

Ken Notes:KA is leading by example...

   ...more

Ken Notes: Again for the record I am not a fan of this reroute. We need to work with the tribes to replace the old lines...

If you hear something that sounds like gremlins chattering in your old brick chimney this July, don`t panic — you probably just have baby chimney swifts. 

After a long day spent snapping up insects and flying through the summer sky, chimney swifts return home, helicoptering down brick chimneys to chicks waiting in a teacup-sized nest of twigs glued together with spit. 

Watching these aerial acrobatics is "a special treat," according to Stanley Temple, an emeritus professor of conservation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison...

   ...more

Ken Notes: These and the swallows and bats eat pounds of insects, so keeping them around is a good thing...

The Wisconsin chapter of the Sierra club is kicking off a week of climate action starting Monday.

Members of the environmental organization said pollution from coal is making more people susceptible to bad outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. They said even when the pandemic is over the effects for those impacted will remain.

“It’s quite notable how the pandemic has exacerbated pollution,” said Victoria Gillet, a member of The John Muir Chapter, the Wisconsin branch of the Sierra Club.

The primary goal of the JMC’s week of action is to address the impacts coal and other pollutants have on the environment.

Gillet said she also wants people to understand that coal is costly not only to the environment but to people’s health and finances as well...
   ...more

Ken Notes: Glad to see this effort, but I am worried about this becoming a partisan issue. I want to go back to the beginning and follow Gaylord Nelson`s vision, “Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.”

   ...more

Ken Notes: More Midwest news at the link. Also if Mike did not get the job, why is it "news" that he applied.

   ...more

Ken Notes: There is probably good and evil in all of us. I hope the environment can be the great equalizer. I mentioned before that in our campgrounds and parks all race and socioeconomic differences seem to melt away. This is the energy, acceptance, and understanding we need in our cities.

That’s why Peterson, the former head of Northland College’s Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute and a volunteer for the Superior Rivers Watershed Association, is among a team of local supporters pushing to have the Bad River designated as a federal wild and scenic waterway....

   ...more

Ken Notes: If we do not protect these now we never will have the chance again...

WASHINGTON — Major environmental legislation sailed through Congress Wednesday while the nation’s political leaders were stuck in intense negotiations over the contours of a fifth coronavirus relief package.

The bill would provide $9.5 billion over five years to pay down the National Park Service’s maintenance backlog and provide permanent funding at $900 million per year for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which supports natural areas and recreation activities. 

It was sponsored by the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a civil rights giant who passed away last week. 

The U.S. House approved the bill by a vote of 310 to 107. The bill had broad bipartisan support, with 228 Democrats and 81 Republicans voting for it. Voting against were 104 Republicans, two Democrats — Reps. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana and Peter Visclosky of Indiana — and one Independent, Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan   ...more

Ken Notes: We can work together, at least some of us can...

A Marinette manufacturer of firefighting foam is cleaning up a spill of contaminated water containing arsenic and so-called “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.

Tyco Fire Products, part of Johnson Controls International, reported the spill to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on Sunday around 9 p.m., according to a DNR release.

Company officials said a mixture of river water and contaminated groundwater at its 1 Stanton St. facility was accidentally released, making its way into storm water drains that flow into the Menominee River.

A spokesperson for Johnson Controls said they promptly notified the agency of a water line break that occurred on Sunday...

   ...more

Ken Notes: Can we reach out and work with Johnson Controls on this issue rather than throw them under the bus...

SCS Engineers Search

   ...more

SCS - At the forefront of sustainable environmental solutions for over 40 years

A few years ago, the cars coming out of China were the object of derision. They were either obvious copies of popular Western models, or they were utterly ridiculous. The Land Wind X7 was the spitting image of a Range Rover Evoque, the CH Auto Lithia Sports bore an uncanny resemblance to the Audi R8, and the rather lengthily named Dongfeng EQ2050 Brave Soldier could easily have been mistaken for an American military Humvee. On the other hand, the Li Shi Guang Ming The Book Of Songs didn’t just have a silly name; its looks were so bizarre even a cartoon character would have been embarrassed to drive one.   ...more

Ken Notes: I have been writing about this for years now, if we are not proactive China has plans to skip an entire generation of auto technology and enter the world markets with state of the art next generation electric vehicles. Don`t think it can happen, I`m old and I remember when we thought Japanese cars we laughable - Who`s Laughing now???

Back Forty Mine along Wisconsin border faces insufficient funding, increasing opposition.

   ...more

Ken Notes:Good, but remember the strategy of the companies behind this will be to wait for the tides to change then move forward when their is less resistance. Especially when they can invest is support at all levels of government.

Dear Editor,

Wisconsin has had a proud history of protecting our natural resources. In the past, state and national leaders from both parties have recognized the value of its water and other natural resources.

Today, protection of our natural resources is under attack by the Trump administration. The EPA has targeted 100 environmental regulations to be rolled back for the express purpose of empowering commercial exploitation at the expense of our environment. In March, a new EPA rule dramatically weakened the landmark Clean Water Act of 1973. More than 42 million acres of wetlands —about half the country’s total — will no longer be protected...

   ...more

Ken Notes: Well said but the environment is not high on any candidates radar screen these days...

Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts announces the winners of Wisconsin’s 2020 Land Conservation Leadership Awards. Each award recognizes an individual or individuals, land trust, partnership or other conservation group that demonstrates outstanding commitment, accomplishment and leadership in protecting Wisconsin’s special places.

“We’re thrilled to recognize the achievements of these remarkable conservation leaders,” said Mike Carlson, executive director at Gathering Waters. “Each of the award winners has made a positive impact in their communities through their dedication to protecting Wisconsin’s land, water, wildlife and way of life. Their work has provided tangible benefits to the people living and working in Wisconsin.”

The award with a Harold “Bud” Jordahl Distinction honors a nominee involved in extraordinary land conservation projects and accomplishments throughout their career.

This year’s Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award winner is Peter McKeever of Monona. His passion for land protection and his skills as an attorney have made a lasting contribution to land conservation across Wisconsin.?..

   ...more

Ken Notes: Congrats!!!!

A Canadian company has withdrawn its request to condemn private land in order to reroute a controversial oil pipeline around a northern Wisconsin Indian reservation.

   ...more

Ken Notes: Glad to see emanate domain out of the picture, but I still believe the solution is to sit down with the tribes and clean up the existing line...

Algae blooms on Lake Superior have caused a lot of public concern in recent years and now researchers from UMD believe they know why they`ve been happening.

   ...more

The Department of Justice has obtained a judgment requiring a complete environmental restoration and payment of $100,000 for petroleum contamination at a former Dodge County bulk petroleum-storage center.   ...more

A University of Wisconsin Oshkosh professor says American’s addiction to convenience is helping drive the explosion of plastic used in virtually all consumer goods.

Melissa Bublitz, associate professor of marketing at UWO and an affiliate with UWO’s Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformations, was a panelist recently with alumnus Peter Christensen ’10, a chemist working on plastics recycling at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

They led a virtual discussion related to The Story of Plastic documentary that depicts how plastic pollution is smothering the oceans and polluting communities around the world...

   ...more

Ken Notes: Two notes here, one, China is no longer buying our recyclables which exasperates this problem. And two, the paper industry is advancing new technology that could help.

Also the United States should consider a federal packaging tax to offset the cost of landfills and recycling. They could actually charge a little more on imports than domestic products and could fund much of the waste disposal and reuse industries. Not a new tax because we pay for these thing now with little cause and effect options.

Coal still dominates the power generation sector in many Great Lakes states like Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. But they are beginning to embrace renewable energy, as well. And some believe that the region has the potential to become the next hot spot for renewable energy development..

   ...more

Ken Notes: We are ready to move forward in Wisconsin but we need to sit down with the utilities, communities and businesses to create a strategy to do this together...

   ...more

The draft permit proposes substantial reductions in arsenic loading to the Menominee River and first-time imposition of PFAS limitations.

   ...more

Notes:

Back Forty Mine along Wisconsin border faces insufficient funding, increasing opposition.

   ...more

Ken Notes: Careful, this mine will always seek the path of least resistance and will buy the support it needs when we are not paying attention. They budget for spills as a cost of doing business. This is not a good project for Wisconsin and Michigan and I believe it is not going away!

   ...more

Ken Notes: Yes we need to be very careful here. Do not plant anything unless you know what to expect and trust the source...

LAKE GENEVA, WI (SPECTRUM NEWS) — The Geneva Lake Environmental Agency took a new approach to handling the invasive plant Starry Stonewart in the popular Southern Wisconsin Lake.

The Agency, or GLEA, hired divers this week to hand pick the plant from the lake floor and dispose of it.

“It`s looking like this is probably, hand pulling, it probably the most effective,” said Ted Peters, GLEA`s director.

Last year the Agency used a chemical treatment in the lagoon where Starry Stonewart was introduces, however they didn`t see a large impact...

...The divers pull plants from the bottom of the lake and put them into bags. To pull off the operation GLEA put out a call for volunteers with kayaks to bring the plants to the shore. It`s help that`s crucial for the divers....
   ...more

Ken Notes:I`ll kayak if there is a place to stay...

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Environmental Protection Agency approved site-specific phosphorus criteria for multiple Wisconsin lakes, allowing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to continue their efforts of improving water quality throughout the Wisconsin River Basin.

The approval was given for Petenwell Lake, Castle Rock Lake and Lake Wisconsin, according to an official press release.

The maximum amount of pollutant allowed to enter the bodies of water for adequate water quality requires substantial reductions in phosphorus. While phosphorus needs to be reduced, the press release says the statewide criteria were not appropriate for the bodies of water.

   ...more

A Green Bay-area herbal store has seen an uptick in customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it`s not alone in Wisconsin.

   ...more

Ken Notes: We have a governor who should understand the value of education an bring this expertise to the citizens to address any number of issues. Instead he is in the partisan trenches fighting a battle he does not need to fight. We need to highlight the values of environmental efforts rather than to ask for mandates and and control...

   ...more

LODI, Wis. – Brian Pillsbury was in his element during a recent pasture walk at Schoepp Farms near Lodi. He maintained the recommended 6-foot COVID-19 distance from others attending the event but could still talk with them to share his passion for grazing.

The pasture walk was one of the last such events he’d attend in his official capacity as grazing-lands specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Wisconsin. He’s retiring July 31.

Pillsbury has held the post since 1997 – but he’s been a grazing enthusiast since childhood. He was raised on a 40-cow dairy farm near Shelburne, Vermont. He entered the University of Vermont with plans to become an engineer but said he found that field of study boring. He changed his major and in 1979 earned a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science...

   ...more

Ken Notes:Remember when a 40 cow and 40 acres was a good life for a family.....

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved site-specific criteria to reduce phosphorus pollution in several lakes within the Wisconsin River basin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources proposed site-specific standards as part of efforts to address impaired water quality in Castle Rock Lake, Petenwell Lake and Lake Wisconsin.

The decision marks the first time Wisconsin has sought and received approval of site-specific standards since statewide phosphorus rules were developed in 2010, according to Pat Oldenburg with the Wisconsin DNR...
   ...more

Ken Notes: I need more details but it seems the DNR is working with communities to actually address issues and solutions.

WGBA has combined forces with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and together we will pilot a new model for USGBC chapters and local market engagement...

   ...more

Lt. Governor Barnes pushes members to inject environmental justice into all task force recommendations

Some members want to solve climate change by “dismantling capitalism”

   ...more

   ...more

Ken Notes:oops...

   ...more

The largest single site of industrial contamination in Wisconsin has been certified by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as cleaned up.

The 110-acre brownfield was where the Milwaukee Road Shops stretched out as a sprawling complex of industry dedicated to producing and repairing rail cars and locomotives. In the beginning of the 20th century as many as 3,000 workers labored away at the shops on the rail cars that carried freight and passengers around the country...

   ...more

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to take action soon to remove gray wolves from the list of Endangered and Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act.  In response to this looming decision, experts will join a Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) presentation and panel discussion on August 26th from 11am to 12:30pm.

Expert panelists will cover the history of wolves and wolf management in Wisconsin, why an inclusive and transparent process is essential to effective wolf management, what public perceptions mean for human coexistence with wolves, and how Minnesota is managing its resident wolf population.

Current Wisconsin law mandates a wolf hunt to occur whenever the species is not listed under the Endangered Species Act and also limits the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Tribes and the public from significant input on when, where, how and if such harvests should occur...
   ...more

Wisconsin has joined a lawsuit against a new environmental regulation passed by the Trump administration curtailing states` ability to reject federally permitted projects that may cause pollution in bodies of water or wetlands.

Attorney General Josh Kaul announced Tuesday afternoon that he joined 20 other attorneys general in opposing the change to the Clean Water Act, which he contends violates both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Clean Water Act.   ...more

Ken Notes: More details here...

A team of researchers led by Bob Sterner, director of the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) at University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), has identified two major factors that contribute to the presence of cyanobacterial algae blooms on Lake Superior and one of them is already in play.

“It’s been a warm year and past blooms have happened in warm years,” said Sterner. “The other factor we’re looking for is a major weather event or historic rainfall.”...

   ...more

Miron Construction News Search

   ...more

Miron specializes in providing innovative pre-construction, construction management, design-build, general construction and industrial services.

As Wisconsin attempts to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, uncertainties surrounding ramped-up regulatory efforts and costly cleanup of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances could slow real estate and business development and expansion in the state, says Delanie Breuer at Reinhart Boerner...
   ...more

Ken Notes: Again I feel we need to align with federal policy and then push our agenda to move them forward. In this case going forward without a plan of attack may do more harm than good.

An analysis of 93m US homes found that the most energy intensive dwellings are found in Maine, Vermont and Wisconsin

   ...more

Ken Notes: This should be an opportunity to encourage wealthy homeowners to embrace the new renewable technologies available today. These people are wealthy because the understand business and now "Going Green" is good business...

Promega Corporation announced it has surpassed all its environmental improvement goals set for the end of 2020 and achieved absolute reductions in key sustainability metrics.

In early 2016, Promega determined environmental improvement goals that it wanted to meet by the end of 2020. These goals were based on 2015 data. Promega met and exceeded its goals by the end of 2019, according to Corey Meek, who heads Promega’s corporate responsibility program.

Promega is currently in the process of setting its next environment improvement goals “focusing heavily on renewable energy to further reduce our carbon footprint,” Meek told WisBusiness.com. “Energy efficiency is another we are targeting.”

Meek attributed Promega’s success to its employees. ..
   ...more

One of the nation`s largest electric utilities serving Wisconsin [including parts of the Northwoods] is pledging to go carbon-neutral by 2050, joining a growing list of companies that are looking to step up their carbon reduction goals.

WEC Energy Group, which owns We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, has set a new goal to reduce carbon emissions 70 percent in the next decade after exceeding its previous goal to cut emissions by 40 percent. The company plans to spend $900 million on renewable energy generation in Wisconsin over the next four years...
   ...more

Wisconsin is a proud and long-standing leader in this country when it comes to environmental stewardship and innovative ways to better protect its bountiful natural resources.

Thus, it’s no surprise that communities like Kenosha are out front in their quest for more and better recycling opportunities, including a renewed interest in recycling properly.

This is welcomed news for our environment across the nation. It also creates a unique opportunity for cities to examine current recycling practices and look for ways to improve and make recycling work better for consumers, sustainability workers and the environment...
   ...more

Ken Notes: Good read and we do need some more education on the subject. Also we need to bring China back on line for buying our recycled materials...

   ...more

WI Sustainable Business Council Search


   ...more

The WI Sustainable Business Council is a network of Wisconsin businesses and organizations that are interested in, or actively responding to, the challenge of sustainability.

The EPA recently released its annual air quality report, which concluded that air quality nationwide continues to improve. Our nation’s air quality is 77% cleaner today than it was in 1970, according to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the EPA. “Since 1970, implementation of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and technological advances from American innovators have dramatically improved air quality in the U.S.,” according to the report. “Since that time, the combined emissions of criteria and precursor pollutants have dropped by 77%. In recent years, the progress has continued: since 2017, the emissions of these pollutants dropped 7%.”...
   ...more

Hyundai launches Ioniq as a standalone brand to exclusively make electric cars

   ...more

 A citizen advisory committee to the Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee (ERC) has named four goals for a 10-year (2020 to 2030) county land and water resources plan.

The goals were presented to the ERC at its June 30 regular meeting.

A first goal is to protect and improve the county’s land resources, emphasizing a reduction in erosion on cropland and improvement in soil health.

Strategies to achieve the goal are to increase use of best management practices and establish grass waterways in cropland gullies, as well as increase the use of no-till farming and better manure management. The goal calls for management of public forest and protection of prime agricultural lands. Outcome measurements for this goal include:
   ...more

Links we like supporting Wisconsin`s Environment and Business. More will follow each week...

USGBC Wisconsin	Focus on Wisconsin	The Water Council	Restore
WI Sustainable Business Council	Sustain Dane	Midwest Energy News	Focus on Energy
Renew Wisconsin	Clean Wisconsin	MADISUN SOLAR ENERGY PROGRAM
Search News	Natural Heritage Land Trust	University of Wisconsin Sustainable Management	USGBC Wisconsin

   ...more

Ken Notes: Share this and if you want to be included:
Call us - 608.334.2174 or Editor [at] WDNGreen.com....

Communities across Wisconsin are looking to develop clean energy plans to do their part against global warming, and La Crosse is getting in on the action as well.

   ...more

Ken Notes: I will keep this link for awhile...

Trump campaign lawyer and Husch Blackwell senior counsel Lane Ruland is reportedly helping rapper Kanye West get on the ballot in Wisconsin as part of a long shot White House bid.

Ruland was spotted by a local reporter Tuesday outside of the state election commission building in Madison, dropping off ballot signatures for West. The elections lawyer, who is part of a team representing president Donald Trump’s campaign in a defamation lawsuit against a Wisconsin television station, was later identified by Vice.

West, once an outspoken Trump supporter, announced his presidential candidacy in July. Ruhland is a fixture on the GOP scene in Wisconsin who joined the Husch Blackwell late last year...
   ...more

Ken Notes: Who did not see this coming? Also note that even if this is 1% or 2% it could make a difference. My crystal ball says you may even see pac monies supporting this.

When the Earth Moves reclaims the authentic story and original vision of Earth Day as a bipartisan and socially just environmental movement and highlights the need for people across generations and on both sides of the political aisle to play an active part. The premiere coincides with the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day – an event that is expected to activate over a billion people worldwide around environmental and climate action.

SEE ALSO:

The PBS Biography of Gaylord Nelson

   ...more

Ken Notes: Please share this link with friends and family. It would be a great opportunity to share and discuss with students. The film is less than 10 minutes long but presents a great deal of information and hope for our future...

We try to include links to help you consider your GREEN economic development options in Wisconsin. Businesses feel free to send us your information here.   ...more

Ken Notes: Feel free to include this link and logo on your website. Our Tools and Resources are always a click away. Also a new easy to use address:

www.WDNGreen.com/tools/

Please share WDNGreen with a friend...   WDNGreen Network of Links... or Search WDNGreen...
   ...more

• Mining

• Explore the restoration of the sulfide mining moratorium or...
  
• Work with counties to create and enforce new mining regulations, restrictions and enforcement.
  
• Delay approval of any new mines until counties have their regulation policies in place.
• Restore DNR environmental staff and expertise to levels that can review any requests in a timely manner.
• Require a site reclamation fund be established from the onset of any approved project with a plan in place for complete site reclamation.
• Allow municipalities to enact special utilities in lieu of or in addition to regular taxes for issues like impact on roads, utilities, infrastructure, and public safety.
  

• Renewable Energy and Fuels

• Work with the utilities, business and communities to encourage the use of renewables, reduced carbon output, and better reporting and measurement.
• Establish a PSC willing to work with business and power companies while progressing to a lower carbon renewable future.
  
• Do not impose legislative mandates on renewables but rather incentivize use of new technologies while maintaining an open dialogue among all parties involved.
  

• Our Watersheds and the Great Lakes

• Become a strong partner in Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact.
• If water is removed from the watershed, require that it be returned cleaner that it was taken. Again make sure DNR has the resources to monitor and ensure this policy.
  

• Land Use and Transmission / Pipe Lines

• Require the need and or profit for new systems to Wisconsin citizens. If a system like tar sand or electricity is for other states or regions, require that the land uses benefits all citizens in our state in lower utility costs, additions public facilities and reduced air and water pollution.
• Require that any new system create an environmental offset equal to or greater than the land they take. This can be done in two ways: One additional Parks, Public Lands, Trails, Access to Waterways, Etc. OR Two reduced carbon emissions through the elimination or older less efficient production facilities or the conversion to renewable or exponentially lower emission fuels.
  

• CAFO`s and Agricultural Issues

• Address and regulate CAFO`s like the "cities" that they are.
  
• Develop regulations and controls to address the scale of effluent that these facilities produce.
• Consider using CAFO`s as a model for new waste treatment like digestion and pasteurization.
  
• Preserve the small farm in Wisconsin by encouraging sound environmental practices in a cost effective way.
  
• Work with all farms, businesses, and communities to improve watersheds, runoff and source point pollution focusing on results rather that penalties or mandates.
  

• Transit and Mass Transit

• Improve our transit and shipping corridors like rail and interstate access to encourage Wisconsin to become an efficient  distribution hub for the Midwest.
• Encourage communities to adopt new and more efficient mass transit systems.
• Encourage the use of more efficient buses, trucks and vehicles in the state.
  

• ECO Tourism

• Explore ECO Tourism as an option to preserve our vast agricultural heritage and natural waterways and woodlands.
• Allow ECO TIF financing to pair tourism development with land and watershed preservation.
  

   ...more

Ken Notes: Just a few ideas, please feel free to pick and choose then share with those on both sides of the isle that will be making decisions.

We now have an opportunity to grab the pendulum in the middle and make a real long term difference in how we manage our resources and what kind of Wisconsin we leave to our grandchildren!

These are personal viewpoints shaped by your feedback. They are not the positions of my sponsors or partners.

   ...more

Ken Notes:I would love to see Wisconsin become the leader in this technology! Every farmer and elected official in the state should download this.

Coverage of local and national eco news for commercial development, home, transportation, food and community. We search for environmentally friendly news that makes economic sense for Wisconsin. ONLINE HERE. Please share with a friend. To receive WDNews GREEN on Monday of each week as an email you must subscribe - secure link to subscribe is here.

Want to comment, or have an idea: Ideas[at]WisconsinDevelopment.com

We may now need to build a coalition that is willing to lobby from a "greener" yet pro business perspective. Lots of HUGE issues: Sand Mining, CNG, LEED Alternatives, Focus On Energy, LED Lighting R&D, Cleaner Power Generation, Recycling, Power Lines, Electric Cars, Wind, Solar, Bio Fuels, Digestors, Green AG, Business Incentives...And of course the Greenest and Happiest of Holidays to you!

Please consider sponsoring WDNGreen!

WDNews GREEN will be emailed on Mondays, included in WDNews on Thursdays, and online all the time at: WDNGreen.com Each week we will find 10 to 20 articles from Wisconsin and across the Nation dealing with environmental issues. Our goal is to promote environmental excellence from a sound business perspective.

Our resource guide at the bottom of this publication will continue to grow, and you may add links, suggest articles, include your press releases, or comment by eMailing Me. As always thanks for reading, and if you would like to sponsor or get involved call 608.334.2174...   ...more

Ken Notes: Please forward this to friends and colleagues who have an interest in our economy and environment. You may eMail Me Here.

   ...more