Defender
Summer 2015 join us:
For too long, families and children in Southeastern Wisconsin have been unable to safely drink the water that runs from their faucets. In May, we started a new project looking deeper into the problem. In this next step to the work we started in 2014, we are teaming up with leading researchers from Duke University and Ohio State University to collect more detailed information about the groundwater in the area. We hope that this project will give us a better understanding of what’s making the water undrinkable.
WHERE WE LEFT OFF
DIGGING DEEPER Topnotch researchers, Clean Wisconsin continue work to uncover source of SE Wisconsin’s drinking water contamination
By Paul Mathewson, Tyson Cook & Amanda Wegner
In our November 2014 report, Don’t Drink the Water, we showed the extent of unsafe levels of molybdenum in the area’s groundwater. In reviewing test results from nearly 1,000 private drinking wells in four counties, we found that half had molybdenum levels exceeding the DNR’s groundwater enforcement standard, and one in five wells exceeded the state’s current interim health advisory limit. Excess molybdenum has been shown to cause reproductive and developmental problems in animals. At high levels, it may cause a gout-like disease in people. And recent research indicates that even lower levels of exposure may impact child deveopment and men’s reproductive health by reducing testosterone levels and sperm quality. The molybdenum levels we found in Southeastern Wisconsin groundwater were much higher than what other studies throughout North America have found, causing schools and homeowners in the area to install expensive filtration devices or to rely on bottled water. Our report brought continued on page 5
2015 BUDGET BILL RECAP Environmental protections take a hit
Clean Wisconsin 634 W. Main St., #300 Madison, WI 53703-2500
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1291 Madison, WI
By Amber Meyer Smith, Director of Programs & Government Relations
On July 12, Governor Walker signed the biennial budget bill into law. The budget bill is the most comprehensive and sweeping bill passed during every legislative session, and it impacts every facet of state government. It is the only bill that must be signed into law every session. This budget’s impact on natural resources issues is vast. Clean Wisconsin monitored and evaluated all environmental policies in the budget, working with environmental partner groups, members and legislators to make changes or offer support on certain items. We were able to help mitigate several of the most egregious cuts that were first proposed in this budget process, and had some victories. For instance, partially restoring important natural resource programs like Stewardship and county conservation staff were significant victories forged by deep partnerships and investments by many environmental and conservation groups. While there were many other issues we
Also in this issue
Waukesha Action | Scenes from Cento & Sail Loft
continued on page 3
&
News, Notes Thank you!
Events
Thanks to the Madison Community Foundation, which recently awarded us a $20,000 grant to support work to enhance our visibility to better showcase our work to our supporters and residents of Wisconsin. Madison Community Foundation uses its local knowledge and assets to inspire giving, support meaningful initiatives and connect people with the common good!
634 W. Main St., #300 • Madison WI 53703 Phone: 608-251-7020 www.cleanwisconsin.org Clean Wisconsin protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the State Capitol and holding elected officals and polluters accountable. On behalf of its more than 30,000 members, supporters and coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin a wonderful place to live, work and play.
STAFF President & CEO Mark Redsten Development Director Angela Cao Director of Science & Research Tyson Cook Chief Financial Officer Nick Curran, CPA Organizing Hub Co-Director Melissa Gavin Membership & Development Coordinator Jake Immel Water Quality Specialist Scott Laeser
VICTORY!
Science & Policy Associate Matt Landi Staff Scientist Paul Mathewson
Several months after unanimously passing in the Legislature, Gov. Scott Walker signed Act 43, the microbeads bill, into law on July 1, ushering in new protections to keep microplastics out of Wisconsin’s waters and our Great Lakes. As the seventh state with a microbeads law, and Clean Wisconsin is proud to be part of this important movement. In the photo are Clean Wisconsin’s Amber Meyer Smith (far left) and Tyson Cook (middle back), joined by Republican legislators Rep. Joel Kitchens (third from left) and Rep. Mary Czaja (behind Walker), who worked with others to see this bill through the legislative process.
Join us for an evening in Racine!
RSVPs appreciated to Jake at jimmel@cleanwisconsin.org or 608-251-7020 x23
Stay informed on what’s happening in our state government
Staff Attorney & Climate Resilience Project Manager Pam Ritger Senior Policy Director Keith Reopelle
Operations & HR Manager David Vitse Communications & Marketing Director Amanda Wegner Senior Staff Attorney Elizabeth Wheeler
Sail into
Summer
with Clean Wisconsin PHOTO: James Jordan/Flickr
• Join our Action Network at cleanwisconsin.org • Watch legislative floor sessions, committee hearings and interviews at wisconsineye.org • Sign up to receive notifications about action on bills you care about at http://notify.legis.state.wi.us • Learn more about your legislators using the interactive map at http://maps.legis.wisconsin.gov/
The Defender is owned and published quarterly by Clean Wisconsin, 634 W. Main St., #300, Madison, WI 53703, 608-251-7020. A one-year subscription membership is $35. Please direct correspondence to the address above. Volume 45, No. 3 Issue date: July 2015 ©2015 Clean Wisconsin. All rights reserved. ISSN # 1549-8107
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General Counsel Katie Nekola
Midwest Clean Energy Coordinator Sarah Shanahan
Drinks & appetizers provided.
This event is free and open to the public.
Water Resources Specialist Ezra Meyer
Grant & Foundations Manager Ella Schwierske
Meet our staff, learn about our work in southeastern Wisconsin, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Michigan & Reefpoint Marina! Thursday, Aug. 20, 5-7 p.m. Reefpoint Brew House 2 Christopher Columbus Causeway Racine
Director, Programs & Gov’t Relations Amber Meyer Smith
Printed with soy ink on unbleached, recycled paper.
BOARD Chair Carl Sinderbrand, Middleton Vice Chair Chuck McGinnis, Middleton Treasurer Gof Thomson, New Glarus Secretary Shari Eggleson, Washburn Belle Bergner, Milwaukee Elizabeth Feder, Madison Scott Froehlke, Montello Gary Goyke, Madison Margi Kindig, Madison Karen Knetter, Madison Mallory Palmer, Madison Glenn Reinl, Madison Arun Soni, Madison Bruce Wunnicke, Richland Center Board Emeritus Kate Gordon, San Francisco
Summer 2015
budget from cover spent time on, some of the highlights and lowlights include:
»»Restores $3.5 million to polluted runoff management efforts including funding for nonpoint runoff grants and county land and water conservation staff that serve as the boots on the ground for waterway protection.
»»Funds
the land-purchasing Stewardship program at $33 million to continue land protection efforts.
»»Retains decision-making authority of the Natural Resources Board rather than relegating the Board to advisory.
»»Protects the Focus on Energy fund, which helps deliver energy efficiency grants, loans and expertise to homeowners and businesses.
»»Restores a proposed cut to parks funding, but makes Wisconsin’s parks system the only one in the nation to be run solely by user fees, with no state commitment, which is an unsustainable model.
»»Requires a duplicative study on the health impacts of wind energy, despite the fact that a study was just completed last fall by the Wind Siting Council. That study was unable to conclude that wind turbines have a direct and negative effect on human health.
»»Removes
ability of counties to enact shoreland zoning standards that are stronger than the state, removing local control over the protection of lake and river shores.
»»Cuts 18.4 DNR Science Services staff and 11 DNR Educator position that conduct research on issues impacting natural resource management and engage citizens and students.
»»Eliminates $8 million in state funding per year for UW-Madison’s Bioenergy Initiative, one of only three such research programs in the nation
»»Cuts $4 million from recycling program that goes to support curbside recycling pickup and management
»»Reduces
money available for citizen-based groups like Clean Wisconsin that receive funding to make sure the environmental and ratepayer voice is heard in utility proceedings before the Public Service Commission.
There is no doubt these cuts will impact the work we do to protect our air and water. But Clean Wisconsin will continue to be your environmental voice: Building our science and research team to make up for the lack of focus at the state level, and continuing to build relationships with decision-makers who are willing to stand up and fight for Wisconsin’s environment, and hold those who don’t accountable through our legal team and political arm.
from the President & CEO With Gov. Walker’s recent signing of the 2015-’17 biennial budget bill, it appears Wisconsin’s environment will suffer. The signing of the budget ushered in new policies and budget cuts harmful to our natural resources. But thanks to you and the more than 50,000 individual messages you sent to legislators and decision-makers, we had some successes during the budget process. For example, you helped Mark Redsten restore $3.5 million for polluted runPresident & CEO off programs and prevent the popular Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program from elimination. With significant wins and losses this budget cycle, it’s evident that our work in the Capitol as your environmental voice continues to be challenging. And while Clean Wisconsin will always work for strong policies and laws to protect our air and water, we’re also building our strengths in complementary areas. In this issue of Defender, you can see this new emphasis play out in our science department’s work in Southeastern Wisconsin. As a continuation of our examination of the ongoing drinking water problems in the area, we joined forces with topnotch researchers from Duke University and Ohio State University to gather water samples from local residents to determine the potential source of contamination and whether that contamination is natural or manmade. We’ll continue to partner with other health researchers to further understand the impacts of this drinking water contamination. This spring’s groundwater sampling is our first foray into primary research, and we see it as a critical opportunity for Clean Wisconsin to bolster our mission and offer more wins for the environment. As the saying goes, “the truth will set you free,” and with research and sound science on our side, we know we can provide a wise, objective voice on important environmental issues across the state. We are so appreciative of all you’ve done to help write this new chapter and the trust you’ve given us as your voice for the Wisconsin we all know and love. Clearly the challenges we face mean your support is more important than ever. Thank you for recognizing that Clean Wisconsin advocates for commonsense solutions and has good strategies to get there! To help us continue this important work, we encourage you to share the Clean Wisconsin story in your own circles: the story of our organization’s expertise and success fighting for Wisconsin’s environment, of our perseverance, and of our vision to take on important new, emerging and under-researched issues.
Thank you for all you do,
Scenes from
Sail into
Summer
Sail Loft Milwaukee June 18
www.cleanwisconsin.org 3
AN ALTERNATIVE TO
heard on this WAUKESHA'S DIVERSION Be important issue Our Coalition’s alternative solution will save residents $150M, better protect the environment
In June, the DNR released its long-awaited preliminary decision on Waukesha’s application for Lake Michigan water under the Great Lakes Compact. Not surprisingly, the DNR has tentatively OK’d the application, supporting Waukesha’s contention that it has no other option for dealing with its groundwater quality and quantity issues. But on July 9, Clean Wisconsin, as part of the Compact Implementation Coalition, a broad coalition of stakeholders interested in this precedent-setting issue, released its own Non-Diversion Solution that proves Waukesha does have a better option. Compared to Waukesha’s plan, our plan will save Waukesha residents money … without a single drop of Lake Michigan water. Our alternative is the result of more than a year of work with two independent firms with expertise in water supply engineering, water treatment and hydrogeology. In that time, the firms analyzed Waukesha’s application, its historical and potential future water use, and the area’s geology and groundwater situation. What the experts found is that the City of Waukesha has an ample, sustainable water supply for its current service area, even taking into account future growth. The only reason Waukesha is looking to Lake Michigan water at all is to cover its desired future expansion of its service territory to include parts of four surrounding communities. However, those communities have no need, now or in the future, for a different water supply and do not qualify for Great Lakes water under the requirements of the Compact. By taking Waukesha’s proposed expanded service area out of the equation, our experts determined that the City’s current supply is a viable alternative to Lake Michigan water. In short, Waukesha can
Meet Scott Laeser Our new water quality specialist & resident farmer
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supply its growing population with safe, clean water, now and in the future, by blending deep- and shallow-aquifer water and updating its outdated technology to “best available” technology for removing radium and other contaminants. Our solution will save Waukesha residents $150 million compared to the Great Lakes diversion, meet public health standards for radium and other contaminants, and requires no additional wells, which means there is no environmental impact to surrounding wetlands, surface waters or the deep water aquifer. Our Non-Diversion Solution is just one piece of the puzzle; we have numerous concerns with Waukesha’s proposed diversion, which are detailed at our coalition’s website, www.protectourgreatlakes.org. But the bottom line is that Waukesha does not meet the high standards set in the Great Lakes Compact for approval to divert water outside of the Great Lakes Basin. As this is the first test of the Compact, it is critically important that the Compact we all fought for is upheld, ensuring that only communities that can truly demonstrate they need Great Lakes water and have no other alternative should qualify to receive Great Lakes water. Waukesha cannot demonstrate that it needs the water, and its application should be denied. The DNR’s draft decision documents are currently out for public comment, and your feedback will help shape their final decision. DNR wants to hear from the public this summer, both through written comments and at public hearings; find more details in the box at the right. We encourage you to get involved … this is our chance to defend the Compact, Lake Michigan and all our Great Lakes!
ATTEND A PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, Aug. 17
5:30 pm.. Presentation 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing
Carroll University Center for Graduate Studies Auditorium, 2140 Davidson Road, Waukesha (Note: Not at main campus)
Tuesday, Aug. 18
1 p.m. Presentation 2 p.m. Public Hearing
Zilber School of Public Health at UWM, Triplex Rooms 109, 119 and 124, 1240 N. 10th St., Milwaukee Parking at Interstate Brewery Parking Structure, 1213 N. 9th St
Tuesday, Aug 18
5:30 p.m. Presentation 6:30 p.m. Public Hearing
Racine Masonic Center, 1012 Main St
COMMENT WITH CLEAN WISCONSIN & CIC
Sign up at www.cleanwisconsin.org/ waukesha to be the first to know it’s time to comment! SEND YOUR OWN COMMENT Submit written comments on the draft EIS and draft Technical Review by August 28, 2015 to:
Ashley Hoekstra DNR Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921
or DNRWaukeshaDiversionApp@wisconsin.gov
CONNECT WITH CIC protectourgreatlakes.org Twitter: @ProtectGLwater www.facebook.com/ protectourgreatlakes
I grew up in Wisconsin fishing, hunting, canoeing, camping and building forts in the forest in my backyard outside Kenosha, a block from Lake Michigan and on the border of one of the state’s many beautiful natural areas, Chiwaukee Prairie. So I’ve always loved the outdoors and have known for a long time I wanted a career where I could work in it every day, or at least work on protecting it. Exactly what that work would entail has been a little harder to nail down. A college research project on stream water quality on my family’s then recently purchased farm in Southwestern Wisconsin piqued my interest in water issues early on, but I worked on climate change during graduate school. A job in Washington, D.C. working for Trout Unlimited allowed me to work on both water and climate issues and led to a different position working on a variety of legislative issues that included climate change and agricultural and conservation policy. I enjoyed that work, but sometimes got frustrated navigating, and waiting for, the grinding gears of policy and legislation to turn. As I sorted out my career in other parts of the country, I always made a few annual trips back to Wisconsin to my family’s farm. Since purchasing the farm, we’ve been working to remove invasive species, restore wildlife habitat and improve water quality in the trout stream flowing through the property; there were always projects waiting when I visited. A desire to get “back to the land” brought me back to Wisconsin in 2013 to start a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) produce farm, and after some time working for a land trust in Southwestern Wisconsin, I started at Clean Wisconsin in March. It’s been a winding road, but my work at Clean Wisconsin allows me to draw from all my past work experiences to find better ways to clean up our rivers, lakes and streams, places where I’ve found enjoyment since I was a child. I’m excited I’ve landed where I can draw on what I’ve learned from all those early professional experiences in my day-to-day work. I won’t say I’ve got it all figured out yet, but I’ve made some progress. Summer 2015
testing from cover attention to the issue, and also revealed a correlation between contamination levels and locations of coal ash disposal in the region.
RESEARCH AT WORK
However, we knew there was more work to be done. For example, a more complete water chemistry analysis was needed for a better understanding of potential contamination sources. To that end, we connected with the researchers at Duke and Ohio State Universities who are leaders in understanding and assessing groundwater chemistry. Over the course of a week in mid-May, Clean Wisconsin staff and the researchers met with nearly 50 homeowners in the area who graciously allowed us to sample water from their homes. Thankfully, the springtime weather was cooperative, giving us a rain-free window, and we had a lot of fun getting to know supporters and concerned citizens as we collected samples. While most of the prior molybdenum analyses looked at the toxin in isolation, the scientists from Duke University are now conducting a full chemical analysis of the groundwater samples to provide a more complete picture of the groundwater conditions. This work is important because there are a number of other potentially toxic chemicals that may be present along with molybdenum contamination. Elevated levels of certain elements commonly associated with a manmade contamination source would also help to direct future efforts to focus on that particular source. In addition to that chemical characterization, the Duke researchers are also conducting advanced chemical analysis to look at the isotopes, or different variations, of certain elements. With this analysis, Duke’s Dr. Avner Vengosh, is one of the nation’s leadwe hope to ing experts on isotope testing, and on using individual gain a better chemical components and understanding of ratios to get information the original source. For what’s making the on example, certain elements water undrinkable like molybdenum can have a different chemical “finhere. gerprint” when it comes from human activities versus when it comes from natural activities. Advanced research is also being done by Ohio State University researchers to give us important information about the potential sources of contamination. They are analyzing dissolved gases in the groundwater samples to determine the age of the water, which will tell us how much of the well water has been underground for hundreds or thousands of years, and how much of it may have recently seeped down from the surface where there may be sources of contamination. Like the Duke University researchers, the Ohio State team is also using cutting-edge science; they have one of the only labs in the country that can perform this type of analysis.
As the homeowner looks on, Duke University researcher Jennie Harkness (left) and Myles Moore of Ohio State crimp a copper tube filled with groundwater to analyze dissolved gases in the water.
Taking notes in the field
At each site, groundwater was piped into vials for testing and analysis.
A pH meter measures the acidity level of the water.
CASTING A WIDE NET
To get as much information as possible, we took a wide variety of water samples. First, we sampled wells that drew water from different depths and conditions, because variation in the glacial geology in the area means that they could be drawing from different water sources in the area. We also sampled wells in areas where prior testing showed high molybdenum concentrations as well as areas where prior testing showed lower levels (more in line with levels found in other groundwater studies in North America) to see what other differences there were between them. Putting all this together, we hope to use the information from the aging and chemical analyses to more fully examine and evaluate relationships between molybdenum levels and a variety of potential contamination sources in the area. The water samples are currently being analyzed in their respective laboratories, and we anticipate receiving the results later this summer. This exciting collaboration with world-class researchers is a critical step forward in understanding the source of the contamination that has plagued residents for too long. It is our hope and intent that through continued work like this, the root cause of the area’s molybdenum problem can eventually be addressed and area residents will once again have access to safe, clean drinking water, right from their taps.
Staff scientist Paul Mathewson (left) and Tyson Cook, director of science and research, review maps and well data to plan for the next day’s sampling efforts.
Staff from Clean Wisconsin and both universities working at a sample site outside Waterford.
www.cleanwisconsin.org 5
30th Street Corridor Neighborhood Green Infrastructure Outreach and Installation:
Year Two Underway!
For years, you’ve helped us lead efforts to clean up our lakes and rivers by reducing pollution from nutrients like phosphorus, which fouls our waterways and hurts recreational opportunities and property values throughout the state. While we have made progress, much work remains. As you may recall, in 2010 Clean Wisconsin worked with the DNR and other stakeholders to develop an innovative phosphorus water quality rules package focused on cleaning our lakes and rivers in collaborative ways that engage both point sources like wastewater treatment plants, and non-point sources like farm fields. The Phosphorus Rules offer a variety of tools and point sources have several options to cost-effectively reduce phosphorus levels in the waterways into which they discharge. But last year, the legislature passed a bill modifying this part of the rule by adding a variance, an additional option for some facilities facing significant compliance costs. This variance could add a helpful additional compliance option for some point sources if done right — or simply delay cleanup of our waters if done wrong. In early May, the DNR and Department of Administration (DOA) released a study bolstering the case for a variance to be added to the rules. A necessary step toward implementing a variance, the study included some assumptions we felt were inappropriate and exaggerated the costs of compliance with the rule while ignoring the benefits of pollution cleanup. Clean Wisconsin immediately jumped into action; we reached out to our conservation and environmental partners, met with the EPA in Chicago to discuss our concerns 6
How agricultural waste management is changing in Wisconsin
about the proposed changes, and develop extensive and detailed comments. We also asked you to weigh in. You submitted over 500 comments to the DNR and DOA asking them to strengthen the variance proposal and provide assurances that implementation would improve the water quality in our rivers, lakes, and streams as quickly as possible. Thank you! DNR and DOA are currently reviewing all comments and will be making changes to their proposal before sending it to the EPA for approval; Clean Wisconsin is closely monitoring their efforts. We’ll be working with our partners, DNR, EPA and you to ensure that any variance that becomes part of Wisconsin law improves water quality and will ultimately allow water bodies to meet water quality standards. We’re also working to be sure the variance doesn’t undermine Adaptive Management, a compliance option Clean Wisconsin worked hard to include in the 2010 rules. It is an available cost-effective option that gives greater assurances that waters will get cleaned up, and we’re working with several point sources around the state that are leading the way in putting Adaptive Management projects into action. We can’t let any variance undermine the great work our state has done so far to clean up our waters. With summer upon us, no one should have to experience toxic algal blooms, closed beaches or weed-choked lakes, and we shouldn’t have to wait for cleaner, healthier waters. Together, we’re making progress toward a future where anyone, anywhere in the state can fish, swim, or boat in any lake, river, or stream they want.
Defending the Phosphorus Rules Variance study could harm phosphorusreduction work By Scott Laeser, Water Quality Specialist
PHOTO: Lisa Simmons
By Pam Ritger Staff Attorney & Climate Resilience Program Manager
We are excited to reconnect with communities in the 30th Street Corridor neighborhoods following the long winter! We began the season with a number of events, including; April 18 We helped some of our elderly participants reconnect their rain barrels, while lending a hand during a neighborhood trash clean-up April 22 On Earth Day, we joined with our partners Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Uniting Garden Homes, and the 30th Street Corridor Corporation and project sponsor, Wells Fargo, to clean up trash around the Garden Homes Park and neighborhood, another 30th Street Corridor community. May 2 We visited our 2014 rain garden hosts to help them weed and spruce up their rain gardens, which are all becoming well-established, absorbing approximately 250 gallons of stormwater runoff per storm and 12,500 gallons of stormwater each year. June 20 About 25 attendees and volunteers joined us to learn about and help install simple green infrastructure practices, including rain barrels, rain gardens and soil amendments in the Century City Tri-Angle Neighborhood (CCTN). Upcoming activities this summer include collaboration with CCTN and Milwaukee Public Theatre to further raise awareness of green infrastructure and environmental sustainability through artistic expression, including spoken word and neighborhood visual art installations, as well as the transformation of a city vacant lot into a community rain garden in the Cold Spring Park Neighborhood. And what better way to continue connecting with 30th Street Corridor communities than by locating right in the 30th Street Corridor? We have opened a Clean Wisconsin office in Milwaukee in the Century City Tower on Milwaukee’s northwest side. This location facilitates our ongoing infrastructure Bygreen Elizabeth Wheeler, and climate resilience work, and we’re proud to be part of the revitalization efforts taking place in the Corridor. Stay tuned for Senior Staff Attorney more to come!
Summer 2015
Scenes from
An Epicurean Happy Hour Cento | June 9
Conversations for a Better Energy Future
Clean Wisconsin, CUB & MGE collaborating on ideas, projects to demonstrate value of clean energy, energy efficiency to utilities Electric utilities around the country are facing a changing energy landscape. People are becoming more aware of the impacts of their electricity use and technological advances, like cheaper solar panels and better light bulbs, are starting to reduce the amount of electricity people need to buy. In addition, increasing risks and certainities, like extreme weather and new market and policy pressures, are creating instability. Utilities can react to this changing landscape by adapting or by digging in their heels with their old “business model.” Last year, three Wisconsin electric utilities took the second approach and brought forward proposals to dramatically increase fixed charges on their customers’ energy bills. This gained national attention due to the negative effects these billing changes would have on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, such as community solar projects. Clean Wisconsin strongly opposed these efforts in the legal proceeding at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC), the state agency that approves these rate changes. In late 2014, one utility, Madison Gas & Electric (MGE), responded to community concerns and agreed to put the most drastic parts of its proposal on hold. While the company still significantly increased its fixed charges, MGE pledged to hold extensive conversations with the community to hear the concerns of all customers and community members before taking a next
step. MGE also agreed to work collaboratively and at a high level with Clean Wisconsin and Citizens Utility Board (CUB), an organization that looks out for the interests of residential and small business customers of the utilities, to find a different path forward to address the utility’s business concerns and the community’s concerns about cost and negative environmental impacts. Based on this agreement, a work group was formed to meet regularly to discuss ideas and make recommendations for pilot projects that demonstrate the economic and environmental value of energy efficiency and clean energy, with an eye toward compliance with the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. Ideally, all parties in this energy discussion — MGE, the community and other stakeholders — would have been in agreement on commonsense strategies to reduce carbon and other pollution long ago. While that hasn’t been the case, this new work is an important step in the right direction. At a time when it’s becoming clear that the energy world of tomorrow will be very different from the energy world of yesterday, utilities need to make big decisions with significant and long-term ramifications. We need to encourage pragmatic, rational and thoughtful leaders of utility companies to see the opportunity for shareholder value by partnering with customer and environmental advocates.
www.cleanwisconsin.org 7
Latest Focus on Energy Evaluation Shows Program’s Continued Value
By Keith Reopelle, Senior Policy Director
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program, continues to deliver tremendous value to home and business owners. A recent independent evaluation found that 2014 was the third consecutive year that the program saved businesses and homes $3 for every $1 invested in the program. There are two ways customers benefit from Focus and realize lower energy costs. First, customers who participate in the program and take advantage of incentives to install energy-saving appliances and equipment, such as lighting in retail stores, refrigeration in grocery stores, high-efficiency motors in factories and high-efficiency furnaces in homes, save money. Many upgrades pay for themselves in a few years; after that, business or homeowners see major savings every single year. Secondly, all customers see lower energy bills thanks to Focus because meeting electricity demand through improved efficiency eliminates the need to build costly new power plants or transmission lines saves everyone money on their electric bills.
In addition to Focus’s direct energy bill savings, the program creates jobs installing efficiency measures; the program has created thousands of jobs already. It also generates hundreds of millions of dollars in retail sales of energy-efficient equipment, money that pumps through Wisconsin’s economy. This is especially the case for products manufactured in Wisconsin, such as Cree LED lightbulbs manufactured in Racine. The program also generates hundreds of millions of dollars of increased disposable income for Wisconsin residents; the less they pay for the their energy bills, the more disposable income they have to spend on other goods and services. This is all good news for sure. The Focus program is an economic-stimulus machine, but there have been proposals floating around the State Capitol to cut or gut the program, proposals that have surfaced as part of the state budget bill debates. Clean Wisconsin has been working hard behind the scenes to stop these destructive proposals from being introduced; so far,
with the help of others, including some utilities, we have been successful. We know there are legislators interested in reforming the Focus program to make it more cost-effective (though it is already one of the most cost-effective programs in the nation), but there are clearly others interested in cutting or even slashing the program. With all the benefits that Focus on Energy provides Wisconsin ratepayers, we should be having a conversation about how to grow the program. Clean Wisconsin’s policy experts are meeting with businesses across the state to generate ideas on ways to improve the program so legislators have constructive and useful ideas of how to modify the program. In addtion, we’re seeking more supporters, particularly if you have taken advantage of the program and have a story to share about Focus on Energy or if you own a business and would like to utilize the program to reduce your energy bill. Please contact Clean Wisconsin policy director Keith Reopelle at kreopelle@cleanwisconsin.org.
Legislative Leader Profile Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) was first elected to represent the 1st Assembly District in November 2014. Kitchens has worked for the last 30 years as a farm animal veterinarian in Door and Kewaunee Counties. He has also served as Sturgeon Bay School Board President for 13 years, where he developed his focus on commonsense solutions for the problems facing citizens of the area. Rep. Kitchens has brought that commonsense approach to the Capitol. He understands a major component of economic development for the 1st Assembly District is tourism, and that clean water is necessary to keep those tourism dollars flowing. “Our unique economy in the area is based on a mix of tourism, agriculture and manufacturing, which all depend on the availability of clean and plentiful water,” Kitchens says. “My job is to help strike a balance so our area continues to thrive and be a great place for our children and grandchildren to live, work and play.” That philosophy has been clear even in his first few months at the Capitol, where Kitchens teamed up with Clean Wisconsin and others to help restore critical funds for county land and water conservation offices during the budget debate. The funding Rep. Kitchens helped restore will allow more county staff to work with farmers and other landowners to install conservation practices on the land, as well as protect drinking water, lakes and streams. “County conservationists are absolutely crucial in my district,” Rep. Kitchens explains. “The work they do with farmers and other property owners is so valuable for protecting our natural resources, and I was pleased to work to restore their funding.” Kitchens intends to use his position as a member of both the environment committee and the agriculture committee to find solutions for the water problems facing his district. Clean Wisconsin looks forward to continuing to work with Rep. Kitchens on important water quality issues on these committees. 8
Rep. Joel Kitchens 1st Assembly District R-Sturgeon Bay office phone: 608-266-5350 rep.kitchens@legis.wisconsin.gov
Summer 2015
In Wisconsin, summer means soaking in the sun and enjoying outdoor activities on one of the state’s 15,000 lakes. However, this Memorial Day my family arrived at our cottage west of Shawano to find something that has become far too common: the lake was coated with a pale-green, smelly scum. After contacting regional scientists at the Wisconsin DNR, we were informed that the lake was experiencing a blue-green algae bloom. Actually a bacteria called cyanobacteria, blue-green algae is almost always present in Wisconsin lakes, but its quantity is kept in check by other aquatic organisms such as zooplankton and a limited amount of nutrients essential for growth, like phosphorous and nitrogen. However, when there are excess nutrients, an abundance of sunlight and calm water, the conditions become right for cyanobacteria to grow exponentially. Discharge from water treatment and food-processing plants, fertilizer runoff from fields, and leaching from animal waste are some of the biggest contributors of excess nutrients in Wisconsin lakes. Aside from the foul smell and ugly appearance, the negative consequences of algal blooms are far-reaching. Algae mats block sunlight from reaching underwater plants and plankton that provide food and habitat for aquatic organisms. Oxygen levels consequently decline as aquatic plant photosynthesis is restricted, resulting in hypoxic (low-oxygen) conditions. The cyanobacteria themselves use oxygen for respiration, and the decomposition of these blooms further exacerbates the hypoxic conditions, diminishing the water body’s ability to support certain aquatic organisms. If these conditions persist, a dead zone can be formed where little to no animal life can survive. The second largest dead zone in the world is at the mouth of the Mississippi River in the northern Gulf of Mexico. In Wisconsin, the bay of Green Bay has developed its own dead zone in recent years. The adverse effects of algal blooms are not limited to aquatic life. Some blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and other organisms. If exposed to algal toxins, humans and pets can experience rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory illness, and liver damage. Pets are particularly susceptible to the dangers of blue-green algae because of their smaller size and tendency to lick their fur, which may be contaminated. Because true algae, like green algae, and dangerous blue-green algae can also bloom in similar conditions, look similar and are often found together, a precautionary approach is best. As the saying goes, “When in doubt, stay out,” and instead find clean areas of water and avoid swimming, boating, and fishing in algae and keep pets from coming in contact with algae. In addition to detrimental environmental and health effects, algal blooms can have significant economic consequences, including tourism loss, decreased property values and higher drinking water treatment costs. For instance, areas in Minnesota saw water treatment costs rise fortyfold when their drinking water supply was plagued by an algal bloom. Over the years, Clean Wisconsin has worked hard to combat harmful algal blooms in Wisconsin’s waters. In 2010, Clean Wisconsin helped Wisconsin become a national leader on phosphorus management strategies when the DNR adopted the Phosphorus Rules. Luckily, you do not have to be an environmental advocacy group or state agency to make a difference when it comes to algal blooms. You can help reduce the amount of polluting nutrients that accumulate in the water by:
Under the Lens
In Bloom
The science & consequences of dangerous blue-green algae
PHOTO: STEFE/FLICKR
By Nick Lardinois Science Policy Intern
• Minimizing personal use of fertilizers • Preventing organic matter (yard clippings and pet waste) from decomposing in the water • Planting and maintaining a vegetative buffer zone along shorelines to filter runoff Following these strategies can help make prevent unwanted green slime from spoiling your plans to enjoy your favorite Wisconsin lake on a gorgeous summer day.
Collaborating for Clean Water in Southeastern Wisconsin
Clean Wisconsin has long been involved in a collaborative effort to improve water quality in the rivers flowing through the Greater Milwaukee area and into Lake Michigan. Seven years ago this past April, the effort took on the name Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, or Sweet Water, for short. Clean Wisconsin was a founding partner in Sweet Water, helping to secure operational funding support. For the last two years, Ezra Meyer, our water resources specialist and lead Clean Wisconsin staffer in Sweet Water, has sat on Sweet Water’s Board of Directors. To successfully accomplish proactive watershed restoration and make the resulting water quality and habitat improvements a reality across five target watersheds, Sweet Water and its partners collaborate closely with all stakeholders. Sound science is the foundational principle behind all that Sweet Water does. Through convening the right partners around the right projects at the right time, Sweet Water has had great success to date and will continue to foster more good work for local rivers and Lake
Michigan going forward. As one example, Sweet Water took over organizing the regional Clean Rivers, Clean Lakes conference several years ago and has produced a terrific event that now brings in about 300 interested individuals from around the region every year. In several instances, across several watersheds, significant projects have been completed deploying green infrastructure approaches to manage urban stormwater and control flooding while improving water quality, all thanks to Sweet Water’s leadership, funding and coordination. Clean Wisconsin is a proud partner in this effort, which also includes conservation organizations; environmental policy organizations; local municipal leaders; regional quasi-governmental agencies like the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission; Wisconsin DNR; University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee; and watershed stakeholders of all stripes, from river users to community groups to park improvement associations and many more. For more details, see www.swwtwater.org.
www.cleanwisconsin.org 9
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Being a Corporate Guardian is an excellent investment in your business as you support our work for clean air, clean water and the places that make Wisconsin great! We encourage you to learn more about and do business with our wonderful Corporate Guardians!
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PHOTO: Amanda Lynn Jones
elay! Don’t d sold ent This ev 014! out in 2
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 | Monona Terrace
Cocktails at 5:30 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m.
Our 2015 Epicurean Evening Chefs
Join Clean Wisconsin for
An Epicurean Evening,
Daniel Bonnano
Dan Fox
A Pig in a Fur Coat
Michael Pruett
Heritage Tavern
Phillip Hurley
Cento Ristorante
John Gadau
Sardine
our second annual celebrity chef dinner gala benefiting our statewide work for clean air, clean water and the places we all love!
Sardine
Cocktail hour presented by
An Epicurean Evening is a premier dinner gala showcasing top Madison chefs. With about 500 guests slated to attend, An Epicurean Evening includes a wine pull, silent and live auctions, and cocktail hour with specialty cocktails by Three Count and bartenders from our featured restaurants.
This is sure to be the culinary event of 2015.
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY Tickets are $150 per person or $1,200 per table of 8
www.wisconsinepicureanevening.org Executive Chef Sponsors
Front of House Sponsors
Hoyos Consulting LLC
Join our list of sponsors! See www.epicureanevening.org/sponsors or contact Angela Cao, acao@cleanwisconsin.org or 608-251-7020 x17