Defender
Fall 2013
VICTORY! Clean energy scored a huge victory in Wisconsin in late September when the Public Service Commission approved Highland Wind LLC’s application to build a 102-megawatt wind farm in St. Croix County. By Clean Wisconsin Staff
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Over the last two years, we’ve worked at the PSC, advocating for and providing expert testimony in support of Highland, which will power 29,000 homes and create 100 new jobs. Even before it was proposed, we worked for years to pass PSC 128, sensible, protective statewide rules for siting wind projects like Highland. This was a long, arduous case that included several rounds of testimony, briefings and hearings. It was also the first time the new wind siting rule was put to the test. Developed by a team of experts, the rule includes, among many other things, limits on daytime and nighttime sound, which the PSC was particularly concerned about in this case. As such, our legal team
worked closely with acoustic experts to analyze expected sound levels and make recommendations. Our experts found and testified that the project would meet the rule’s sound limits, the same conclusion the majority of PSC Commissioners ultimately reached. In the discussion leading to the project’s approval, Chairman Phil Montgomery said he “fully supports” the rule’s noise standard, which was an incredible validation of all the work Clean Wisconsin, its members and clean energy advocates have devoted to this issue. While opponents spent more than $400,000 to fight the project, persistence paid off and with your help, we deluged the PSC with comments in support of Highland.
By approving Highland and supporting PSC 128, the PSC helps provide certainty for wind developers and supports the economic development and jobs wind energy creates. It’s also an important step toward preparing Wisconsin for a future in which carbon emissions are restricted when new EPA rules go in effect and limit the use of the state’s old coal plants. This is not only a victory for Highland Wind, clean energy and the economy — it’s a victory for cleaner air, less mercury in our waters, a more stable climate and our health. After years of work, we’re excited to see Highland Wind move forward. Thanks to all our members and supporters for your help with this important case!
Recycle to Reduce
Clean Wisconsin has been working for years to reduce and prevent mercury contamination in our air, water and soil. We’ve been leading the way with efforts to limit mercury from coal-fired power plants (Mercury Reduction Act of 2008) and recycle mercury-containing products that are still in use (2009 Electronic Waste Law and 2009 Mercury Product Sales Ban). But our work is not over and as long as every inland lake in Wisconsin remains under a fish consumption advisory due to mercury contamination, proper disposal remains a key focus. Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) and Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona) are offering a bill, the Mercury Thermostat Recycling Bill, to encourage and incentivize proper and convenient recycling methods for old, mercurycontaining thermostats. According to the EPA, 95 percent of thermostats coming off
New mercury thermostat recycling bill introduced
By Amber Meyer Smith, Director of Programs & Government Relations
Also in this issue
continued on page 4
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