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Fall 2012

join us:

Victory in the Valley

By Sam Weis & Katy Walter

See “Victory” on page 5

Defender

He was joined by mothers with children who suffer from frequent and severe asthma at-tacks, pediatricians who see long lines of children with respiratory problems caused by air pollution, fathers whose children cannot play outside because of dirty air, and many more.

Today we are happy to report that as the result of years of hard work by many people and organizations across the state, including Clean Wisconsin, the people of downtown Milwau-kee can look forward to a cleaner, healthier future as We Energies announced in August that it will apply to convert the coal-burning Valley Power Plant to cleaner natural gas.

For decades, the Valley Power Plant’s owner, We Energies, upgraded suburban plants while it neglected Valley, despite its location in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The plant diminished air quality and contributed to health problems for thousands of residents like Mr. Shea’s students, many of whom don’t have the resources to obtain adequate health care.

This monumental victory has been in the making for years; Clean Wisconsin first tar-geted Valley for cleanup more than 10 years ago. At that time, we objected to a settlement agreement made between We Energies and the Environmental Protection Agency, which called for the cleanup of other Milwaukee coal plants but not Valley. Although we brought in experts to show why Valley should also be cleaned up, the judge allowed We Energies to continue operating the dirty plant.

Fast-forward to 2010 It was another legal opportunity that got the ball rolling again with Valley. In early 2010,

we discovered that Valley’s air permit, which sets the amount of pollution allowed to come from the plant, had expired. Clean Wisconsin and Sierra Club filed a petition to compel the DNR to issue a new air permit. DNR agreed to set a timeline for issuing a new permit, and the public input process began.

As our attorneys worked hard in the courts, Clean Wisconsin’s organizing and commu-nications departments worked on the ground to help build a coalition of engaged residents ready to fight to clean up Valley. The plant sits in the middle of the most populated area of the state and is located between two low-income communities of color. Deeply affected by the pollution coming from the plant, many in the community were ready to take action.

“If I had a dollar for every time I saw a student take out an inhaler, I could retire now.” That’s what Milwaukee schoolteacher Steven Shea told the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in November 2010 at a public hearing about the Valley Power Plant.

Mr. Shea was just one of hundreds of residents who showed up to tell his story.

Also in this issue<<<Win this Signed Packers Football!

Mining, Take 3Smart Meters

We Energies to convert Valley Power Plant to cleaner natural gas

2 Fall 2012

Executive Director Mark Redsten

Development Director Becky Bains

Staff Scientist Tyson Cook

Development Assistant Jake Immel

Water Program Coordinator Emily Jones

Membership & Grants Manager Jenny Lynes

Water Program Director Melissa Malott

Director of Programs & Government Relations Amber Meyer Smith

Water Resources Specialist Ezra Meyer

General Counsel Katie Nekola

Senior Policy Director Keith Reopelle

Midwest Clean Energy Coordinator Sarah Shanahan

Chief Financial Officer Roger Sneath

Clean Energy Specialist Katy Walter

Creative Director Amanda Wegner

Communications Director Sam Weis

Staff Attorney Elizabeth Wheeler

Office Manager David Vitse

Chair Carl Sinderbrand, MadisonVice Chair Margi Kindig, MadisonTreasurer Gof Thomson, New GlarusSecretary Gary Goyke, Madison

Belle Bergner, MilwaukeePhyllis Dube, McFarlandSue Durst, VeronaShari Eggleson, WashburnLuke Fairborn, Whitefish BayScott Froehlke, MontelloPaul Linzmeyer, Green BayChuck McGinnis, MiddletonLucia Petrie, MilwaukeeKaren Sands, Whitefish Bay

Board Emeritus Kate Gordon, San Francisco

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 42, No. 4 Issue date: October 2012©2012 Clean Wisconsin. All rights reserved.ISSN # 1549-8107

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.

Founded in 1970 as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate pol-

luters, makes sure existing environmental laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses.On behalf of its 10,000 members, supporters and coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin a wonderful

place to live, work and play.

634 W. Main St., #300 • Madison WI 53703Phone: 608-251-7020www.cleanwisconsin.org

Actions you can take for clean water, clean air and clean energy

TAKING ACTIONTaking Charge&

STAFF

BOARD

Printed with soy ink on unbleached, recycled paper.

Give the Gift of Membership this SeasonThe holidays are right around the corner, a time when we all remember and honor

our friends and loved ones in one way or another. At Clean Wisconsin, we continue to search for ways to remember and honor those around us without contributing to Ameri-cans’ bad habits of consumption and waste. If you want to honor a friend or family member, but don’t want to buy another scarf or box of chocolates, think about giving to Clean Wisconsin in honor of a loved one, or as a gift membership to last the whole year.

We need your support now to protect the victories we’ve made over the last few years, and to maintain our full-time presence in the state legislature and hold elected officials and polluting corporations accountable for their actions. Please support this and all our other great work either by going to our website or mailing in a gift. Be sure to include the full name and address of the honorary giver or gift member and a message to them if you would like.

Thank you very much to our members for your ongoing involvement and support, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Host a House PartyDo you have friends, neighbors or colleagues who would like to know more about

what is being done to protect Wisconsin’s air and water? If so, consider hosting a house party on behalf of Clean Wisconsin.

While “house party” sounds formal, it is actually nothing more than a gathering of people in your home (or a venue of your choice) to discuss Clean Wisconsin’s work. The party is a way to show your social network you care about clean air and water in Wisconsin and invite them to have a stake in Wisconsin’s environment as well. It is also an easy but very effective way to help us spread the word about the transforming power of our programs and our exciting plans for the future.

You provide the location, guest list and simple refreshments, and Clean Wisconsin provides the invitations and speakers. House parties are designed as “friend raisers” and are a great way for people who have never heard about Clean Wisconsin to learn about our work. If you are interested in hosting a house party, contact Becky at 608-251-7020 x17 or bbains@cleanwisconsin.org.

• Join our Action Network at cleanwisconsin.org• Bookmark our blog at blog.cleanwisconsin.org• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

(@cleanwisconsin)• Watch live and recorded 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 by entering your

address or using the interactive map at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

Stay informed on what’s

happening in our state

government

clean wisconsinaction fund

www.cwactionfund.orgClean Wisconsin Action Fund is a nonpartisan environmental advocacy

organization that protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy and works tirelessly to be sure that

elected officials and decision-makers know how important these issues are to our thousands of members across Wisconsin.The Action Fund endorses candidates for office. To see the pro-environment candidates this organization has endorsed,

visit the new website at

www.cwactionfund.org

www.cleanwisconsin.org 3

from the Executive Director

Late this summer, we celebrated a major victory when We Energies an-nounced it would apply to convert the dirty coal-burning Valley Power Plant to cleaner natural gas. Thanks to this victory, tens of thousands of Milwaukee residents will soon be able to breathe easier and live health-ier lives, especially the 24,000 people who live in the shadow of the plant’s smokestacks.

The victory in the Valley did not come easy. It was the result of more than a decade of hard work by Clean Wisconsin, its members and dozens of partners. This victory also is emblematic of Clean Wisconsin’s ability to effect real and meaningful environmen-tal change by employing a multi-pronged strategy. It was the re-sult of mounting legal pressure from lawsuits waged by Clean Wisconsin and the Sierra Club, growing opposition to the dirty coal plant from local groups and residents, and stronger pollu-tion standards that finally made it impractical for We Energies to continue to burn coal at Valley.

Clean Wisconsin has worked with decision-makers for de-cades to help pass policies that reduce pollution by setting tougher standards for power plants. In 2008, Clean Wisconsin helped pass a new law reducing mercury emissions from power plants by 90%. This and other new standards made it extremely difficult to continue running the aged power plant.

But having tougher standards was not enough. When We Energies continued operating Valley with an expired permit, Clean Wisconsin’s strong legal department filed a lawsuit in partnership with the Sierra Club to ensure that pollution limits were enforced.

Finally, as the legal battle played out in the court, Clean Wis-consin worked with its many partners in the Cleaner Valley Co-alition to help organize local groups and residents to build the public case against burning coal at Valley. Ultimately, this three-pronged strategy paid off on August 17, when We Energies an-nounced that it would apply to convert the plant to natural gas.

This major victory means that residents in Milwaukee can look forward to a healthier future, that children will suffer fewer asthma attacks, and that thousands of families will experience a higher quality of life.

Environmental progress does not happen overnight. It is most often the result of weeks, months and sometimes years of hard work. It takes respected policy advisors, skilled organizers, tal-ented lawyers, strategic communicators and dedicated advo-cates. And it takes significant financial resources.

Thank you for making environmental victories like this pos-sible by supporting Clean Wisconsin.

Mark RedstenExecutive Director

www.cleanwisconsin.org 3

Between October 21 and November 3, make a donation online and for every $10 you donate, you’ll get one entry into our raffle to win this autographed 2011 Green Bay Packers football.

Bonus Point: New donors get a bonus entry in the raffle!

Compact news Just before press time, news broke that Wauke-sha had signed a letter of intent to buy water from nearby Oak Creek for the next 80 years. This past summer, Milwaukee walked away from negotiations with Waukesha over concerns that the expanded service area Waukesha wants to serve with Lake Michi-gan water does not fall under the requirements of the Great Lakes Compact. With this letter of intent, Waukesha plans to move forward with the environmental review process; if approved the proposal moves to the signatories of the Compact. Clean Wis-consin continues to monitor Waukesha’s application to ensure the strength of the Compact is upheld.

Asian Carp The Army Corps of Engineers continues to evalu-ate options for preventing the migration of Asian Carp species and other aquatic organisms between the Mississippi River Basin and the Great Lakes. That work is happening on a compressed timeline now due to congressional action approved by President Obama earlier this summer. Specific recommendations are due at the end of next year.

S.S. Badger The EPA’s permit decision on whether the S.S. Bad-ger can continue to dump massive amounts of coal ash into Lake Michigan will be made this fall. Running from Manitowoc to Ludington, Mich., the S.S. Badger dumps 500 tons of coal ash into the lake annually.

Water quality This summer, the Great Lakes experienced low water levels and historic high temperatures, and several of the lower lakes saw massive algae blooms due to excess nutrients from urban and agricultural storm water runoff. Lake Erie saw a sig-nificant dead zone, due to the excess volume of algae. To address these issues, an update to a historic water quality agreement be-tween the United States and Canada was approved by both gov-ernments this summer. Called the “International Clean Water Act,” the legislation emphasizes reducing nutrient and toxic dis-charges into the lakes, preventing invasive species introductions, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, and working together across national and local government lines toward solutions.

UPDATEGreat Lakes

Lester PubLic Library/FLickr

Donate at www.cleanwisconsin.org/gopackgo

Ashland

Oneida

Iron

Forest

Reef DepositGold

Jackson

Bend DepositCopper, Gold

Marathon

Taylor

Flambeau MineCopper, Gold1993-’97Rusk

Gogebic Taconite depositIron

Lynne DepositZinc, lead, copper,silver

Crandon DepositZinc, cooper

Jackson Co. Iron Mine1969-’83

Back Forty DepositMichiganZinc, gold,copper, silver

Copperwood DepositMichiganCopper

When the iron mining bill failed to pass in March, we were happy to see that horrible piece of legislation die. But we also figured that wasn’t the end of Wis-consin’s mining fight. We were right.

Senate leaders just concluded a series of hearings on mining, bringing in experts and advocates in the mining fight, including Clean Wisconsin, to speak to the Senate Mining Committee about mining laws in Wisconsin. The Com-mittee’s stated intent is to discuss possible mining legislation. Unlike last session’s bill that was written by and for mining compa-nies and moved swiftly through the Legisla-ture with little debate, these leaders want to have a very open discussion about the future of mining in Wisconsin.

The Committee was convened after a let-ter from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Com-merce (WMC), an industrial special interests group, was leaked. That letter not only reaffirmed that last session’s mining legislation was specially crafted for the Gogebic Taconite, it showed the industry’s true col-ors:

“...We need to take our cues from the company on the sub-stance of the legislation and the strategy to get it enacted. At the end of the day, the only logical goal of mining reform legislation is to get the Gogebic Taconite Company to build a mine in Wisconsin. Pursuing legislation that does not work for them is a waste of time.”

What might that strategy be? As we close in on the November 6 elections, WMC had an answer for that as well:

“The November elections will tell the story. A change of two members of the Senate — which is very likely — would pave the way for passage of Honadel’s mining bill. We know that his bill would create a regulatory environment that is accept-able to at least one mining company. That scenario repre-sents our best shot…”

Shouldn’t mining laws be written with the public interest in mind and protect the public and our environment, not company profits? WMC is arguing against the need to compromise or look at alterna-tives to their industry-written bill, because they want the Legislature

to roll over and pass their preferred bill, no questions asked.But none of this should come as a surprise. Throughout the debate

last fall and earlier this year, all signs indicated the democratic pro-cess was under duress. The hearings held this fall were a preemptive strike against those who want to steamroll this process. But they also serve as a reminder that there is not just one metallic mining deposit in Wisconsin with a prospect of being mined. There are potential mining sites across the state (see map), in our own back yards, being

discussed right now. Mining law changes should never be made at the request of one company, but WMC’s leaked letter shows that some in our state will stop at nothing to make that a reality.

I highly doubt that any legislation that protects our health and our environment can be created if Wisconsin is being held hostage by one mining company. When one company is allowed to come into Wisconsin and rewrite our mining laws, there is no doubt that it will be written for profits over protections.

Thankfully the current Senate Mining Committee is not looking

at ways to simply benefit one company. Instead, it is trying to take a broader approach. Whatever happens with that committee, there is little doubt that when the Legislature reconvenes in January, min-ing will be a topic of discussion, and legislation will be introduced. Clean Wisconsin will be at the forefront of these discussions in or-der to protect our health, our air and our water and to maintain the strength of our laws, regardless of what companies want to dig out of our ground.

True Colors: Mining, Take 3A leaked letter, fall hearings confirm this issue is far from over

Get updates on mining legislation in Wisconsin Join our email Action Network at cleanwisconsin.org/miningupdates

aeriaL view oF the bad river near the ProPosed gogebic mine

Photo: derek Johnson

By Amber Meyer Smith

When one company is allowed to come into Wisconsin and rewrite our mining laws, there is no doubt that it will be written for profits over protections.

source: wisconsin geoLogicaL & naturaL history survey, uw-extensionnot an exhaustive list of deposits, but locations currently of interest.

Metallic Mineral Deposits in Wisconsin

www.cleanwisconsin.org 5

Action Fund Success Clean Wisconsin Action Fund sure can make a difference in getting environmental legislators elected; 13 of the 14 environmental candidates endorsed by the Clean Wisconsin Action Fund in the primary won their election on August 14. One of the winning candidates, Evan Goyke, 18th Assembly District, Milwaukee, is the son of board member Gary Goyke.

Making Headlines Staff Attorney Elizabeth Wheeler was pub-lished in the August issue of the State Bar of Wisconsin monthly magazine, Wisconsin Lawyer. Her article, “New Law Eases Require-ments: Navigable Waterway Permits” summarizes the changes brought about by the “Polluters over People” Act (2011 Act 167), including shortening permitting timelines, increasing the use of general permits, changing rules for piers and imposing presumptive approvals for all navigable waterway permits. Nice work, Elizabeth!

Carbon Comments For the first time in its 42-year history, the EPA will regulate carbon emissions. In March, EPA released a draft New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) rule, which sets the first-ever regulation standards of carbon. Clean Wisconsin and our Midwestern allies submitted comments on the NSPS and advo-

cated for the strictest standard of 950 lb/MWh. However, we will not know what standards will be implemented until the final limits are released.

This rule received over 3 million public comments. This historic first step is crucial for us to curb the harmful carbon pollution that is damaging our environment.

Clean Water Act Turns 40 The landmark law that has helped stop billions of pounds of pollution from entering our lakes, rivers and streams celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. Originally passed on Oct. 18, 1972, this law is responsible for dramatically in-creasing the number of fishable, swimmable waters in the United States. Clean Wisconsin continues to use the Clean Water Act as a primary tool to help clean up Wisconsin’s wonderful waters.

Fresh Faces, Cool Places Thank you to everyone who joined us at Madison’s Sardine Restaurant in July for our Fresh Faces event. We raised significant needed resources to advance water and energy programs! A big thank you to our generous raffle contribu-tors: Sardine Restaurant; CamRock Café and Sport, Cambridge; and Rutabaga Paddlesports, Madison!

News & Notes

Along with our early partners, we recog-nized the need for the community to learn about the dirty power plant and get involved in the decision-making process. Before long, the list of those concerned about pollution from Valley grew to over a dozen different community, health, civil rights, environ-mental and faith groups, encompassing hundreds of residents. When we officially formed the Cleaner Valley Coalition, we came together with the shared goal of mak-ing sure the plant met the most up-to-date health standards. We organized public meet-ings and trainings, and mobilized the public to be involved at every stage of the process.

From the very beginning, we were amazed and impressed by the response from par-ents, teachers, and some very articulate kids who have suffered themselves or witnessed loved ones suffering from asthma and other

respiratory illnesses. At the DNR hearing on the air permit, over 100 people shared their stories. So many people participated in the public input process, DNR staff asked for extra time to review all the comments they received.

Hitting it HomeWhen a new air permit was finally issued

for Valley in February 2011, our experts be-lieved it didn’t go far enough. We appealed the inadequate permit by both challenging certain aspects of the permit in the state courts and petitioning the EPA to object to the permit. During this time, We Energies announced that they would consider con-verting Valley to natural gas. While this was encouraging news, a commitment on their part was critical to ensure that Milwaukee residents saw relief from the plant’s pollu-tion. As the legal challenges to the air per-

mit proceeded and the coalition continued exerting pressure, the coalition invited top EPA officials to Milwaukee to hear the con-cerns of the community, who again turned out in force to share their experiences and ask for a cleaner option at Valley.

Finally, this summer We Energies an-nounced on August 17 that it was indeed converting the Valley plant from coal to nat-ural gas. This is great news for all Milwaukee residents, but especially the 24,000 people who live within a mile of the plant. Here at Clean Wisconsin, we know it takes many strategies to make change of this magnitude: strong policy work, legal efforts, grassroots organization, coalition building, and com-pelling, careful communications. All of this combined to make the conditions right for We Energies’ announcement, and the peo-ple of Milwaukee will soon breathe cleaner, healthier air. Thank you for helping make this major victory possible!

“Victory” from cover

In the cover illustration

bLack-eyed susans aLong the menomonee river

cJ schmit/FLickr

Pedestrian bridge over the menomonee river

eddee danieL

menomonee river inLet on the LakeFront

Lake exPress Ferry/FLickr

6 Fall 2012

From our FriendsIn the last issue of Defender, we asked you to share photos and art of all the special places that makes Wisconsin wonderful.

And you did. We received photos via email and had dozens posted to our Facebook

page.

Here is some of the great artwork we received.

Want to share your artwork?Our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cleanwisconsin, is the best place

to share. Either post to our page or tag Clean Wisconsin. Please know that when

you post photos to our page, we may share it with our almost 12,000 fans, and

we will certainly credit you.

corrigan’s Lookout, near uPsonPhoto: JoeL austin

tyLer Forks, near moore Park road, iron countyPhoto: JoeL austin

“river,” originaL artwork by LesLie stewart

beckman miLL county Park, beLoitPhoto: Joni denker

Lotus, PooL #7, mississiPPi riverPhoto: John suLLivan

Foster FaLLs on the Potato riverPhoto: JoeL austin

www.cleanwisconsin.org 7

Emily Jones

We are pleased add Jake Immel to our full-time

staff as a member of Clean Wisconsin’s three-person development team. Jake started in September 2011 as a development intern and did a fantastic job assisting with the flurry of year-end activities including, mailings, data entry and research. Jake is from Antigo and is a graduate of UW-Madison with a degree in agricultural business management. He formerly worked as an assistant in the director’s office at the Wisconsin Union at UW-Madison.

Jake will be the staff member to take your calls and questions and also speaks on be-half of our entire staff when he sends thank you letters and makes calls acknowledging the ongoing generous support of our mem-bers. Feel free to call Jake with any questions about our work or your membership at 608-251-7020 ext 23.

The water program is thrilled to add Em-

ily Jones to our team working on watershed adaptive management. Emily’s dedication to the environment was clear over the months she volunteered with us on building our communications around clean water, and we’re excited to have her shining personality, wit, and talent in the office.

Emily is working on watershed adaptive management, helping raise awareness of this option for the regulated community and building partnerships with stakeholders in watersheds around the state. With her back-ground in technical writing and passion for precise communications, Emily brings a lot to our work.

Emily is from Madison, a graduate of UW-Madison with a degree in life sciences communication and biology and formerly worked at Epic as a technical writer.

Staff changes at Clean Wisconsin Coming & Going

Emily JonesJake ImmelAt the end of September, we

were sad to bid farewell to Mary Coughlan, our accounting manager.

Mary joined Clean Wisconsin in January 2008. She worked part-time for us, handling payroll, accounts payables and receivables and other general accounting duties; in addi-tion to working with Clean Wisconsin, she performed accounting functions for three other nonprofits. She left Clean Wisconsin to take a full-time job with a nonprofit health clinic and was kind enough to split her time between our organization and her new em-ployer for a month to ease the transition.

Mary’s smile, receptive personality and calming presence — as well as the random vegetables she’d bring in from her garden — are already missed. Our loss is another orga-nization’s gain, and we wish her all the best in her new, exciting position.

Mary Coughlan

This year marks a huge milestone for Clean Wisconsin’s senior policy director Keith Reopelle: He is celebrating his 30th year with our organization, and we could not be more proud to have him as a leader on our team!

Keith started his storied career out of college as a field canvasser, going door-to-door* to educate residents about environmental issues for Wisconsin’s Environmen-tal Decade (our founding name). In some ways, those were rough-and-tumble days for this organization; we had far fewer resources and didn’t have the modern conve-niences of cell phones or computers. But Keith stood out. He was smart, committed to a better, cleaner Wisconsin, a hard worker, a leader, and a convincing advocate. Keith credits his first position with our organization as very important in his ability to quickly, clearly and compellingly articulate facts and opinions without fear. In his 30 years since, Keith has held nearly every key job at Clean Wisconsin, including execu-tive director in the mid-1990s.

There is no doubt that Keith is a leader in our organization, in the state and in the Midwest. Keith served on Governor Thompson’s Task Force on Renewable Energy and Governor Doyle’s task forces on solid waste and global warming. He was the lead negotiator for the Wisconsin environmental community on the Great Lakes Com-pact; and he has been part of nearly every major energy discussion and policy action in our state in the last 20 years.

Thanks to his hard work, Clean Wisconsin has helped pass policies that created the state’s recycling program, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and protect Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers and streams. As an avid fisherman, he is especially proud of his work to help pass Wisconsin’s strong mercury reduction rules.

Beyond Wisconsin, Keith serves on the steering committee of REAMP, a network of nonprofits and foundations working to reduce global warming emissions in the Midwest. He is frequently asked to speak at national conferences or with foundations on the opportunities and challenges in Wisconsin and the region.

There was a brief stint in the early 2000s when Keith left Clean Wisconsin to work

for the State Environmental Leadership Program. Did we ever miss him then! The second I had a chance, I asked Keith to come back to work for us to lead our program and policy work. Keith is a valu-able contributor, a mentor and great friend to ev-eryone on staff. He brings an amazing calm and dry sense of humor to every interaction.

Here’s to 30 more years, Keith! We’re lucky to have you working for all of us in Wisconsin! Thank you!*Clean Wisconsin ended its door-to-door canvass in 1999. We now relies on traditional methods of mail, email and phone to disseminate our messages.

Keith Reopelle

Celebrating 30 yearsBy Mark Redsten

8 Fall 2012

On November 29, spend the evening with the nation’s leading environmentalist.Clean Wisconsin and the Doug La Follete Environmental Speakers Program is hosting renowned climate change

spokesman Bill McKibben in Madison as part of his national Do the Math Tour.

Based on McKibben’s July Rolling Stone article that became one of the most shared pieces in the magazine’s history, this tour is the launch pad for a new movement to change the math of the climate crisis. Be there as we gain the momentum we need to

challenge the status quo and protect our future from the devastating effects of climate change.

See the Rolling Stone article at http://bit.ly/Syh34U

Bill McKibben presents

Do The Math Tour Thursday, Nov. 29, 7 pmMadison Masonic Center, 301 Wisconsin Ave., Madison

Street and ramp parking available

Tickets are going fast!Buy yours today at

cleanwisconsin.org/mckibben

Or contact Jenny at 608-251-7020 x18 Save

the D

ate

Over the next year, the Madison Water Utility is replacing aging water meters citywide with smart meters, which allow for two-way wireless communication between the utility and its customers. As a result, the utility will no longer have to send workers to manually read and record meter informa-tion, and customers will have easier access to information like water usage and price.

While such a behind-the-scenes change may not be expected to generate much ex-citement, there has been a lot of interest in these new meters as people have raised con-cerns about possible health impacts.

The cause of this concern is that these meters rely on radio frequency (RF) radia-tion signals to transmit information. On the same spectrum as a wide range of famil-iar technologies, including radio, broadcast television, cellular phones, wireless Internet technologies and GPS, the potential health impacts of RF radiation from smart meters fall into two categories: thermal (heat relat-ed) and non-thermal effects.

While it is generally agreed that there is little evidence of non-thermal health im-pacts from low levels of RF radiation, there is enough concern to warrant more research

on high exposure levels, especially since there have been no studies on long-term ef-fects. For example, when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) conducted a review on the health impacts of the high exposure to RF fields from cell phone use, they found “limited evidence” linking them to an increase in risk of brain cancer, leading the IARC to classify RF fields as “possibly carcinogenic.” Fortunate-

ly however, the level of exposure to RF fields from smart meters is much lower than from using cell phones. Additionally, because smart meters do not send and receive infor-mation continuously and each transmission lasts only milliseconds, typical RF exposure adds up to just minutes per day. As a result, reviews of potential health impacts from smart meters have dismissed non-thermal effects as a concern.

As for thermal effects, it is well known that very high levels of RF radiation can have a heating effect, much like a microwave oven. As a result, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets limits for accept-able levels of “maximum possible exposure” (MPE) to RF emissions. These standards have a 50-fold safety factor, meaning the MPE is set 50 times higher than the exposure level that can have hazardous health impacts. As long as smart meter manufacturers stay with-in these limits (to date, all easily have), there should be no concerns with thermal effects from smart meter signals either.

Despite the current lack of evidence though, there is still a chance of negative health impacts from smart meters. As a re-

sult, a precautionary approach would dic-tate that, all else being equal, we should err on the side of caution no matter how small that chance is. In the case of smart meters however, it is also clear that all else is not equal. Two-way, real-time communication gives customers and utilities the data they need to improve the efficiency of how en-ergy is produced and water and energy are consumed. The reduction in energy usage that results decreases the need to burn coal and natural gas. This cuts back on the asso-ciated air pollution that increases incidenc-es of asthma, lung disease, respiratory prob-lems and heart attacks to name a few, not to mention climate-changing greenhouse gases. Furthermore, wide implementation of smart meters is necessary in the long-term to enable a future in which the majority of our energy comes from intermittent renew-able technologies like wind and solar, fur-ther reducing air pollution.

In the end, whether the potential benefits of smart meters outweigh the potential det-riments is a matter of opinion. One thing we can all agree on though is that informed public debate is good for public policy.

Under the LensSmart Meters for Smart Water Use

Talking science with Tyson Cook, Staff ScientistWith assistance from Sam Harms

With smart meters, two-way, real-time

communication gives customers and

utilities the data they need to improve the

efficiency of how energy is produced

and water and energy are consumed.

www.cleanwisconsin.org 9

Three hundred local residents packed the Saratoga Town Hall in Wood County last month for the DNR’s informational session on the proposed Golden Sands Dairy. Outside, there were tables with “No CAFO” T-shirts and bumper stickers, and petitions for signing. Clean Wisconsin attorneys Katie Nekola and Elizabeth Wheeler talked to residents at the event, who expressed their fear that the 49 high-capacity wells being proposed for this new large dairy would take so much water from the aquifer that they could cause their wells and area streams to dry up, and that polluted runoff from the 6,000-cow operation will contaminate lakes, streams and drinking water.

In nearby Adams County, the already-operating New Chester Dairy (MilkSource) is proposing to double its size, increasing from 6,300 to 12,540 cows. This would surpass the 12,210 animal units at Rosendale Dairy, the largest dairy facility in Wisconsin, also owned by MilkSource Holdings, Inc. A public hearing was held on Septem-ber 6 in Grand Marsh, at which residents voiced concerns about lowered water levels in Patrick Lake, odor problems and drinking water issues.

In Lake Mills in Jefferson County, concerns are rising about Creekwood Farms (Daybreak Foods), a large egg producer. Here, air monitoring is underway to test for the potential impacts of the

producer’s emissions.These are just three examples of large concentrated animal feeding

operations, or CAFOs, that have raised serious environmental and public health concerns among our members and others, many of whom are farmers themselves who understand what is required of these facilities.

Clean Wisconsin has worked for years to find legal and policy so-lutions for the problem of polluted runoff from agriculture, which flows into our lakes and streams and causes the algae and odors that force us to close beaches and windows in summer. Our success in helping pass the state phosphorus rule enables us to use the Wa-tershed Adaptive Management Option to encourage industrial dis-chargers to work cooperatively with farmers to reduce agricultural pollution. in a cost-effective way. This initiative promises to have far-reaching impacts on our lakes and rivers. However, there is much more to be done to hold individual polluters accountable, and in re-sponse to concerns voiced by many of our members, Clean Wiscon-sin’s legal department has launched a new program to address these issues. We will be fundraising to support this effort over the coming months and will keep you updated as we begin this important work. For more information, contact Katie Nekola.

Cows, Chickens and the EnvironmentBy Katie Nekola, General Counsel

In response to your concerns, our legal department has launched a new program to address agricultural pollution from large-scale farms.

Stay updated as we begin this important work by joining our email Action Network now at cleanwisconsin.org/farms.

Our candidate education briefings continue to successfully criss-cross the state. Following forums in Milwaukee and Green Bay, Clean Wisconsin and our clean energy and energy efficiency al-lies have held additional briefings in Janesville and Eau Claire. Al-most 20 Republican and Democratic candidates have attended the briefings, ensuring that our message of job creation and economic growth through clean energy and energy policies is effectively reach-ing decision-makers in the legislature.

In addition, we have held briefings at Shallbetter Inc. in Oshkosh and Cardinal Glass in Portage. At these briefings, candidates had the opportunity to tour these clean energy and energy efficiency businesses that are rapidly growing. By presenting their business’ role in clean energy and energy efficiency as well as giving the candi-dates a personal tour of the facilities, the candidates actually saw the products and met the employees that will power the future of our state and protect our environment.

We look forward to working with all the candidates who partici-pated in the briefings through election day and when the new ses-sion starts in January 2013.

A big thank you to all of the businesses that participated in the briefings!

Criss-crossing the State Educating candidates on clean energy, energy efficiency

state senator Jessica king (left) and clean wisconsin’s keith reopelle (far right), take a tour of oshkosh’s shallbetter, inc. with mike bettler, vice president of sales. shallbetter is a leader in medium-voltage power systems for renewable energy.

10 Fall 2012

Rep. Andy Jorgensen

37th Assembly District(Redistricted to 43rd District)

Fort Atkinson

office phone: 608-266-6790Rep.Jorgensen@legis.wisconsin.gov

State Representative Andy Jorgensen (D-Fort Atkinson) has served the people of Wisconsin’s 37th Assembly District, which includes parts of Dane and Jefferson counties, since 2007. However, redistricting changes now have him running for re-election in the 43rd District, which also includes parts of Walworth and Rock counties.

Andy grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm and worked in radio broadcasting and for General Motors in Janesville before coming to the Capitol. He and his wife, Toni, have three young children.

In the 2010-’11 session, Andy chaired the Assembly Committee on Renewable Energy and Rural Affairs. In that role, he helped advance legislation that supported the development of manure digesters, which help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create a new source of income for Wisconsin farmers. In 2010, Jorgensen was also named the first-ever “Friend of Lake Koshkonong” for his work with the Rock-Koshkonong Lake District to get a grant for a dredging study. He remains committed to preserving Wisconsin lakes, rivers and streams for recreational use, including fishing and swimming.

“The agriculture industry is so important to Wisconsin, and to my area,” Andy says. “I know that additional investments in clean energy can help bring economic development opportunities to our famers and help keep some of the $12 billion that we now send out of state for our energy needs in the farm economy for homegrown sources of fuel.”

Andy currently serves on the Assembly Committees on Transportation, Agriculture, Rural Economic Development and the Joint Audit Committee. This session, he promoted bills that would have created clean energy jobs, and fought the rollback of wetland regulations and the mining bill that jeopardized Wisconsin’s natural resources.

In his spare time, Jorgensen is a volunteer and advocate for Jefferson County’s Clean Sweep program, which recently celebrated the collection and successful recycling of one million pounds of electronics waste.

Legislative Leaders

Rep. Jorgenson, right, volunteers at a Clean Sweep event in Jefferson County.

*Michigan has a 10% requirement similar to Wisconsin’s, but they have an initiative on the ballot this November to increase it to 25% by 2025.

300,000 Wisconsin homes that couldbe powered by renewableswith a 10% RPS, 2010

2.4 million Homes that could be powered with a 30% RPS

Power Potential

Research: Tyson Cook | Illustration: Amanda Wegnerwww.cleanwisconsin.org/cleanenergy

Economic Opportunity

$1.7 billionInvestments inWisconsin spurredby renewableenergy

Money sent out ofstate to pay fordirty fossil fuels

$12.5 billion

RPS: Want vs. Have

9.55%

30%

Total portion of electricity sold inWisconsin that must come fromrenewables by 2015. Set in 2006

According to recent polling,84% of voters support a 30%RPS

How We Rank

2nd 2nd of the 8 Great Lakes state to adopt a RenewablePortfolio Standard, 2006

7th Last place among 7 Great Lakes states for the strength of ourRPS* (Not included is Indiana, which has a goal, not a standard)

Over 67% of Wisconsin residents support clean energy over fossil fuels, but our clean energy potential is under attack. The latest is a threat to roll back our Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which sets the minimum amount of electricity that must come from renewable sources.

Building Wisconsin’s Clean Energy EconomyB

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he

Nu

mb

ers

www.cleanwisconsin.org 11

we believe everyone deserves clean air and clean water

with special thanks

our mission is to protect and preserve Wisconsin’s air and waterand to create a cleaner environmentby being the leading voice for environmental protection

to our members and supportersyour generosity makes this possible

thank you

Clean Wisconsin is lucky to have dedicated friends like Inge and Frank Wintersberger. This summer marked the eighth year the couple has thrown a party for friends, neighbors

and area members to hear about the work of Clean Wisconsin, socialize and enjoy great food at their home in Cedarburg. This year’s event raised nearly $3,000 to support Clean Wisconsin’s work protecting our air and water.

At this year’s party, Steve Johnson of Convergence Energy, LLC spoke about exciting opportunities for his company to invest in solar energy. Clean Wisconsin is thrilled about the efforts of Convergence Energy as we have been working to advance clean, renewable energy for a long time. As Steve mentioned during the event, solar energy hasn’t fulfilled its potential in Wisconsin due to confusing and restricting patchwork of rules that companies like Convergence Energy must navigate. Clean Wisconsin is dedicated to simplifying these rules and expanding the renewable energy industry in Wisconsin. If you’re interested in hearing more about these efforts, please let us know.

Clean Wisconsin thanksInge and Frank for their generosity and hospitality

We also thank our event sponsors

Celebrating Clean Wisconsinhostess inge wintersberger (left) with steve Johnson of convergence energy, LLc, and clean wisconsin

executive director mark redsten.

John and dale stevens (sitting), with Frank wintersberger

bob and Lisa gibson

ahmad ashour, with george and barb miley

anne breitmeyer, Julie berner and mary dyer

barbara mcmath, bob Feriday and mark redsten

Finally, we thank all the others who attended, as well as those who could not attend but gave generously to Clean Wisconsin.

Rick & Victoria WintersbergerSally Duback & Warren Kreunen

Norman & Mary DyerLuke & Carol Fairborn

Ahmad Ashour & Kim WintersbergerRita & Al Hospel

Harriet & Howard WeissRobert Ferriday & Barbara McMathHerbert & Hollie SchickMark & Anne KentBarbara & James LoweNancy & Richard Stolowski