(WisBusiness) THURS News Summary — 7 Aug. 2008

From WisBusiness.com …

— We Energies has agreed to shut down two coal-fired plant in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan by 2012, make a series of commitments to alternative energy generation and address water quality issues in Lake Michigan in exchange for environmental groups dropping their lawsuit opposing the system the utility built to cool its new coal plant in Oak Creek.

DNR Secretary Matt Frank said in a statement the agreement — with $105 million in commitments from We Energies — will allow the agency’s permit for the plant’s cooling system to become final without further hearings.

The system, in which water is pulled from Lake Michigan to cool the plant with warmer water returned to the body of water, was the source of the lawsuit filed by Clean Wisconsin and the Sierra Club.

Mark Redsten, executive director at Clean Wisconsin, said the agreement has benefits for both the lake and the fight against global warming.

“These environmental protections help ensure Lake Michigan is a healthy natural resource for generations to come,” Redsten said in a statement.
In a statement, We Energies Chairman Gale Klappa said his company, Madison Gas & Electric and Wisconsin Public Power were making a “significant new commitment to environmental initiatives.

“Coupled with other initiatives we have under way, our three utilities are taking a leadership role in providing cost effective energy, maintaining fuel diversity and protecting the environment,” Klappa said in a statement.

*See the Clean Wisconsin release:
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=132939
*See the DNR release:
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=132944
*See the Sierra Club release:
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=132942
*See the We Energies release:
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=132948

— Though they might have had a few reservations, most of the 29 members on the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force found the suggestions to cut carbon dioxide emissions acceptable.

But three representatives, all from industry, dissented in the final vote.

GM didn’t like the tough California-style tailpipe gas restrictions. And two members of the panel — representing the Wisconsin Paper Council and Ariens, a Brillion lawnmower and snowblower manufacturer — said they found the regional cap-and-trade proposal unworkable and too expensive.

Moreover, they said a regional plan is unnecessary because Congress may pass a national cap-and-trade plan to reduce CO2 emissions.

Since the votes were cast late last month, Gov. Jim Doyle has pushed forward with a Midwest plan, which could kick in as early as 2012 and possibly be linked to the Canadian province of Manitoba. He wants it, in large part, to put pressure on Congress.

See the story:
http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=132959

— Nearly $21 million in U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans have been approved for residents and business owners in Wisconsin who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that hit the state in June.

“Currently, 906 home and business disaster loans have been approved in the amount of $20,980,000 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. “We are pleased to be able to get these loans approved so the residents and businesses of Wisconsin can start rebuilding and begin resuming their normal lives.”

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

See release:
http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2008/8/6/#sbas-flood-assistance-for-wisconsin-tops-20-million

— Doyle has given $389,985 to Madison Area Technical College in four Workforce Advancement Training Grants to train skilled manufacturers in the state.

“We are producing the kinds of high-end products that require highly skilled workers,” Doyle said. “That is where Wisconsin’s future will be in manufacturing.”

Doyle said the WAT Grants, now in their third year, have attracted positive feedback from the business sector. Doyle added that state businesses are now working together to determine a set of skills valued by employers that will be promoted through the WAT Grant program.

Doyle touted the grants for maintaining a strong manufacturing industry in Wisconsin, calling manufacturing “central” to the state’s economic history and future.

“As the national economy slumps it has significant effects in Wisconsin as well,” said Doyle. “But it is important even in these down times that we make the kinds of investments that are necessary to assure that we get through these times okay and to assure that we prosper during the good times.”

Doyle also answered questions about the search for a new Commerce secretary, saying he wanted to find someone who has a background in economic and business development and can be “a really good, strong leader and cheerleader for Wisconsin.” He said he was working on the appointment and hoped to soon fill the spot, left vacant by the resignation of Jack Fischer.

Listen to the news conference and Q&A:
http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/Doyle_MATC060808.mp3

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WISBUSINESS LUNCHEON: Global Warming Task Force Co-Chairs
Tuesday, August 12, 11:45 am, The Madison Club

WisBusiness.com, The Madison Club and Madison Magazine present “The Madison Business Luncheon” on Tuesday, August 12, with featured guests Global Warming Task force Chairs Roy Thilly of the Wisconsin Public Power and Tia Nelson of the Board of Public Land Commissioners.

Learn more about the Global Warming Task Force: http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/

Sponsored by Xcel Energy.

This event is open to the public, and the price for lunch is $19. Call the Madison Club to register at (608) 255-4861. The luncheon starts at 11:45 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

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THANKS TO OUR WISBUSINESS SPONSORS

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Madison Gas & Electric
• University Research Park
• Wisconsin Technology Council

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