"Cheeseheads for Global Warming Solutions"

Wisconsin Environment uses Packer theme to promote Wisconsin's Safe Climate Act after tracking the temperatures at Lambeau Field over the course of many years.

Click on the logo to sign the petition and join the campaign.

WI Renewable fuels bill delayed

from The Capital Times
by Mike Ivey

Madison, WI The state Senate is delaying consideration of a bill to require a 10 percent blend of renewable fuels in all motor fuels sold in Wisconsin starting in 2009.
The Democrat-controlled Senate on Thursday stopped short of taking a roll call vote and sent the measure back to its organizational committee.

The measure has been speeding through the Legislative process and has the support of Gov. Jim Doyle and farm groups that stand to benefit from increased production of corn-based ethanol.

But the oil industry is against it and it's not clear how the bill would be met in the Republican-controlled Assembly.

The measure would mandate a 10-percent renewable fuel blend -- at this point mainly corn-based ethanol -- by 2009 and increases it gradually to 25 percent by 2025. It also mandates a 5 percent biodiesel blend by 2010.

Read More>>

Renewable Fuel Standard advances in Wisconsin Legislature

A proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is gaining widespread bipartisan support in both Houses of the Wisconsin State Legislature. AB682 and SB380 each set ambitious goals for making biofuels available to Wisconsin consumers.

Senator Pat Kreitlow is one of the main sponsors of the RFS. He will be the featured guest speaker at a meeting of the WBA convened in Eau Claire on Monday, January 28. Click here for meeting details, and join us in Eau Claire as we learn from the Senator the progress and the details of this most important legislative effort.

Meanwhile, look to the Wisconsin Biodiesel Report for continuing updates on the progress of this initative, and contact your local State Representatives to express your support for a Renewable Fuel Standard that includes provisions promoting renewable biodiesel as "Home Grown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin."

Wisconsin Green Tier Conference Feb 4-5 in Madison

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognizes that the best businesses in Wisconsin take seriously their role as environmental stewards. These progressive companies actively seek ways to incorporate new technologies and best practices that reduce their environmental footprint.

In creating the award winning Green Tier Program, the DNR offered such businesses a way to step away from the adversarial model of enforcement that is most commonly employed elsewhere to assure compliance with environmental regulations. Instead, Green Tier presents a collaborative system of contracts and charters that meet and exceed the regulatory objectives. Working together, the state and the individual business honor each others' commitment to the environment by creatively and cooperatively developing the plan that will best limit any environmental impact of the business within its community.

Click here for a list of FAQ's that offer a more expansive view of the Green Tier program.

Better yet, make plans to attend the 2008 Green Tier Advantage event scheduled for February 4th and 5th at Monona Terrace in Madison. Wisconsin DNR and Wisconsin Environmental Initiative are hosting a series of speakers, discussions, and workshops that show the ways in which responsible Wisconsin businesses have become "a most powerful force for environmental good" through their involvement with the Green Tier Program.

Click here for the updated 2008 Green Tier Advantage agenda

Click here to register for the 2008 Green Tier Advantage event

Save the date!: WBA Quarterly Meeting in Eau Claire January 28th

UPDATE! The WBA will convene its quarterly meeting in Eau Claire on Monday, January 28th. This meeting will be held from 10:30am to 1:30pm at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Hall on Ridge Road. State Senator Pat Kreitlow will be our special guest and will update the assembly on the progress being made on a state Renewable Fuel Standard.

Click here for meeting details.

Happy New Year? Oil & Biodiesel Feedstock Prices Open Year at Record Highs

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter
December 20, 2007
Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

Happy New Year ?

Hoo, boy! 2008 began with crude oil breaching the $100 mark. This was immediately followed by record prices in the edible oils markets here and overseas.

Futures prices on soy, palm, and other edible oils now closely track crude oil prices in recognition that these commodities are also used in the production of biodiesel. If biodiesel production is in fact driving this upward surge, it cannot be sustained at levels that preclude the industry from accessing them due to prohibitive cost. Then again, it's been shown that commodity speculators can often remain irrational much longer than commodity buyers can sustain. Biodiesel producers throughout the country thus continue to limit expansion projects or suspend operations altogether as they wait out the markets.

The resulting reduction in actual consumption of these oils - along with the increased crop yields in soybean production and an increase of acreage planted for soybean and other oil crops - will create pressure for downward adjustments in the markets. Meanwhile, it is important for the future of our domestic renewable fuels industry to research, develop, and produce alternative feedstocks for biodiesel. Camelina, canola, and jatropha are only the beginning of possibilities to be explored.

The "Holy Grail" for biodiesel, however, may be found in the commercial viability of algae as a feedstock for biodiesel.

Read more of the WBA Op/Ed article here>>

Voice of the Packers to Address Corn/Soy Expo

from Wisconsin Ag Connection:

Another familiar voice will address Wisconsin corn, soybean and pork producers at this year's annual Corn/Soy/Pork EXPO in Wisconsin Dells. Wayne Laravee, the man who delivers play-by-play action for the Green Bay Packers Radio Network, will share his stories of America's favorite football team with farmers gathering at the Kalahari Conference Center on January 25.

A veteran sportscaster, Laravee enters his 30th consecutive year broadcasting for NFL games, including the last nine with the Green Bay Packers. Known for his thorough preparation and moderate, yet enthusiastic calls, Larrivee's more-recent credits include play-by-play of Chicago Bulls basketball on WGN-TV, Big Ten Conference football and basketball for ESPN Regional, co-host of the nationally syndicated Pro Football Weekly radio program the past 20 years, and Chicago Cubs baseball.

Corn/Soy EXPO Wisconsin Dells kicks off January 24, with an early bird marketing session hosted by Darin Newsom, DTN senior marketing analyst. Thursday's general session at 9:30 a.m., marks the official start of the program and features Illinois Farmer and Journalist, John Phipps.

Educational breakout sessions Thursday afternoon cover topics ranging from corn and soybean pest control strategies, to insurance, marketing and precision agriculture applications. University of Wisconsin-Extension Economist Randy Fortenbery presents his ever-popular forecasts for corn and soybean prices Friday morning, followed by Agricultural Meteorologist Elwynn Taylor. Taylor not only discusses weather trends and forecasts, he discusses their potential impact on crop and pest conditions. A special nitrogen management session is slated for Friday afternoon, by Ken Ferrie, an independent crop consultant known for his work with Farm Journal magazine. During a two hour session, Ferrie will detail nitrogen management and crop interactions and relate his techniques for maximizing production.

Corn/Soy EXPO Wisconsin Dells is a great opportunity for corn and soybean growers to mix business with family time at a popular, Wisconsin winter destination. Along with the educational programs, it features a large industry trade show and time for interaction with company representatives and other growers. Annual meetings of the four grower organizations and Wisconsin Pork Association are held during Corn/Soy EXPO and admission to the Pork Producers Taste of Elegance reception is included in the registration fee. A special overnight room rate at the Kalahari of $99 is available for standard rooms January 23-25 and a limited number of Friday night rooms also are available at a reduced rate for conference attendees.

Program brochures and registration materials are available online at http://www.wisoybean.org/ or http://www.wicorn.org/ or by calling 608-223-1111.

"Ag Day at the Capitol" set for January 30th

Renewable Energy Topic for Discussion
from Wisconsin Ag Connection:

The annual Ag Day at the Capitol has been scheduled for January 30 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. The event is the largest gathering of farmers from across the state representing a variety of farm groups to learn more about priority state issues, and to lobby their state lawmakers as a unified voice for agriculture.

The forum gets underway with a briefing on state issues, followed by a walk to the Capitol to meet with representatives to lobby on issues favorable for Wisconsin farmers. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation says discussion topics will likely include protection of the Right to Farm law, health care, renewable energy and nutrient management.

Ag Day at the Capitol is co-sponsored by the Farm Bureau, National Farmers Organization, Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Horse Council, Wisconsin Women for Agriculture, and the Country Today newspaper.

Farmers can register by calling 800-261-FARM. The cost is $10. Last year, more than 700 farmers attended the event.Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK are major sponsors of the event.

"Best of Times; Worst of Times" for Biodiesel Industry

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter
December 20, 2007
Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity..."
- Charles Dickens “A Tale of Two Cities”

Dickens’ assessment of the times leading to the French Revolution resonate still as the world confronts climate change and our need for renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Foolishness and incredulity remain a concern, particularly when confronting those who insist that our present rates of energy consumption and carbon emissions are sustainable.

There is a great deal of activity in renewable energy and conservation that is nevertheless encouraging. In only one example, the Bali Summit offered a forum for world governments to effectively come together in tackling the important policy and investment decisions required to minimize our carbon emissions and gain energy independence.

In the spirit of the season, let’s look at other positive developments in the renewable energy arena that have gained momentum in 2007 sufficient to advance this effort into the New Year and beyond.

Read More>>

OEI 2008 WI Energy Report sets Roadmap for Achieving "25 X 25"

Click on the graphic above to download the Executive Summary and report highlights.

The complete 2007 Wisconsin Energy Statistics report from the

Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence is available here

2008 RFS Needs to "Top Off the Tank"

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

December 03, 2007

Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"Is it just me, or did the policymakers writing the federal 2008 Renewable Fuel Standards simply run out of gas?"

How else to explain the short-sighted thinking behind this newly released "Renewable (Gasoline) Standard?"

In a recent address, Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) tells us that our nation's security does itself depend upon expanding "our supply of energy sources that can substitute for oil." Why would we then limit our renewable fuel effort to simply adding alcohol to gasoline?

A truly effective RFS would include a fuel-neutral, low-carbon emphasis that would encourage development of the most efficient renewable alternatives that can provide maximum benefit. For now, however, the least we can expect is to properly define transportation fuels to gain a proper baseline from which to start - and diesel fuel needs to be in the policy mix.

Read the entire op/ed article here

"On, Wisconsin!" State Leadership Promotes Renewable Energy

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Assocation Newsletter
November 26, 2007
Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"Leadership is a word that is often diminished in impact for the number of times it is claimed. Sometimes, however, there is simply no other word to use in describing effective, forward-looking efforts made on behalf of the common good."

Read complete op/ed piece here>>

Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit Milwaukee March 12-14

Radloff to Chair Midwest Ag Energy Summit

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

The Second Annual Conference of the Midwest Ag Energy Network is scheduled for February 5-6 at Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. Gary Radloff from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has been chosen to Chair this year's event.

Last year's event in St. Paul was well-attended by representatives of renewable energy agencies from state and federal government along with an impressive group of industry stakeholders from throughout the Midwest. US Secretary of Ag Collin Peterson addressed the group to discuss the pending Farm Bill. Meanwhile, an effective series of breakout sessions explored the creation of state and federal policies in support of biofuels and other renewable energy. A recap of last year's conference, including a full summit report on recommendations and findings, can be accessed here.

This conference in Madison should provide terrific opportunity to learn what's on the horizon for the further development of our country's renewable energy industry. WBA encourages you to make arrangements now to attend.

Read More>>

WBA participating in WI-DNR "Diesel Workgroup"

from the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

Curbing greenhouse gases and reducing pollution are the objectives of an industry workgroup convened within the state.

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association is a participant in the workgroup formed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI-DNR). This group is a voluntary collaborative of different diesel fleets and fleet association representatives, vehicle and emission equipment manufacturers, and government agencies that all have an interest and stake in reducing mobile diesel emissions.

Strategies such as limiting engine idling through use of on-board gen-sets on commercial vehicles and other technologies are being explored, as is review of policies and practices within the transportation industry.

According to WBA President Jeff Pieterick, biodiesel has a clear role to play to meet the objectives of the workgroup. "Carbon reduction in our transportation fuels is becoming a priority for the public who are becoming increasingly alarmed about global warming." claims Pieterick. "Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is immediately available to make an impact by reducing the carbon footprint of our fuel while providing additional 'clean air' benefits.

"We welcome the opportunity to represent the state's biodiesel industry within this group of industry leaders concerned about the environment. It presents a terrific opportunity to introduce Wisconsin biodiesel to the end consumers and help promote biodiesel as an effective home grown fuel for a better Wisconsin."

Biofuels at the Pump is Goal for Doyle and Midwest Governors Association

Biodiesel Easily Introduced to Market as Tool to Combat Greenhouse Gases
from Red Herring: The Business of Technology:
20 November 2007, 11:03by Justin Moresco

Governors of Midwestern U.S. states on Thursday committed to ambitious targets for the distribution and consumption of renewable fuels, marking the third U.S. regional bloc of states to form a pact aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Midwestern alliance is the first major group to set specific targets for E85, the fuel made from a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. By 2025, they want 33 percent of gas stations, or around 9,700 locations, in the region to offer E85. They also want at least 50 percent of all transportation energy consumed in the region to be supplied by locally produced biofuels, such as ethanol fuel or biodiesel, by 2025.

The Midwestern targets could be a boon for companies trying to find easy ways for gas stations to store and distribute biofuels, @Ventures principal Rob Day said.

“Some people are working on building stand-alone stations that only offer biofuels,” he said. “But they will be competing with traditional gas stations, and it is capital intensive.”

E85 cannot be distributed or stored in existing gasoline tanks because of its ethanol content. Distributors and gas stations will have to build new facilities or retrofit existing ones before they can deal in E85.

Existing vehicles will also have to be retrofitted to run on E85. But some other biofuels, such as biodiesel, can be used in any diesel engine.

Governors of Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the premier of Manitoba endorsed the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord. With 22 percent of the U.S. population, the Midwest emits 27 percent of U.S. greenhouse gases and uses just under a quarter of all energy consumed in the country, according to the Midwestern Governors Association.

Read More>>

Biodiesel Quality Summit a "Quality Event"

Wisconsin Clean Cities hosts effective outreach effort
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

Nearly 100 people were in attendance at The Wisconsin Summit on Biodiesel Quality that was convened in Pewaukee on Monday, November 19th. The event was hosted by Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area as an effort to establish effective quality assurance policies and procedures for the Wisconsin biodiesel consumer market. (see Wisconsin Clean Cities press release)

Judy Ziewacz, Director of the state's Office of Energy Independence (OEI), presented a brief overview of Wisconsin's Biodiesel Industry. The primary focus of her remarks was set upon the importance of creating sound government policy and procedures that will best assure the quality of the biodiesel product made available to consumers. Other speakers and participants throughout the day reinforced the need for government oversight to ensure product quality while offering specific examples of how this is accomplished elsewhere throughout the industry.

Read More>>

Presentations Available from Emerson Biofuels Conference Held in Madison

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

(Madison, WI) Nearly 150 people were in attendance at Monona Terrace in Madison for the Biofuels Conference in Madison on November 6th. This highly informative event was organized by Emerson/NOVASpect Process Management Solutions.

T. Randall Fortenbery is a Professor at the Renk Agribusiness Institute within the University of Wisconsin Dept. of Ag and Applied Economics and School of Business. A renowned ag economist, Fortenbery highlighted the session with a look at present commodity markets and their impact on the biofuels industry. He also offered an encouraging glimpse into the leadership role Wisconsin is taking in creating a sustainable biodiesel/biofuels industry. (See links below to download a copy of the presentation.)

Clink on links to download MS PowerPoint Presentations offered at the Biodiesel/Biofuels Seminar

T. Randal Fortenbery
Future of the Biodiesel/Biofuels Industry
John Riley, Emerson Systems Representative
Opportunities in Biofuel Automation
Jeff Pieterick, President, Wisconsin Biodiesel AssocIation
Biodiesel Project Development Considerations

(NOTE: All Presentations are offered in .pdf format. Large file size may require patience during download.)

"It's Starting to Look Like a Love Affair with Diesell"

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association News Service:

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Assocation Newsletter
November 5, 2007
Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"It's starting to look like a love affair with diesel!"

And for all the right reasons, too!

The advent of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) mandated in 2006 has opened the door for diesel engines to be offered to US consumers, and the carmakers are driving right through with diesel options to offer.

The new technology "clean diesels" provide fewer emissions and much greater efficiency than their gasoline counterparts. Fuel economy improvements of more than 25% over gasoline are common. (Just ask the neighbor driving the VW TDi and he'll tell you all about a comfortable and roomy ride at upwards of 50mpg.)

Europe has long trended toward diesel power, with over 50% of their automobiles powered by the compression ignition (diesel) engine. The US diesel engine option has been stuck at @3% market penetration, but that's about to change. "Clean diesel" prevails, with result that these European models (and domestic variations) now meet and exceed the most stringent air emission requirements in the country, including those of the California Air Regulatory Board (CARB).

The efficiencies and environmental benefit to be gained by these engines is not unnoticed in the marketplace. In 2005, JD Power and Associates surveyed carbuyers and found that the same demographic that bought the Toyota Prius hybrid were also purchasing VW TDi's. They identified these impressive Volkswagens and their diesel power as Alternative Fuel Vehicles, made even more "Green" with the use of biodiesel.

Read more>>

UPDATE: "Quality Summit" Nov. 19th in Pewaukee

Monday, November 19, 2007
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center
Pewaukee, WI

Newly Updated! Click Here For Summit Agenda!

Hoon Ge, a renowned national expert on biodiesel quality, will keynote the "Wisconsin Summit on Biodiesel Quality" in Pewaukee on November 19th. The event is sponsored jointly by The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association, Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area, Inc., the National Biodiesel Board, and other allied industry representatives.

Ge is a fuels consultant to the National Biodiesel Board and is also administrator of the 1-800-BIODIESEL Hotline. He will present on the topic of "The ABC's of Biodiesel Quality & the BQ-9000 National Quality Program."

Chuck Neece from Minnesota will also address the Summit, sharing some of his experience as the Director of New Business Development for FUMPA (Farmer's Union Marketing and Processing Association) Biofuels. He is scheduled to speak about "The Quest for Quality: Minnesota’s Experience and Beyond."

Various breakout sessions will be scheduled throughout the day, and effort will be made by the close of day to arrive at a biodiesel quality policy statement for Wisconsin biodiesel.

Please mark the date on your calendar, and check back here for news and updates on the Wisconsin Summit on Biodiesel Quality.

For more Summit information, including details on registration, agenda, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, contact:

Francis X. Vogel, Exec. Director,

Wisconsin Clean Cities - 414-221-4958

mailto:francis.xvogel@we-energies.com.