Environment/Energy
2010/05/28: AP: Vigil at Michigan Mine Site Ends With 2 Arrests
Submitted by Staff on Fri, 05/28/2010 - 10:50amFor a month, a small group of American Indians and environmental activists occupied an isolated patch of woods in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where the world's third-largest mining company is preparing to drill for nickel and copper. Representatives of the tribe met with WNPJ members at the spring Steering Committee meeting in Oneida in May.
The protesters vowed to stay put, saying the mine would desecrate sacred ground and pollute waters that flow into nearby Lake Superior. But their vigil ended Thursday, as police enforced an order by Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. to clear the area and arrested two people on misdemeanor trespassing charges.
Multi-state meeting discusses CFNF strategy, tactics
Submitted by Staff on Fri, 05/28/2010 - 10:11am Forty activists representing several Midwestern states met at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, WI on June 20 to exchange information, share experiences, and brainstorm on ideas for promoting a Carbon Free Nuclear Free energy policy that doesn’t rely on either fossil fuel or nukes.
Army Finds Dangerous Levels of Explosives in Sumpter Groundwater
Submitted by Staff on Thu, 05/20/2010 - 12:36pmCitizens for Safe Water Around Badger has discovered that exceedingly high levels of the carcinogenic explosive Dinitrotoluene (DNT) have been detected in groundwater at the southern boundary of Badger Army Ammunition Plant in the rural areas of Sumpter. CSWAB regularly reviews the hundreds of publicly-available documents placed in the local libraries and found the Army’s December 2009 groundwater testing data there.
WNPJ joins 200 groups opposing nuclear 'climate bill'
Submitted by Staff on Wed, 05/12/2010 - 8:59pmTwo hundred environmental, peace, consumer, religious organizations and small businesses -- including WNPJ and eight other Wisconsin groups -- have joined together to blast the newly introduced Kerry-Lieberman “climate” bill, called the American Power Act, as a taxpayer bailout of the nuclear power industry and other dirty energy interests that would be ineffective at addressing the climate crisis. The groups pledged to oppose the bill unless substantial changes are made, including removing all support for nuclear power.
Legislature leaves current nuclear laws intact; Clean Energy Jobs Act dies without a vote
Submitted by Staff on Thu, 04/22/2010 - 11:05am The State Senate has adjourned for the session, without the Clean Energy Jobs Act ever coming to a vote in either house of the legislature. The Carbon Free Nuclear Free Coalition, which includes WNPJ, has issued the following statement:
Nuclear too costly, say state Senator, energy expert
Submitted by Staff on Tue, 04/20/2010 - 9:32amAs the Clean Energy Jobs Act heads towards votes in the state Assembly Tuesday and possible Senate votes Thursday, more people are raising questions about the many trade-offs in the bill.
State Senator Kathleen Vinehout writes in the La Crosse Tribune about her concerns with the bill, including its pro-nuclear provisions:
"I share concerns with others that we must precede with care down the path of nuclear power. Residents of many states have seen large rate increases after such plants were built and construction cost over-runs were passed on to rate payers."
"And we still do not have a plan for the permanent disposal of radioactive spent fuel rods."
Carbon Free, Nuclear Free opposes Clean Energy Jobs Act
Submitted by Staff on Thu, 04/15/2010 - 9:41amThe new version (or substitute amendment) of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (AB649 / SB450) has been unveiled. The text is online here (PDF) and the Legislative Council's analysis of how it differs from the original bill and current law is available here (PDF).
The Carbon Free, Nuclear Free Wisconsin coalition, comprised of statewide organizations and grassroots groups from around the state, opposes the bill, as explained in its April 14 statement, below.
Please also see our action alert on how you can help keep our nuclear safeguards intact!
Wisconsin's Capitol Dome went dark for "Earth Hour"
Submitted by admin on Sat, 03/27/2010 - 9:31amMarch 27 was the day for "Earth Hour", when people all over the world turned out the lights to demonstrate support for action to address the threat of climate change. The rolling blackout started in the Pacific ( the Sydney Opera House went dark) and moved westward, reaching Wisconsin at 8:30 pm local time.
According to the Earth Hour website, "Wisconsin is an official Earth Hour state and will turn off the lights at the Governor's residence and state capitol building." Think of it as a solar eclipse you don't have to fly to China to see. Photo by Brian Gardner
