2023 WNPJ Spring Assembly – May 6, 2023
Focus on the Driftless: Energy issues and statewide ramifications
WNPJ’s May 6 Assembly & Steering committee met at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve in southwestern Wisconsin. We encourage you to explore the presentations!
Introduction to the Driftless Region & Energy Concerns
WNPJ Board member Dena Eakles provides an overview & some history of the rural Driftless area of Wisconsin, including the introduction and current state of energy cooperatives. Dena introduces Samantha Laskowski of the Vernon County Energy District.
Samantha Laskowski, Vernon County Energy District
Samantha Laskowski gave this presentation on May 7, 2023. Her talk focuses on the huge incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for homeowners to convert to renewable energy. She explains how tax credits, rebates and discounts can add up to large energy savings while addressing the climate crisis and creating energy equity.
Spark Burmaster, Environmental Options: the Genoa Nuclear Power Plant
Longtime activist Spark Burmaster talks about the possibility of a new “micro” nuclear power plant at the site where the Genoa Coal & Nuclear Plant was decommissioned over a decade ago. He explores the risks and costs, and explains the harms of promoting “carbon-free nuclear energy” as a solution to our energy needs.
Forest Jahnke, Crawford Stewardship Project
Forest Jahnke shares the Crawford Stewardship Project’s work to promote sustainable land and water use and environmental justice in the Driftless region, and protect local control of resources. He explains the geology of the region and how it is impacted by projects including industrial level factory farms, frac sand mining and power lines.
Rob Danielson, SOUL of Wisconsin
Rob Danielson of Save Our Unique Lands (S.O.U.L.) of Wisconsin focuses on energy expansion in Wisconsin: individual/community/distributed solutions vs. corporate solutions. He explains how boosting energy efficiency negates the need for the massive proposed corporate energy expansion that will use critical land, and how Wisconsin’s current statutes need to change to make corporations accountable.
Nuclear Power Brief Cost/Benefit Analysis
In this short video, Rob Danielson compares the cost & benefit of building a nuclear power plant at Genoa to the same amount of money spent to extend the Focus on Energy program. For $4 billion you could triple fund the Focus on Energy Program for 41 years and remove 7 times as much carbon dioxide.
Marcia Halligan, Kickapoo Peace Circle
Marcia Halligan shares about the Kickapoo Peace Circle, and her book Hidden in the 13th Moon: She offers “Blessings and thanks to all the creatures, features and aspects if the natural world and those who cherish them.”
More reports from WNPJ Member Groups:
Brad Geyer, Veterans for Peace Chapter 25, Madison
Iraq War veteran Brad Geyer speaks about the chapter’s Memorial Day display and events, and efforts to pass US Congressional Resolution 77: Embracing the goals and provisions of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Mark Foreman, Veterans for Peace Chapter 102 – Milwaukee
Mark Foreman talks about the chapter’s outreach activities in Milwaukee including the Armistice Day event and especially the Golden Rule, a boat which sailed in 1958, attempting to stop nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands. The boat was recovered and has been sailing around the US and down the Mississippi River, educating people about the dangers of nuclear weapons. It is expected to arrive in Milwaukee at the end of August.
John Peck, Family Farm Defenders, PC Foundation, Wisconsin Books to Prisoners
John Peck, also a board member of Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice, talks about elements of the Farm Bill, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Program). Family Farm Defenders works on many issues important to farmers, including antibiotics in herds, big data in agriculture, privatization of “the commons”, GMO, and right to repair (equipment). He announces his upcoming workshop on climate in agriculture at the MREA Energy Fair in June. There’s also information about how the PC Foundation can help organizations like Wisconsin Books to Prisoners.
Steve Watrous – Milwaukee End the Wars Coalition
Steve reported on two Zoom calls on April 15 and May 13, attempting to bring peace activists together with the challenging goal of Uniting Wisconsin to End the War in Ukraine.
Judy Miner reports for James Reeb UU Congregation, Raging Grannies and UNA – Dane County
Judy reports on the work of James Reeb’s Immigration and Refugee Rights team; Madison Raging Grannies available to sing for peace & justice, with humor and satire; and the United Nations Association of Dane County, which provides monthly programs.
Debra Gillispie, Mothers Against Gun Violence
Debra Gillispie, founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence in Milwaukee, and also a board member of Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice, talks about the possibility of taxation of gun products to help survivors of gun violence.
Amber Williams, WAVE (Wisconsin Anti Violence Effort)
Amber Williams is WAVE’s Community Outreach and Engagement Associate. She talks about their work educating on gun violence prevention, how people can help, and says that their youth interns can be involved in your events.
Mary Kay Baum: WISDOM and Madison Arcatao Sister City Project (MASCP)
Mary Kay Baum speaks of WISDOM’s work on criminal justice issues and the sister city relationship to the people in Arcatao, El Salvador, currently experiencing a difficult political situation.
Dena Eakles, Echo Valley Hope
Echo Valley Hope is teaming up with The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) to offer a free interactive Peace Education Program, something that is being used worldwide for conflict resolution series. Hear more about the program and how you can be involved in learning more about how to create peace.
