UW-RF Home > University Communications Home > This Month's News Releases

University Communications

For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.

Local Leaders to Hear About Renewable Energy

SEPT. 6, 2007--The challenges of enabling and regulating renewable energy projects in St. Croix Valley communities will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of a regional government collaborative. The Western Wisconsin Intergovernmental Collaborative will hear about alternative energy projects at its meeting on Sept. 27 in the University Center at UW-River Falls.

Formed in 2005, WWIC is a network for elected officials and administrators of all 99 local government jurisdictions in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. It meets quarterly to discuss emerging issues in the St. Croix Valley. Past topics have included Smart Growth, state highway projects and public transportation, methamphetamines trafficking and prevention, public policy initiatives in the Legislature, waste water treatment options, and regional tourism economic development.

The panel discussion will feature representatives of UW-Extension business development, Xcel Energy, EcoEnergy LLC and Earth Tech. Osceola Village Administrator Neil Soltis, a WWIC executive board member, is coordinating the discussion. He says that the three counties’ smaller communities and towns can be confronted with daunting questions posed by renewable energy.

“Any governmental leader dreads the day when someone walks through the door with a proposal they have not adequately prepared for. Given the likelihood of increased energy costs and the potential for reduced supplies, as governmental officials, we will be under increased pressure to review a variety of alternative energy projects that were not considered in the development of our zoning codes.

“This panel will provide an opportunity to see the types of projects that are likely to be brought forward, from small scale ethanol plants to windmills, and to learn from the experience of others in how to prepare for them,” Soltis said.

For more information about the presentation or WWIC, contact Soltis at 715-294-3498.

-30-

Last updated: