Local clean energy projects highlighted in Bayfield and Ashland counties

To the Editor:

On Oct. 6 I walked down the streets of Bayfield with the Citizens Climate Lobby in the Bayfield Applefest Parade with the slogan ‘Vote Like the Planet Depends on it’. We threw out Lifesaver candies chanting ‘Vote — Be a Lifesaver.” This upcoming election is important on a global scale, but let me bring it closer to home.

In the past few months Ashland and Bayfield Counties, including the Bad River and Red Cliff Bands, have received federal funding for $40 million of clean energy projects. There will be plenty of press elsewhere to detail all the projects. The combined short list is 29 microgrids (solar plus battery storage) at essential tribal and municipal facilities, a “minigrid” in Bad River that will power the reservation during a power outage, energy audits and upgrades to 200 homes with energy efficiency measures, electric vehicle charging, and workforce development (jobs and training). However, Congress needs to allocate funds each year to keep the projects moving forward, and the upcoming election will determine whether Congress is pro-renewable energy. Vote like the local economy depends on it.

Our area has caught the eye of the State and Federal governments. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources highlighted Bayfield County in the annual Green Tier Legacy Community event in Eau Claire on Sept. 11. The National Renewable Energy Lab was in Washburn on Sept. 13 showcasing Washburn’s efforts to build capacity in energy efficiency. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation filmed video of Bayfield County’s clean energy projects on Oct. 1 for their annual summit in La Crosse. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be in Bad River on Oct. 17 with a big cardboard check for their Climate Pollution Reduction grant. The U.S. Department of Energy will visit Bad River, Red Cliff, and Bayfield County on Oct. 18-19 viewing future construction sites. Our two-county area has the eye of the nation. Vote like you are proud of the clean energy transition that is taking place right here at home. 

Bill Bailey,

Cheq Bay Renewables

Bayfield