http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/uwgb-student-s5.jpgRepublican budget cuts costing UW students and families more.

ALTOONA, WI - American politics is in system failure. In a democratic republic, the definition of system failure is when a clear public consensus emerges that we the people are being ruled, not represented. Current conditions fit that definition.

The latest polling by The Associated Press shows nearly all Americans now believe that neither major political party represents the views of your average voter. A mere 14% say the Democratic Party is responsive to the voters while just 8% say the same about the Republicans.

An overwhelming majority of voters told AP in no uncertain terms that neither party is receptive to fresh perspectives. Only 17% of the public say the Democratic Party is open to new ideas for dealing with the country’s problems, and a meager 10% say that about the Republican Party.

A whopping 90% of voters lack confidence in the country’s political system while upwards of half go so far as to say that the two-party structure is “seriously broken.” Seventy percent of voters, including equal proportions of Democrats and Republicans, admit to feeling frustrated about the 2016 presidential election and 55% say they feel “helpless.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wastewater-treat-manitowoc-s5.jpgThe Legislative Audit Bureau’s recently released audit of the DNR Wastewater Permitting and Enforcement efforts should raise concern about how well that agency is protecting water quality in Wisconsin. The problems identified by the nonpartisan auditors could be remedied with adequate staff and close adherence to policies established in partnership with the federal Environmental Protection Agency to assure compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Clean Wisconsin applauds the utility’s action to add 100MW of clean energy for the state.

MADISON - Clean Wisconsin praises today’s announcement by Wisconsin Public Power Inc. (WPPI) that it plans to invest in wind power for its next electric generation need. Based in Sun Prairie, WPPI issued a request for proposals today for 100 MW of wind power, enough electric generation to power approximately 30,000 homes.

“WPPI has been a leader in renewable energy development for a long time, and we are very encouraged to see them expand their clean, renewable energy portfolio,” says Keith Reopelle, policy director for Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental nonprofit. “The move by WPPI demonstrates that wind power is a low-cost option, even with historically low natural gas prices.”

WPPI is one of several utilities that met the state’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, which requires that 10% of electricity come from renewable sources, several years ahead of the 2015 deadline.

“Wind energy is not only a good option for WPPI, but it’s also a great option for the state of Wisconsin as that investment will create jobs and keep dollars in the state that would otherwise be spent importing dirty fossil fuels,” says Reopelle. “It’s also an important investment because wind power brings a multitude of public health benefits by displacing emissions from coal generation that cause smog, mercury pollution and climate change.”

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On behalf of its more than 30,000 members, supporters and its coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects Wisconsin's air, water and natural heritage.
608-251-7020, www.cleanwisconsin.org.