jONline

An e-newsletter from Senator Jon Erpenbach – 8-29-08

Mazomanie Named to “10 Coolest Small Towns” by Budget Travel Magazine –

Congratulations to Mazomanie on this recognition. Resident and business owner Bob Brumley is featured in the article which runs in the September 2008 issue of Budget Travel. Read the whole story. Visit Bob Brumley and the Iron Horse Gallery at: http://www.ironhorsegallery.org/ Mazomanie: One Cool Town and another reason to spend your tourism time in the 27^th Senate District.

September is National College Savings Month – More students leave college because of credit card debt than because of poor grades; get a jump on your families college expenses during National College Savings Month. “Celebrate” saving for college by looking onto EdVest, Wisconsin’s official 529 College Savings Program. Administered by the State Treasurer, the program is a popular, low cost way for parents, grandparents and other family members to save for future college expenses. For more information on EdVest visit: http://www.wellsfargoadvantagefunds.com/wfweb/wf/ev/index.jsp

Plan to Attend Seminar on Public Meeting and Open Record Laws – Understand your right to know about local and state government by attending a seminar on open meeting and open records laws hosted by the Attorney General and attorney’s from the Department of Justice. These seminars are open to the public and free, but they would like you to register ahead of time. Madison/Monona – Wednesday, October 29, 2008 9am to 12noon, Monona Community Center, 1011 Nichols Rd. Contact: JB Van Hollen’s office at 267-2220 or email registration at: registration@doj.state.wi.us

Consider a Donation to Target Hunger Venison Donation Program – Started in 2004, the Target Hunger program accepts donated venison for food pantries and community meal programs. Because of concerns relating to CWD (a disease affecting deer), the cost of the program has increased significantly. All deer donated from Southeastern Wisconsin most be tested for CWD. The DNR is no longer funding the program at the increased level. Thanks to donors who paid $20 and donated their deer in 2007, the program processed 584 deer last year. These numbers are significantly down from last year. Monetary donations are being accepted right now for this hunting season. Call 608-935-2326 or mail a check to: SW CAP Target Hunger, 149 N Iowa St, Dodgeville, WI 53533.

Federal EPA Designates Dane County in “Nonattainment” of Clean Air Act for Fine Particles – As a result of new federal standards for fine particulates the EPA has announced “nonattainment” designation for fine particles for five counties in Wisconsin, including Dane County. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has recommended new rules that would help address the fine particles issue. However those rules were rejected in an Assembly committee last week – because of the objection the rules go back to the DNR which must make a decision about an appeal to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. In addition, Dane County Clean Air Coalition has announced their own plan.

According to federal law, the states where there are violating counties will have 3 years to create a plan to address the air standard non-compliance. Fine particle pollution levels are at their highest during winter. In 2007 in Dane County 14 of the 5 highest days were in the winter.

What are the sources of fine-particles?

Fine-particles are typically caused by chemical reactions or condensation of gases. There are three main components to fine-particles are; ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and organic carbon. The major sources of the fine-particles are:

• SO₂ – Power Plants

• NOx – Combustion such as boilers and motor vehicles

• Organic Carbon – The source of organic carbon is somewhat uncertain, but the initial science points to motor vehicles.

What are the health effects of inhaling fine-particles?

Excessive exposure to fine-particles can lead to a number of health effects including:

• Decreased lung function

• Increased asthma attacks and chronic bronchitis

• Acute respiratory symptoms

These health effects can result in:

• Respiratory and cardiopulmonary related hospital admissions

• Increased work and school absences

• Premature deaths

Fitchburg Committed to Cleaner Air - Fitchburg has become the 19th Wisconsin city to sign on to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Fitchburg joined 850 municipalities nationwide that have pledged to reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency, using more renewable energy and using cleaner car fleets.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Air and Waste Management for more information at: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/air/