For immediate release: November 3, 2009

For More Information Contact:
Adrienne Joseph
WFU Office: 715-723-5561
Adrienne Joseph's cell: 715-379-2712
ajoseph@wisconsinfarmersunion.com

WFU applauds PSC for approving biomass conversion at Bay Front Power Plant

Chippewa Falls, Wis. (November 3, 2009) - Wisconsin Farmers Union today commended the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for approving the Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin's proposal to covert the last of its three coal-burning boilers to biomass gasification technology.

The PCS's decision makes the Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland, Wis., the largest biomass-powered plant in the Midwest. NSP's parent company, Xcel Energy, projects a $20 million annual economic impact on the six-county region around Ashland through its purchases of wood residues and related services.

"Wisconsin Farmers Union is pleased with the PSC's decision to use homegrown renewable energy for electricity production," WFU President Doug Caruso said. "WFU has long advocated for clean, locally-produced energy sources as both a way to diversify farm and forestry income and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Wisconsin Farmers Union is a signature partner in the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign. The campaign promotes policy initiatives to increase energy production from biomass and reduce greenhouse gases.

"The Bay Front Power Plant conversion is a great example of how Wisconsin can create demand for wood-based biomass and be a leader in clean energy technology. WFU hopes future renewable energy projects also use crop biomass," Caruso said.

"We also hope that Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin is committed to using locally-grown and sustainable biomass as they procure their fuel
sources," Caruso said.

The other Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign signature partners are Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Clean Wisconsin and RENEW. More than 50 Wisconsin businesses and organizations have signed onto the campaign. The campaign partners will be holding a Homegrown Renewable Energy Bus Tour on Nov. 13. Visit http://www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com for more information.