Some green jobs are popping up in Southeast Wisconsin. California based CalStar Production began operations in Racine County in December, and expects to begin full scale manufacturing this month. The company’s new process uses 85 percent less energy than conventional brick manufacturing and coal fly-ash, a byproduct of We Energies nearby Oak Creek Power Plant.
At a ribbon cutting ceremony, US Senator Russ Feingold said he supports passing legislation to address the issue of climate change while not harming Wisconsin’s economy, which is highly dependent on coal. He cited Calstar’s approach as an innovative way to do both.
Calstar CEO Mike Kane said the company helps solve the problem of industrial waste from coal production ending up in landfills.
Wisconsin DNR Secretary Matt Frank noted the recent introduction of a “green energy” bill in the state legislature, which he says will help grow more green jobs in the state.
CalStar currently has about two dozen employees at the Caledonia plant and hopes to add about 20 more before the end of the year.
Janet Hoff-WRJN reports (:67)