Investing in a New Energy Future

The time has come for Wisconsin to put its technological know-how and natural advantages to work to create a new energy future. By investing in renewable energy such as solar, wind and biofuels, as well as energy efficiency measures, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, reinvigorate our economy, create good new jobs, benefit consumers, and protect our environment. Wisconsin Environment supports legislation that:

• Authorizes $50 million in bonds for low-interest loans to renewable energy manufacturers.
• Establishes a Renewable Fuels Standard that benefits the environment and the economy.

Protecting the Great Lakes

From the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior to the beaches of Door County and the ports of Lake Michigan, Wisconsin families flock to the Great Lakes for picnics, swimming, fishing, and boating, and to their surrounding lands to build their homes and grow their businesses. Unfortunately, the Great Lakes face great peril. Wisconsin Environment supports legislation that:

• Endorses the Great Lakes Compact while strengthening the rules governing out-of-basin-diversions, in-basin uses, water conservation, and bottled water withdrawals.
  

Extending Stewardship of Our Lands

Our protected lands help define Wisconsin and make our state a great place in which to live. Unfortunately, increased development jeopardizes this land heritage. Since 1989, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund has protected 330,000 acres in 71 of 72 Wisconsin counties - areas like the Mink River Estuary in Door County, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail across central Wisconsin, and the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage along Lake Superior. For over 15 years, the Stewardship Fund has been an amazing success. Wisconsin Environment supports legislation that:

• Re-authorizes the Stewardship Fund and maintains its purchasing power to continue the program’s success in protecting Wisconsin’s land heritage for future generations.

Reducing Mercury

Mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants is threatening public health, especially our children’s, and destroying our ability to enjoy our lakes. Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of mercury pollution in Wisconsin. Fortunately, we have the technology to quickly and significantly reduce mercury emissions from power plants. Wisconsin Environment supports legislation that:

• Mandates that coal-fired power plants use available technology to reduce mercury emissions 90% by 2012.