As the new home of WISPIRG's environmental work, Wisconsin Environment can be contacted with any questions regarding this news release.
GREEN
BAY—Governor Doyle signed SB 459, a bill that would require utilities
to get 10% of their energy from renewable energy by 2015, make the
state a leader by purchasing 20% of its energy from renewable sources
by 2011, and protect the Public Benefits Fund which provides funding
for energy efficiency and conservation.
“WISPIRG
thanks Governor Doyle, Chairmen Cowles and Montgomery and legislators
for moving Wisconsin towards sound alternatives and creative energy
solutions that make good economic sense,” said Jennifer Giegerich,
WISPIRG state director. “Greater development of energy efficiency and
renewable energy will help create new jobs and economic growth in
Wisconsin, as well as decrease the threat to public health from more
fossil fuel pollution.”
Currently,
Wisconsin generates seventy percent of its electricity from coal,
twenty percent from nuclear power and less than one percent from clean,
renewable sources. For every ounce of non-renewable energy used there
are consequences for human health, the environment, the economy and the
rates consumers must pay.
SB
459 is a good first step to move Wisconsin towards a cleaner energy
future. SB 459 passed unanimously out of the Assembly on March 7 and
passed the Senate on February 21 with Senator Reynolds being the only
legislator to vote against the bill.
