Green Bay, WI –Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, creating new jobs and protecting the environment for future generations are all benefits resulting from the clean energy policies adopted in Wisconsin in recent years, according to a new report released today at events in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay by Wisconsin Environment. The group cited the report’s findings as clear evidence the state legislature should take the next steps toward a clean energy economy.
“This report shows that we can repower Wisconsin and revitalize our economy with homegrown clean energy solutions,” said Wisconsin Environment Director Dan Kohler. “With our abundant natural resources and strong manufacturing and agricultural base, we have the perfect combination of assets to be a national leader.”
Wisconsin Environment’s new report comes as state lawmakers are gearing up to consider new commitments to renewable energy and efficiency programs. Last August, Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force recommended increasing the state’s renewable energy commitment from 10% by 2015 up to 25% by 2025, as well as using energy more wisely. Legislation stemming from the task force is expected to be announced later this summer.
“Transitioning to a clean energy economy makes sense for a lot of reasons, and for Wisconsin, it makes great business sense,” said Tom Nelson, Assembly Majority Leader. “We can help revive our manufacturing sector by attracting companies that create green jobs and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels at the same time. In the Assembly, we will continue to work with business, labor and environmental groups to help Wisconsin realize the promise of the green economy.”
The report, Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Future: How Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Protect our Environment and Create New Jobs outlines the environmental and economic benefits Wisconsin is reaping from its clean energy and efficiency programs, including the following highlights:
• Wisconsin generates the equivalent of more than 5 percent of its annual electricity consumption from renewable resources, with local wind farms producing enough electricity to meet the needs of 130,000 typical Wisconsin homes—or all the residences in the Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah metropolitan area.
• Clean energy programs in Wisconsin prevent the amount of global warming pollution from 800,000 vehicles, equivalent to 1 out of every 10 cars and trucks in the state, while preventing massive amounts of soot, smog and mercury pollution that threatens public health and our state’s waterways.
• By harnessing homegrown, clean energy sources Wisconsin is beginning to reverse the long-term trend of sending billions of dollars out of state to import fuels. For example, the wind energy industry invested $400 million in Wisconsin in 2007 and more than 75 Wisconsin companies are part of the growing regional wind energy industry.
• Increasing regional demand for renewable energy is prompting companies to open new factories in Wisconsin, such as Energy Composite Corporation’s planned wind turbine blade factory in Wisconsin Rapids—a facility that will employ at least 400 workers.
• From 2002 to 2007, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency programs created more than 1,400 local jobs, generated $181 million in sales for local businesses, and increased disposable income for Wisconsin residents by $85 million, with these benefits expected to more than double by 2012.
Business leaders such as Burke O'Neal see the potential to grow their business in the clean energy sector. “As a local, independent, green company, Full Spectrum Solar is proud to be a leader in solar energy installations through Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program,” said O'Neal, the company’s director. “Since 2002, we have installed solar electric and solar hot water systems for residential and commercial customers in Wisconsin. We have the potential to harness much more power from the sun, and grow our business at the same time.”
It’s time to seize the moment, according to labor leaders who are preparing the workforce for emerging, green industries. “There is a huge potential for new jobs across Wisconsin doing work on renewable energy projects such as wind and solar as well as energy efficiency and retrofits,” said Dave Jungbluth, Business Development Director, IBEW local 158. “We’d like to see the state take the next steps to make these opportunities a reality.”
Shawano farmer Rick Adamski, who has installed a wind turbine to meet his energy needs, offered that “Creating a clean energy based economy is critical to the long term future of Wisconsin's agriculture because we are consuming the fossil fuels many times faster than the rate of their creation. This is not sustainable for us and especially not for future generations. We must begin to change this trend.”
“There’s no question Wisconsin should continue to invest more in homegrown, clean energy solutions such as wind, solar and biomass, while using energy more wisely” concluded Kohler. “Anyone who reads our report will want to up the bar.” Wisconsin Environment looks forward to working with Governor Doyle and the legislature to continue to transition Wisconsin to a strong clean energy economy.
The full report can be found here.
