Green Bay – Wisconsin can ramp up its transition to a clean energy economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create jobs with funding from President Obama’s proposed federal budget for 2010, according to a report released today at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay by Wisconsin Environment.
“President Obama’s budget means a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Environment Director Dan Kohler. “With strong renewable energy potential from the wind and sun, clean fuels from our farms, as well as a historic manufacturing base, Wisconsin has tremendous potential to create jobs and revitalize our economy with clean energy.”
Wisconsin Environment’s report, Vision 2010 highlights specific clean energy businesses in Wisconsin that could benefit from the $150 billion investment in renewable energy contained in President Obama’s budget. The report projects that Wisconsin will receive $11.95 billion over 10 years to support clean energy and create green jobs.
Today’s event helped kick off a week of Earth Day activities at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, and tie together the important links between public policy, the business sector, and our academic institutions. Wisconsin Environment was joined at the event by Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D., Foth CEO Tim Weyenberg, and UW Green Bay Chancellor David Ward.
“Wisconsin has always been a leader in protecting and conserving our environment, and in keeping with the tradition of a healthy quality of life as well as a vibrant economy for the sake of the next generation, I applaud the work of Wisconsin Environment, the Foth Company, and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay,” said Congressman Steve Kagen M.D.
Wisconsin Environment pointed out that the latest global warming science indicates even deeper cuts in pollution in the next 10 years will be needed than the ones in the president’s budget to prevent catastrophic warming.
“On Earth Day and beyond, Wisconsin Environment looks forward to continuing to work with Congressman Kagen to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and revitalize our economy with clean energy,” concluded Kohler.
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Wisconsin Environment is a citizen-based, statewide environmental advocacy group.
WIE-2010-Vision-Report.pdf