Cowles, Montomery, and Doyle comment on Efficiency And Renewables Act; State Jounral Story
State Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and State Representative Phil Montgomery (R-Ashwaubenon)issued a release with the following comments about their introduction of the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act, which includes the major recommendations submitted by the Task Force on Energy Efficiency & Renewables.
“This means a greater emphasis on energy conservation and efficiency measures because it saves costs and keeps jobs here in the state,” said Cowles. “Comprehensive legislation is necessary to mitigate rising electricity and natural gas costs over the long-term.”
“One of the most important aspects of a sound energy policy is having a diverse energy portfolio to insulate ratepayers from the kind of spikes in fuel costs we will be facing this winter,” said Montgomery. “Incorporating additional renewable energy and efficiency measures into Wisconsin’s energy mix helps us achieve this goal.”
Governor Doyle issued a statement saying:
“The recent spikes in natural gas prices in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have really shown just how dependent we are in this state on outside energy sources. The legislation introduced today will help Wisconsin reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and have the added benefit of spurring our economy and preserving our environment.
“We have the resources right here in Wisconsin to move toward energy independence, whether it’s with wind power or energy resources grown on Wisconsin farms. And keeping our energy dollars in the local economy instead of purchasing fuels from outside the state and investing in new renewable energy technologies will create more jobs right here in Wisconsin.</blockquote?
The nonpartisan Legislative Council prepared a summary of the bill.
The Wisconsin State Journal included a story on November 11:
More clean energy on deck for state?
by Ben Fischer
State lawmakers today [November 11, 2005] will propose a series of major reforms to Wisconsin’s energy policy that would radically increase reliance on renewable resources and beef up efficiency efforts.
The proposal would require 10 percent of all electricity used in the state to come from wind power, hydroelectric plants or other clean, renewable sources by 2015 – fuels that account for just 4 percent of energy use today.
The plan closely mirrors a report issued last year by a coalition of industry, environmental, and consumer watchdog leaders that urged quick action to fight the high cost and environmental impact of traditional fossil fuels.
