Senate passes Energy Efficiency & Renewables Bill
On Tuesday, February 21, the Wisconsin State Senate passed legislation to codify the recommendations of the bipartisan Task Force on Energy Efficieny and Renewables.
A story by Tom Content and Patrick Marley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported:
More power would be generated by wind turbines and solar panels in Wisconsin under a bill that the state Senate passed overwhelmingly on Tuesday.
The bill, expected to be taken up by the Assembly as soon as next week, is expected to help trigger billions in investment in new wind-power projects in the state, said Michael Vickerman, executive director of the clean-energy advocacy group Renew Wisconsin.
The bill requires that 10% of the state’s electricity must be generated by renewable sources by the year 2015.
RENEW Wisconsin also issued a press release praising the action:
“This is a bill that reaffirms Wisconsin’s traditional leadership in energy efficiency and conservation, and expands the contribution of native energy resources like solar, wind, small hydro and biogas to our energy future,” Vickerman said.
Vickerman praised Sen. Cowles, who chairs the Senate Energy and Utilities Committee, for his leadership in crafting a measure that is supported by farmers, industry, environmental and consumer groups, utilities and labor. “Working the kinks out of these very challenging and complex issues took a great deal of deliberation and dedication,” Vickerman said. “But Sen. Cowles and his staff proved equal to the task, as demonstrated by the overwhelmingly positive Senate vote.”
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) also lauded the action in a separate release:
“If enacted into law, this legislation will provide benefits to the Wisconsin economy by reducing energy bills, creating jobs, and reducing environmental impacts from energy use,” said Charlie Higley, CUB executive director.
“CUB appreciates the leadership of Senator Rob Cowles, who drafted the legislation and worked with his colleagues to see the bill through the Senate.”
Governor Doyle added his compliments:
I commend the Senate for their widespread and bipartisan support for Senate Bill 459, legislation that will help our state reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels, stimulate our economy, and preserve our environment. . . .
The Daily Press (Ashland) editorialized in support of the Senate passage:
With the support of both parties, environmental groups and industry, the bill seems destined for easy passage by the Assembly and Gov. Doyle’s signature. That’s a good thing. For years, initiatives to make us more energy efficient have languished.
It’s time they became a priority.
The Capital Times also added its editorial “kudos” and concluded:
The Assembly should act quickly so that Doyle can sign this important energy policy into law.
