RENEW Wisconsin
RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Madison. We promote clean energy strategies for powering the state's economy in an environmentally responsible manner.
RENEW Wisconsin is a unique organization that has been on the cutting edge of sustainable energy advocacy for years. Our modus operandi is to identify barriers to renewable energy development, and come up with strategies for overcoming those problems, whether they be low buyback rates, permitting challenges, or regulatory roadblocks.
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What are our top priority issues - where we will be directing our time and energy in 2010?
- Fighting for Advanced Renewable Tariffs (ARTs)--to provide long-term economic support for smaller-scale renewable energy resources
- Fighting for an increase in Wisconsin's Renewable Portfolio Standard to 25% by 2025
- Continue the effort to standardize the wind energy permitting process in Wisconsin
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PRIORITY ONE -
Senate Hearings on the Clean Energy Jobs Act
It is very important to show strong support from businesses at the hearing on January 27, which will include discussion of an expanded RPS and Advanced Renewable Tariffs (by-back rates) and
at the Assembly hearings.
Hear Example
If you have never given a statement at a hearing
before, we can help you with the preparation. The statements are generally not
more than 3 minutes in length. These are some of the most substantial activities
that you can do in support of the renewable energy policies, so please set aside
some time on your calendar, and let RENEW know if you are able to participate.
Contact Ed Blume at 608-819-0748 or by
email.
RENEW members can assure that we have a strong presence. The schedule for the Senate hearings on the Clean Energy Jobs Act
- held at the State Capitol in room 412 East is as follows:
- Wed, Jan. 20, 11:45 a.m. -Joint Committee Informational Hearing - The Co-Chairs of the Governor's Task Force on Global Warming will discuss the work done by the Task Force.
- Wed, Jan 27, 10 a.m.: Public hearing focusing on: PSC, industrial energy incentives.
- Wed, Feb 10, 10 a.m.: Public hearing focusing on: Vehicles; fuels, planning, transportation infrastructure; energy efficient buildings and equipment; bioenergy.
- Thu, Feb 11, 10 a.m.: Public hearing on goals, program coordination and evaluation, public education, state and local government, cap and trade report.
Background Information on the Clean Energy Jobs Act
- The Clean Energy Jobs Act (AB 649/SB 450) was introduced January 7, 2010. The bill, sponsored by four legislative committee chairs (Sens. Miller and Plale, Reps. Soletski and Black) incorporates several energy-related policies recommended by Governor Doyle’s Global Warming Task Force. If adopted, it would increase the state’s Renewable Energy Standard to 25% by 2025. It would institute renewable energy buyback rates that would stimulate the installation of smaller-scale renewable generation. The bill also expands the list of eligible renewable energy energy resources to include solar hot water systems, solar light fixtures, biomass heating systems, and renewable natural gas (from dairy sources).
- For summaries, faqs and primary documents, see RENEW's Clean Energy Jobs Act Overview page.
What's New in Wisconsin
- On January 11,2010, Wisconsin's largest wind farm received Wisconsin Public Service Approval. Listen to PSC Motion to Approve (28 sec MP3). See RENEW's statement.
- The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's own investigation and docket into Advanced Renewable Tariffs (ART's). See RENEW/Clean WI Comments
- Major changes and new opportunities in Federal Stimulus and tax benefits for renewables - some only available to projects installed or begun in 2009 & 2010
- Larger renewable project grants offered by Focus on Energy
- Completion of several large wind farms in Wisconsin in 2008-09
- The Wisconsin Agricultural Biogas Casebook has been updated to include 2009 projects. See other informational resources in RENEW's Biogas Toolbox.
Farm Digester - Waterloo, WI
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Doing it Better:
Check out RENEW's Technology Toolboxes for renewable technologies. We can save you time and effort in planning a renewable installation or project. See January 2010 updates to the Small Wind Toolbox and Biogas Toolbox
Basic Information:
RENEW provides up-to-date information on the status of renewable policy and progress
- Summary Table of Renewable Energy Buyback Rates offered in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Utility Green Power Programs and Contacts, Updated July 2009
- Wind Farms in Wisconsin, built and proposed
- Renewable Quarterly highlights developing issues and showcases Wisconsin's renewable industry champions
- Visit RENEW's Blog for Updated Information and get the Latest News at RENEW's Media Center to stay informed
- Networking in Wisconsin for Clean Energy Information
