by jboullion | Apr 20, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by CREWE, a coalition of the following organizations — Alliant Energy, Xcel, We Energies, Madison Gas and Electric, WPPI Energy, EcoEnergy, Johnson Controls, C5•6 Technologies, Axley Brynelson, Orion Energy Systems, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Poblocki Sign Company, Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, MillerCoors, American Transmission Co., DTE Energy Services, Kranz, Inc. and Greenwood Fuels:
(MADISON, Wis.)—The coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) today urged the State Assembly to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) in order to create thousands of jobs and reduce electricity costs for Wisconsin consumers and businesses.
“The amended Clean Energy Jobs Act provides even more benefits than the original version, so our representatives must make the obvious choice and pass this bill,” Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE, said. “In fact, a recent survey shows that business leaders are eager to undertake energy efficiency efforts as a means of saving money and growing their respective businesses.”
CREWE member Johnson Controls surveyed more than 1,400 executives in North America and found that improving energy efficiency in buildings is their top priority. According to the Public Service Commission, the energy efficiency provisions in the new CEJA are likely to save Wisconsin ratepayers billions of energy dollars over the next several years.
The Assembly will vote on the bill Tuesday.
Among the amendments, a more aggressive energy efficiency policy will keep electricity affordable and target Wisconsin’s manufacturing, large commercial and and institutional sectors, which in turn will produce
many high-quality, well-paying jobs, Nation added.
by jboullion | Apr 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
Tomorrow the Assembly will be voting on the Clean Energy Jobs Act.
RENEW Wisconsin and dozens of other organizations have been working hard to pass the job-creating legislation.
Clean Wisconsin set up a Web site where you can easily send an email to your legislators to urge them to vote “yes” for the bill.
Contact them now, before the Assembly votes.
Let’s make this happen!
by jboullion | Apr 16, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a guest column by Wisconsin Ag Secretary Rod Nilsestuen in The Tomah Journal:
Legislators recently announced a substitute amendment to the Clean Energy Jobs Act that will bring down consumer costs, create more than 16,000 jobs in the state and position Wisconsin to continue its leading role in clean energy production. Through the Clean Energy Jobs Act, we will create clean energy that works for Wisconsin and is made in Wisconsin. Our state does not pump a barrel of oil. We don’t have coal deposits or natural gas. Our energy costs n which amount to one out of every 10 dollars generated in Wisconsin n mean we send about $16 billion a year out of our state to pay for fuel and electricity.
Passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act is an enormous opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels and make sure Wisconsin doesn’t lose out on this chance to create clean energy jobs to countries like China. The world is moving rapidly in this direction, and Wisconsin is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the growing clean energy market.
Especially when it comes to agriculture.
A key component of the recently announced substitute amendment to the Clean Energy Jobs Act is incentives for the development of small-scale renewable energy projects, with a preference for manure digesters. Under the revised bill, $25 million in grants and loans will now be available per year for four years through an expanded Focus on Energy Program. That is a big step forward for rural Wisconsin.
by jboullion | Apr 15, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by the Advocates for Renewable Energy, a coalition of organizations, including RENEW Wisconsin:
Act Will Save Wisconsin Utility Customers at Least $1.2 Billion
The Public Service Commission (PSC) released a study today finding that the Clean Energy Jobs Act substitute amendment will save Wisconsin electricity customers at least $1.2 billion over the next 15 years, and could save Wisconsin electricity customers up to $6.4 billion over that period, compared to the business as usual approach. The study is based on the energy cost savings of provisions included in the Clean Energy Jobs Act substitute amendment released on Wednesday.
“The PSC study confirms that the Clean Energy Jobs Act will save Wisconsin residents and businesses money,” said Vicky Lipinski of Procorp Enterprises, a water and wastewater treatment solution company in Milwaukee. “Sustainable energy solutions reduce costs for businesses and allow them to be more competitive and create jobs.”
The study finds that average customer electricity bills will be lower in 2015 and 2020 under all scenarios with the Clean Energy Jobs Act compared to the business as usual approach. These savings will be realized by customers even without any federal carbon regulation. When modest federal carbon regulation is assumed, the cost savings of the Clean Energy Jobs Act are even greater.
“Our continued reliance on fossil fuel generation provides great uncertainty in the energy market, as costs of coal and natural gas are highly variable and unpredictable,” said Shaina Kilcoyne of the coalition Advocates for Renewable Energy. “As the PSC study demonstrates, renewable energy provides stability and predictability, as well as cost savings for residents and businesses.”
The study is further proof that the cost concerns alleged by opponents of the bill are without merit. The Clean Energy Jobs Act will reduce energy costs, create jobs, and improve our economy.
“The Clean Energy Jobs Act will move our state forward and establish a stronger, healthier, more sustainable Wisconsin economy,” said Kilcoyne.
by jboullion | Apr 14, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Organic Valley:
Proposed Wisconsin Legislation will Encourage Investment in On-Farm Renewable Energy Development
La Farge, Wis. – Commitment to renewable energy will help the economy grow, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and create a healthier environment for future generations. Acknowledging the widespread benefit of renewable energy development to farmers and rural America, Organic Valley today pledges its support of the renewable energy provisions within the Clean Energy Jobs Act, currently being considered by the Wisconsin legislature. As a farmer-owned cooperative of 1,652 organic family farms, Organic Valley takes a strong interest in the health and sustainability of small-scale family farms and rural communities. The cooperative has embraced renewable energy as a clean, responsible way to provide farmers with a reliable, homegrown source of energy and a consistent source of income.
“Organic Valley farmers are conscientious,” said Cecil Wright, vice president of sustainability and local operations for Organic Valley. “We care about what goes into our products and the impacts our agricultural practices have on our local environment. Legislation to encourage renewable energy development will provide more opportunities for our members to make their farms more productive and environmentally sound.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act includes an Enhanced Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which will allow Wisconsin residents to receive 25% of electricity from renewable energy by 2025, with at least 10% of electricity coming from renewable energy sources within the state. In addition, the bill includes provisions which encourage small-scale renewable energy generation, which would enable Wisconsin families considering energy projects such as manure digesters, small wind turbines and solar projects to move forward.
“Organic Valley promotes on-farm renewable energy projects through our Farmer Renewable Energy Program,” said Wright. “Passage of this legislation will allow more members to participate in the program and offset some of their energy costs, creating even more sustainable farms.”
