Gov. Doyle: Launches Clean Energy Wisconsin, a plan for energy independence

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Also Calls for Applications for Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund

APPLETON – Governor Jim Doyle launched Clean Energy Wisconsin, his strategy to strengthen Wisconsin’s energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency, and improving the environment.

“From the supermarket to the gas pump, Wisconsin families are feeling the squeeze of high energy prices,” Governor Doyle said. “In Wisconsin, we are taking the lead to not only address these challenges – but to find opportunities for innovation and growth in them as well. Clean Energy Wisconsin is a plan that saves us money, creates jobs, helps secure our world and improves our air and water. These initiatives will provide a clear direction for the businesses, people and communities that will help Wisconsin become the leader of renewable fuels.”

Governor Doyle also announced today that the Department of Commerce will soon begin taking applications from businesses and researchers for financial assistance from the new Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund. The application period for the first round of funding will run from April 1 to June 2, 2008.

The department expects to award $15 million annually in grants and loans for research and development, commercialization or adoption of new technologies, and supply chain development. Eligible applicants include businesses and researchers. Through the development and deployment of new discoveries and innovations, Wisconsin will use its considerable natural resources and manufacturing expertise to develop new businesses focused on reducing our dependence on foreign oil. This effort will leverage nearly $1 billion in private investment and create new jobs for Wisconsin families on our farms, in our forests, in our research labs and for our manufacturers.

Since coming into office, Governor Doyle has worked to make Wisconsin a leader in renewable energy. In 2007, Governor Doyle created the Office of Energy Independence to promote efforts to reduce dependence on foreign oil and advance renewable energy initiatives.

Governor’s plan for energy independence includes: Generating 25 percent of our electricity and 25 percent of the fuels for our cars and trucks from renewable sources by the year 2025; capturing 10 percent of the market share for renewable energy and bioproducts; and utilizing Wisconsin’s tremendous capability for research to become the country’s leader in making alternative energies more affordable and available to all.

The next steps in reaching a clean energy future will require Wisconsin to make targeted investments, develop new energy supplies, and focus on climate stewardship.

Promote an Affordable, Renewable, and Diverse Energy Supply

In 2006, Wisconsin citizens spent $19.5 billion dollars on energy — and costs continue to rise. The cost of petroleum alone is increasing by more than a billion dollars a year. Currently, 3.5 percent of the motor fuel sold in Wisconsin is from renewable sources and an overwhelming 66 percent of the country’s petroleum is imported. There is tremendous potential for Wisconsin to keep energy spending in the state, and in doing so, drive new industry.

Wisconsin currently spends $5.7 billion a year on electricity and much of the fuel is purchased from other states. About 5 percent of Wisconsin electricity is generated from renewable sources, generating $184 million a year for the economy. Producing 25 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources in Wisconsin would generate nearly $1 billion for the Wisconsin economy.

Target Investments in Job Creation and New Business Opportunities

The renewable energy industry is estimated to become a multi-billion industry and Wisconsin has the farms, fields, forest and factories to be a leader in this market. Capturing 10 percent of this market would generate billions each year for our economy and create nearly 20,000 new jobs.

Improve Our Environment

By emphasizing efficiency and promoting cost-saving alternative fuels, Wisconsin citizens and businesses can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent water pollution, and reduce the state’s overall impact on the environment.

To read Governor Doyle’s plan for energy independence, Clean Energy Wisconsin, visit:
http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=13459.

For application materials and more information about the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund and a program fact sheet, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/renewableenergy.

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1. Gov. Doyle: Launches Energy Independent Communities

Gov. Doyle: Launches Energy Independent Communities
3/31/2008
Contact: Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Part of new ‘Clean Energy Wisconsin’ plan

WAUSAU – Governor Jim Doyle today was joined by local leaders and community members as he launched his new program for Energy Independent Communities.

“We are heading toward energy policies that will clean our air and water, create jobs and save us money,” Governor Doyle said. “The course we are taking will help free us from big oil and make our country a safer place. I am looking forward to having these communities join as partners and adopt the state’s energy goals.”

Under the Governor’s leadership, the Office of Energy Independence will partner with individual communities to increase their share of renewable fuels and capitalize on their unique resources to become more energy independent. This partnership, the first of its kind in the nation, embraces the approaches and solutions that communities are currently exploring. Energy Independent Communities will decide on strategies based on their unique assets and how they will capitalize on the diversity of their resources.

Nearly 50 communities, from Osceola to Green Bay to Greenfield, have expressed interest in forming a partnership with the state. Communities are taking the first step towards this partnership by adopting Governor Doyle’s “25x25 Goal,” generating 25 percent of Wisconsin’s electricity and transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025. Partnerships benefits include additional access to state and federal funding; increased technical assistance from state and federal agencies; and improved energy efficiency, creating additional savings and capital.

Last week, Governor Doyle unveiled Clean Energy Wisconsin, his plan to move Wisconsin toward energy independence. The plan details strategies to move Wisconsin forward to promote renewable energy, create new jobs, increase energy security, and improve the environment.

Since coming into office, Governor Doyle has worked to make Wisconsin a leader in renewable energy. In 2007, Governor Doyle created the Office of Energy Independence to promote efforts to reduce dependence on foreign oil and advance renewable energy initiatives.

To learn more about Energy Independent Communities, visit http://power.wisconsin.gov

http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=122341