Site almost finished! April 27, 2007

Matt Glaman just finished up the scripts for our official web site. The site will have an online petition, along with a volunteer application form. The site should be live sometime after May 12th, our next meeting.

Passage of SB 459 April 25, 2007

GREEN BAY—Governor Doyle signed SB 459, a bill that would require utilities to get 10% of their energy from renewable energy by 2015, make the state a leader by purchasing 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2011, and protect the Public Benefits Fund which provides funding for energy efficiency and conservation.

“WISPIRG thanks Governor Doyle, Chairmen Cowles and Montgomery and legislators for moving Wisconsin towards sound alternatives and creative energy solutions that make good economic sense,” said Jennifer Giegerich, WISPIRG state director. “Greater development of energy efficiency and renewable energy will help create new jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin, as well as decrease the threat to public health from more fossil fuel pollution.”

Currently, Wisconsin generates seventy percent of its electricity from coal, twenty percent from nuclear power and less than one percent from clean, renewable sources. For every ounce of non-renewable energy used there are consequences for human health, the environment, the economy and the rates consumers must pay.

SB 459 is a good first step to move Wisconsin towards a cleaner energy future. SB 459 passed unanimously out of the Assembly on March 7 and passed the Senate on February 21 with Senator Reynolds being the only legislator to vote against the bill.