| January 7, 2010 |  |
Wisconsin Governor Announces Clean Energy Jobs Act
Statement by Ron Burke, Union of Concerned Scientists
CHICAGO (January 7, 2010) – Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle today announced the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a bill that incorporates many of the recommendations made by the governor's Climate Change Task Force. The Clean Energy Jobs Act would increase Wisconsin's use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, cleaner fuels and cleaner cars.
Below is a statement by Ron Burke, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' (UCS) Chicago office.
"Governor Doyle's proposed legislation would be a good first step to establish a new clean energy economy for Wisconsin. The governor has shown real leadership by promoting this bill, and we're hopeful that state lawmakers will work with him to strengthen and pass it. This bill would give the state the opportunity to curb Wisconsin's dependence on imported fossil fuels, generate new jobs, cut global warming pollution, and protect public health by cleaning up the air.
"By focusing on cleaner, locally produced energy sources, the bill could put Wisconsinites back to work building wind turbines, weatherizing and retrofitting homes, installing solar panels, and manufacturing advanced cars and fuels. Wisconsin will need workers to design, transport, maintain, repair, market and sell these renewable energy technologies as well.
"In addition to creating jobs, investments in clean energy would help Wisconsin avoid the exorbitant cost of climate change by reducing emissions locally and setting an example for federal action. Climate science shows that global warming is already happening and has contributed to higher annual temperatures as well as more frequent heavy rain and flooding in the Midwest. Last year was the sixth warmest year on record globally, despite a relatively cool Midwest summer. The past decade, meanwhile, was the warmest on record.
"A new peer-reviewed UCS study projects that unchecked climate change in Wisconsin would trigger more frequent heat waves that reduce crop yields, stress livestock and threaten public health. It also would mean more heavy rainfall that prevents spring planting and floods fields, and more widespread pest and weed infestations. If enacted, this bill would help Wisconsin do its part to avert the worst of these consequences."
###
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
