Thursday, May 03, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 3, 2007
MORE INFORMATION
Michael Vickerman
RENEW Wisconsin
608.255.40446
mvickerman@renewwisconsin.org
An amendment adopted by the legislature’s budget-writing committee immediately drew the ire of leading renewable energy groups in the state.
The action by the Joint Committee on Finance would allow utilities to purchase renewable energy credits from hydroelectric plants larger than 60 megawatts (MW). This would reduce the environmental and economic benefits to Wisconsin, while providing an economic windfall to energy generators outside of the state.
“Wisconsin doesn’t have a hydroelectric facility that would benefit from the elimination of the 60 MW ceiling. Those that could benefit are in Manitoba and beyond,” according to Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a statewide group that promotes renewable energy.
“Swamping the renewable standard with imported electricity from existing hydro plants would reduce the development of new renewable generation in Wisconsin,” said Chris Deisinger, a spokesperson for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“This measure exports wealth and denies Wisconsin's citizens and businesses opportunities to build sustainable energy enterprises,” he added.
The groups vowed to keep the pressure on the legislature and the governor to strip the “objectionable” provision from the budget bill.
Continue reading here.
The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters also issued a statement, calling the action a "surprising and highly disappointing move."
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