Resource Pages

Jul 11, 2006

Doyle announces energy goals

MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Jim Doyle announced new energy goals for the state Friday, calling for 25 percent of Wisconsin's electricity and 25 percent of transportation fuel to come from renewable sources by 2025.

Doyle's plan to achieve those goals includes boosting ethanol production, making several University of Wisconsin System campuses self-sufficient and handing out grants to businesses working on biofuel technology.

The governor's plan calls for:

-Identifying at least three UW campuses that can generate enough energy themselves to be self-sufficient within five years.

-Doling out $1 million in grants to state businesses developing bioenergy, bioproducts and biofuel technology.

-Seeking federal and state grants for installing ethanol gas pumps around the state.

-Creating a biodiesel association in the state.

-Seeking changes in the next federal farm bill to encourage the growth of alternative fuels and feedstocks for biomass production.

-Launching an interagency effort called the Wisconsin Energy Independence Project to coordinate state government's work toward reaching the goals.

-Tripling the state's ethanol production.

Doyle said in a statement he also wants Wisconsin to capture 10 percent of the market for renewable energy sources by 2030 - a move that would bring the state an additional $13.5 billion annually, he said.

http://www.gazetteextra.com/doyle_energy070706.asp