Feb 12, 2010

Clean energy bill lacks details & The OSHA report

Critics of Wisconsin's clean energy bill are calling for a sharper focus on specific job creation numbers and a detailed explanation of how much the proposal will cost.

"The cost is something we need to know and taxpayers need to know," said state Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon. "I don't think anybody's against green jobs, but I'm not quite sure how many there are going to be."

Fitzgerald joined state Reps. Michael Huebsch, R-West Salem; Phil Montgomery, R-Green Bay; and Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, in sending letters this week to the secretaries of the state departments of Commerce and Natural Resources and to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin requesting cost and job tallies associated with the bill.

The bill, based on recommendations made in 2008 by the Governor's Task Force on Global Warming, is in committee in the state Senate and Assembly. The omnibus bill sets a course for Wisconsin's future energy consumption, establishing renewable energy goals through 2025 and requesting changes to state building codes and vehicle emission standards.

Read more and see the OSHA report at the Daily Reporter