Wisconsin's Clean Energy Plan Aims to Create Jobs, Reduce Emissions, and Save Residents' Pocketbooks

Strategic Insights -

Gov. Tony Evers has unveiled the state's first Clean Energy Plan, which outlines strategies to create more than 40,000 jobs, lower energy bills, and fight climate change by investing in clean energy technologies. The plan aims to meet the state's commitment to cutting half of all greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this decade and achieve carbon-free electricity generation by 2050. The plan recommends four primary paths: promoting clean energy technology, reducing energy demand, addressing transportation, and updating commercial building codes. Notably, it calls for a phaseout of natural gas-fired generation and consideration of nuclear power. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest industry lobbying group, has criticized the plan as "unaffordable" and "unrealistic," while Clean Wisconsin has called on state agencies to act on the recommendations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clean Energy Plan aims to create more than 40,000 jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half by the end of this decade.
  • The plan recommends four primary paths: promoting clean energy technology, reducing energy demand, addressing transportation, and updating commercial building codes.
  • The plan calls for a phaseout of natural gas-fired generation and consideration of nuclear power.
  • Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce has criticized the plan as "unaffordable" and "unrealistic."
  • Clean Wisconsin has called on state agencies to act on the recommendations and implement cost-effective, clean energy solutions.

Statistics:

  • Wisconsin's net greenhouse gas emissions fell by about 9% from 2005 to 2018, thanks in part to cleaner electricity.
  • The clean energy plan would achieve only about half the necessary reductions to meet the world's goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.
  • The remainder of the necessary reductions would have to come from non-energy sectors.
  • Wisconsin spends about $14 billion a year on imported coal, petroleum, gas, and other energy sources.
  • The plan aims to create clean energy apprenticeship programs and job training programs for people in prison.

Sources:

  • "Halfway to Paris"
  • Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC