Gov. Jim Doyle, D-Wis., has completed the next steps in achieving Wisconsin's energy independence goal under his Declaration of Energy Independence plan. Through the initiative, Doyle is determined to generate 25% of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2025, capture 10% of the market share for the production of renewable energy sources by 2030, and become a national leader in research that will make alternative energies more affordable and available to all residents and business owners.
In order to achieve these goals, Doyle has signed an executive order creating the new Office of Energy Independence. According to the governor, the office will serve as a single point of contact for citizens, businesses, local units of government and nongovernmental organizations pursuing energy efficiency and energy independence.
In addition, Doyle has signed an executive order creating a Task Force on Global Warming, which will bring together a diverse group of Wisconsin business, industry, government, energy and environment leaders to examine the effects of - and solutions to - global warming in Wisconsin. By using current national and local research, the task force will discuss and analyze possible solutions to global warming challenges that pose a threat to the state's economic and environmental health, Doyle says.
In related news, Doyle has recently been elected to serve as chair of the Midwestern Governors Association. As chair, he will focus on reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill (see "Renewable Energy Loans And Grants Available Through USDA") and promoting the economic vitality of the Midwest.
He will also implement the Midwest Renewable Tracking System (M-RETS), a regional renewable energy tracking system, with the Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and the province of Manitoba. (See "Midwest Region Implements Energy Tracking System.")
