CREWE: Praises governor for signing wind siting bill

CONTACT: Thad Nation, (414) 412-7814

(MADISON, Wis.)—A wind siting bill—supported by Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE)—that would create jobs and help Wisconsin meet its renewable energy goals was signed into law today by Gov. Jim Doyle.

CREWE praised the efforts of state lawmakers and the Governor in passing Senate Bill 185, which allows the Public Service Commission to set standards for large and small wind energy systems across the state.

“Since CREWE’s creation, we have been advocating for a consistent and uniform siting policy that will allow Wisconsin to take advantage of wind development and growth,” Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE, said. “We applaud Gov. Doyle for signing this bill into law and look forward to working with his administration to continue the fight against climate change while creating jobs across the state.”

Gov. Doyle signed the bill at ABB, Inc., a New Berlin, Wis., company whose products enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while reducing environmental impact.

CREWE believes the new law can help unclog the more than 600 megawatts of planned wind developments stalled across Wisconsin and help establish a green economy in the state.

CREWE is a coalition that formed to advocate meaningful change in energy policy consistent with the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force final report, which will have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s economic development and security while fostering job creation.

CREWE’s membership consists of Alliant Energy, EcoEnergy, Johnson Controls, Xcel Energy, C5•6 Technologies, Axley Brynelson, Madison Gas and Electric, Orion Energy Systems, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin Energy Corp., Poblocki Sign Company, Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, MillerCoors, American Transmission Co., WPPI Energy and DTE Energy Services.

The coalition is dedicated to joining forces with other supporters to promote responsible policies that address climate change; create jobs; promote energy efficiency, reliability and independence; and mitigate the economic impacts of rising energy costs.

For more information on joining this campaign, please visit http://www.WICREWE.com and follow CREWE on Twitter (@WI_CREWE).