Gov. Walker: Accelerates bioenergy assessment to speed up investment in Wisconsin

Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303

Madison–Governor Scott Walker announced today he is accelerating the timetable for a statewide bioenergy resources assessment. Last year, the Special Legislative Council Study Committee on Domestic Biofuels, created Act 401. This legislation contained a requirement that the state undertake a bioenergy feedstock assessment by April 2013. The report, currently due in April of 2013, will be moved up by more than a year.

“I understand that Wisconsin citizens are concerned about energy costs. I am pleased to announce the acceleration of this study,” said Governor Walker. “I believe we can find cost-effective ways to use this domestic resource in a way that does not negatively impact other industries. This study will provide a systematic and comprehensive approach to determine how bioenergy can be a part of Wisconsin’s energy future. I look forward to having an assessment about our biomass resource potential, which can be used to ensure we are utilizing this in-state fuel source to grow and retain jobs in Wisconsin.”

The assessment will be coordinated by the Department of Administration’s Division of Energy Services. Stakeholders from agriculture, paper and pulp, biofuels, natural resources and environmental communities, landowners, loggers, petroleum industry, university and private businesses will be involved. Governor Walker indicated the original proposal for the assessment was removed from his Executive Budget in favor of providing flexibility to react to evolving business needs, such as broadening the scope and advancing the timetable of the Bioenergy Feedstock Assessment.

Governor Walker made this announcement today at the Wisconsin Paper Council’s 61st Annual Meeting in Neenah.