KAUKAUNA – Governor Jim Doyle today said the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) Energy Security and Climate Change Agreement will uniquely benefit the New North region. The agreement establishes shared goals for the Midwest region, including specific timelines for the advancement of energy efficiency, the promotion of biobased products, the production of renewable electricity, and the development of advanced coal and carbon capture and storage.
“Leaders from across the Midwest are charting a new energy direction that will benefit Northeastern Wisconsin,” said Governor Doyle, chair of the MGA. “Our state’s strong manufacturing base and rich agricultural industries, along with the wealth of resources in our vast northern forests and our world-leading research universities, position the Midwest to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy.”
Northeast Wisconsin has many unique characteristics that make it well-positioned to succeed in the growing bio economy. The growing wind energy market, and the region’s strong manufacturing potential, access to some of the nation’s best wind resources, strong existing markets and excellent workforce and transportation assets combine to make the New North an ideal location to provide the manufacturing elements necessary for growth.
The New North is well-positioned to capitalize on the future growth of renewable energy. The Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform that the Midwestern Governors have agreed to will greatly benefit the northeast region of Wisconsin.
The New North region has already united 18 counties, creating a powerful force that will encourage job growth and economic success in northern Wisconsin. The strong collaboration between northern Wisconsin businesses, government and companies shows the energy industry that Wisconsin is serious about being the leader in cleaner energy.
A wind energy manufacturing facility located in the New North would be within a 500 mile radius of all the Midwest and Canadian wind fields. The New North also has access to Lake Michigan, the St. Lawrence Seaway and Wisconsin’s great road infrastructure.
Companies in the New North like Bassett Mechanical, Tower Tech and Wausaukee Composites have already entered this emerging market, and many more have the capacity to produce wind components.
For more information, including complete agreements, list of signatories, biographies of leaders, and background on the MGA, go to: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=19&prid=3023
For information on New North’s wind energy effort, go to: http://www.thenewnorth.com/thenewnorth/home/wind+energy.asp
