Energy bill could be boon for Wisconsin
As our nation works to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, there is tremendous potential for job creation. Here in Wisconsin, we are home to many innovative businesses working to produce renewable energy technologies that provide an alternative to traditional energy sources.
Right now, Congress is drafting legislation to require more use of renewable energy. Unfortunately, that draft legislation leaves out some technologies being produced by Wisconsin businesses. Instead of picking winners and losers, we should be encouraging all types of renewable energy. That is why I recently introduced the Support Renewable Energy Act to fix this problem and help Wisconsin businesses that manufacture these technologies by allowing all forms of renewable energy to qualify for the new mandate.
A host of Wisconsin businesses have been working to advance these innovative technologies, which do things such as provide lighting or heat water without converting energy into electricity. My bill—which is the latest addition to the E4 Initiative I launched in 2008 to create jobs in Wisconsin while addressing our energy challenges—would be a boon for these innovative businesses, helping them create green jobs while making our country less dependent on foreign oil.
My bill is good for Wisconsin for several reasons. Promoting all kinds of renewable energy should help stimulate local economies as utilities partner with local businesses to supply that energy. Those partnerships would mean more construction jobs, particularly in roofing and plumbing, to install new renewable energy systems across the country.
And, since these technologies don’t use electricity, consumers will use less and see their energy costs fall.
Finally, as we encourage more renewable energies that do not have to go through the electricity transmission grid, we reduce stress on our energy infrastructure.
This effort has strong support from businesses and business groups across Wisconsin. And since I am once again working with a Republican, this time Sen. John Ensign from Nevada, I am hoping the bipartisan support will give this bill the momentum it needs.
I will continue to do all I can to support Wisconsin’s innovative businesses, create jobs and promote energy independence.
Sen. Russ Feingold, a Janesville native, is one of Wisconsin’s two U.S. senators. He can be reached at 506 Hart Building, Washington, D.C., 20510-4904; phone (202) 224-5323; e-mail russell_feingold@feingold.senate.gov.
Mar 4, 2010 at 11:28 p.m.
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And, since these technologies don’t use electricity, consumers will use less and see their energy costs fall.
Which technologies? And how do they not? The problem is so big and everything is so co-dependant on each other it's scary. I'm going to school for biotechnology and I'd like to know a little more on which technologies he's talking about. In fact, ANY details on a bill you're trying to pass would probably be a plus. Just for future reference. If you manage to get someone's attention, at least give them some details. All I see here is fluff. Cite these technologies and what you'd like to expand upon. Biomass energy? Photovoltaics? Wind farms? Throw us a bone here Russ.
Mar 2, 2010 at 10:36 a.m.
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Thank you for suffering the rants of the "common" people. I hope that noble efforts don't fall short of the "common" needs in the human condition.
Mar 1, 2010 at 8:19 p.m.
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And let's not forget corn-based ethanol when promoting ALL kinds of energy alternatives.
Mar 1, 2010 at 7:55 p.m.
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First you state I have not shown his comments were incorrect, WHEN THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MY COMMENTS TO START WITH.
Now you declare the important thing is renewable energy not who sponsors the bill. If that were true why did the Senator say "That is why I recently introduced the..."; Well duh, the only reason this became an op-ed piece at all is the the point I brought up to begin with, it was never to declare he had a cosponsor; because he never did in this piece.
You can tell when it is an election year, as I said.
You don't have to agree, that is fine. If you are going to debate my comments try staying within the lines.
Mar 1, 2010 at 4:37 p.m.
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The important thing here is renewable energy, not which paragraph a bill's co-sponsor gets mentioned in. But you concentrate on what matters to you, I suppose.
Mar 1, 2010 at 1:56 p.m.
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If you read my comments I made my point.
I also said "good for you", in reference to being bipartisan.
The fact you don't get my point and you failed to notice he was commended on a bipartisan act is something only you can answer for.
Mar 1, 2010 at 12:55 p.m.
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What, exactly, is your point, RetiredAirForce? You have not shown that his statement is incorrect. If this is the respect that Democrats are shown when they are truly bipartisan, it's not clear why they should bother.
Mar 1, 2010 at 5:52 a.m.
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"That is why I recently introduced the Support Renewable Energy Act"
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You can tell when it is an election year.
Senator, if you're going to put out an op-ed piece for publication please be more honest with the wording. Finally, in the seventh paragraph you provide the truth, it was not an "I" task as you stated in the second paragraph. The legislation is a bipartisan proposal (good for you, but why hide it in the 7th para) put forth by yourself and a Senator from Nevada. The fact you have a wonderful media team working for you does not mean you are a good senator.
At least your senate website has a straightforward press release that includes all the information, without the political fluff.
http://feingold.senate.gov/record.cfm?id...
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