LONDON – Governor Jim Doyle met with John Ashton, Special Representative for Climate Change at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, and Phil Woolas, MP, Minister of State for the Environment, to discuss a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Wisconsin on climate change issues. The Governor is on a business trip this week to Ireland and the United Kingdom to build relationships with business and government officials and discuss Wisconsin’s leadership in stem cell research and addressing climate change.
“Wisconsin is taking the lead in addressing challenges of climate change and collaboration with the United Kingdom can only do more to save us money, create jobs, help secure our world and improve our air and water,” Governor Doyle said. “By combining Wisconsin’s knowledge, skills and resources with those of the United Kingdom, we can develop the solutions necessary for a clean energy future.”
The Governor is working on developing a potential MOU between Wisconsin and the U.K. that addresses climate change and economic issues associated with climate change. The MOU would promote a working relationship between Wisconsin and the U.K., building upon current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low carbon technologies. The MOU would encourage collaboration between Wisconsin and the U.K. in researching and sharing new technologies, experiences, and solutions, as well as efforts to educate the public on global climate issues.
In March, Governor Doyle launched Clean Energy Wisconsin, his strategy to strengthen Wisconsin’s energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency, and improving the environment.
Since coming into office, Governor Doyle has worked to make Wisconsin a leader in renewable energy. In 2007, Governor Doyle created the Office of Energy Independence to promote efforts to reduce dependence on foreign oil and advance renewable energy initiatives.
Governor’s plan for energy independence includes: Generating 25 percent of our electricity and 25 percent of the fuels for our cars and trucks from renewable sources by the year 2025; capturing 10 percent of the market share for renewable energy and bioproducts, and utilizing Wisconsin’s tremendous capability for research to become the country’s leader in making alternative energies more affordable and available to all.
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