CREWE: Wisconsin, U.S. could fall behind other countries for clean-tech markets

CONTACT:

Thad Nation, (414) 412-7814

(MADISON, Wis.)—A study released recently by the Center for American Progress shows the United States could be at risk for being shut out of the $2.3 trillion clean-tech market, the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) announced.

According to the report, Germany, Spain and China are positioned to take advantage of this emerging market because they have each implemented clean energy policies, which the United States as a whole and the State of Wisconsin have yet to do. The policies set up the countries to create “vibrant new industries, sustainable jobs and international markets.”

“With so much economic development potential in the clean-tech industry, Wisconsin needs policies in place now that capitalize on the clean energy boom, while creating jobs and growing our economy,” Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE, said. “The study shows the need for legislators to work quickly to find a consensus on the Clean Energy Jobs Act and get a bill passed in this session.”

Within the state, the proposed bill (AB 649/SB 450) will tackle climate change while creating jobs and enhancing industries such as manufacturing. To view the report, please visit http://www.eenews.net/features/documents/2010/03/04/document_cw_01.pdf.

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 CleanPower, 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, DTE Energy Services, Kranz, Inc. and Greenwood Fuels.

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).