CREWE: U.S. falls behind China in energy investments

CONTACT:

Thad Nation, (414) 412-7814

Energy Secretary Steven Chu Says Carbon Cap Needed to Spur Innovation

(MADISON, Wis.)—U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu warned recently at the Sustainability Summit at Stanford University that the United States’ future prosperity is at risk as countries like China are investing 10 times more in renewable and clean energy technology, the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) announced. Chu suggested a carbon cap as a means to spur innovation.

“The proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act includes energy efficiency programs and renewable portfolio standards that address carbon emissions,” Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE, said. “Wisconsin can do its part in addressing a larger issue at stake by passing this bill, which clearly has provisions that Mr. Chu says are necessary.”

Chu called for the both the public and private sectors to revolutionize, diversify, and propagate green technology, as China is investing $8 billion a month on renewable energy.

“America has the opportunity to lead the world in a new industrial revolution,” Chu said.

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).