Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today signed Senate Bill 273, the Renewable Resource Credits bill, into law and issued the following statement:
“Over the past seven and a half years Wisconsin has become a leader in the clean energy economy. Through good government policy we have helped spur private investment and business growth in the clean energy sector, creating jobs and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
“This bill is a difficult one to sign. While I would support this without a second though with expanded renewable portfolio standards, the State Senate’s failure to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act forced a difficult decision. On balance though, this bill will benefit Wisconsin-based clean energy companies. Businesses like Orion Energy can be a strong part of Wisconsin’s economy for years to come, and we must continue to support their success.
“I am proud of the environmental and clean energy accomplishments we have achieved over the past seven and a half years. I know we have good legislators who will continue to focus on building on Wisconsin’s clean energy successes in the future.”
Under Governor Doyle’s leadership Wisconsin has had the greatest environmental accomplishments in decades. Wisconsin led the passage of the Great Lakes Compact, a landmark water conservation effort for our region and this country. The state has protected more than 500,000 acres of land through the Stewardship Program and reauthorized it through 2019. Major strides have been made to reduce mercury in our air and water. Large water clean up efforts such as the Kinnickinnick and Fox River projects have moved forward. Wisconsin has become a world leader in forest certification, ensuring sustainable management to protect our forests for future generations. And Wisconsin is now a leader in the clean energy economy.
