Wisconsin Needs to Lead on Reducing Greenhouse Gases
The evidence is beyond dispute. The rise in greenhouse gas emissions threatens the balance of life and the future of our planet.
Detailed scientific analysis predicts the rise in global temperature caused by greenhouse gas is leading to the more violent storms we have seen in the past decade and will only cause future calamities.
I have worked long and hard in the state Senate to pass laws to make the State of Wisconsin a leader in reducing the effect of greenhouse gases and to combat global warming.
During the last legislative session, the Legislature passed a comprehensive energy bill, Senate Bill 459, which created renewable energy requirements for utilities and electric co-operatives, instituted energy efficiency requirements for state construction projects, and established research programs for the development of an anaerobic digestor and a corn-burning furnace.
In addition to SB-459, I have advocated for many other proposals that would address global warming. I authored and introduced a bill last session, Senate Bill 15 (SB-15) that would have required that all gasoline in Wisconsin contain at least 9% ethanol, a cleaner burning fuel made from corn.
My bill initiated a vigorous debate about fossil fuel use here in the State, and I am encouraged at how quickly the new legislature is moving forward to continue the discussion on alternative energies.
Other energy initiatives are critical, such as using manure digestors on farms to create energy by burning methane. Not only does this create electricity from an abundant resource here in Wisconsin, it also reduces the environmental impact of manure by reducing the amount of phosphorus and other harmful toxins from the fertilizer.
This year, I am proud to have signed onto my colleague Sen. Mark Miller’s “Wisconsin Global Warming Solutions” bill, designed to limit greenhouse gases. It is part of a multi-state effort to protect our planet and ensure our grandchildren and their children are safe from global harm we face if unwilling to change course.
Wisconsin led the nation when we were the first state to ban DDT and we were when we enacted landmark legislation to prevent acid rain.
Wisconsin can lead the way on protecting our land and our clean air and water from the effect of greenhouse gases. We must.
