Reported by Kristen Elicerio
Email: kelicerio@wkbt.com

$16 billion dollars leaves the state of Wisconsin each year in fuel costs. In an effort to get a portion of that money back, the state has set a goal to have 25 percent of the stateīs fuel come from renewable sources by the year 2025. 

Monday members of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and Wisconsin Department of Commerce toured renewable energy projects in La Crosse.

One of their stops was the City Brewery to tour the project that converts brewery waste into electricity for Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

"Some people do these projects because they feel itīs the right thing to do, and I think thatīs an appropriate way to approach it. Others are going to do it because it makes economic sense and thatīs going to drive a lot of these projects," said Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson, Eric Callisto.
Policy leaders say that by adding more projects like this itīs estimated nearly 15,000 jobs will be created in the sate, something that makes Wisconsin a leader.
"We need to be out front. By setting the renewable portfolio standard at 25 percent of our fuel coming from renewable sources by the year 2025 we remain a leader in both energy efficiency and energy conservation and in developing new sources of alternative energy. Thatīs important for Wisconsin," said Dept. of Commerce Secretary, Dick Leinenkugel.

In addition to creating green jobs, state businesses and ultimately the economy will benefit.

"We also have to find economic value for those who invest that money in their facility. Those who arenīt green companies per say, but you can save money by spending less money on natural gas, electricity. Thatīs what the real economic value of the bill is going to be," said Callisto.

http://www.wkbt.com/global/story.asp?s=11953707