Renewable fuels campaign targets schools

December 4th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Wisconsin initiative faces state approval.

Wisconsin Farmers Union and other groups launched a campaign Wednesday to promote renewable fuels generation in Wisconsin.

“The campaign represents an opportunity to address global warming through the agriculture and woodlands industries,” said Sue Beitlich, Farmer’s Union president.

They listed four initiatives during a presentation Wednesday at the Green Bay Botanical Garden. They are:

  • Create a Biomass Energy Crop Reserve Program, establishing 10-year contracts to pay landowners in exchange for planting bioenergy crops that are energy-efficient and preserve natural resources.
  • Expand renewable fuels for schools and communities by setting up funding to buy equipment for biomass systems.
  • Launch a renewable energy buyback program that equalizes compensation from utilities to small-scale renewable energy producers.
  • Encourage the establishment of a low-carbon fuel standard to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels.Michael Vickerman, executive director of Renew Wisconsin, said the renewable fuels for schools program would save tens of thousands of dollars in fuel costs.To be implemented, the initiatives will require legislative and regulatory approval, which Beitlich said could be a challenge in the current financial climate.

    “We are hoping we can get it through as one package,” she said. “I think it will be a challenge, but it’s an investment in the future.”

    Others involved in Wednesday’s presentation were representatives of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Renew Wisconsin and Clean Wisconsin.

    Sen. Rob Cowles, R-Allouez, said he’d like to see the initiatives dovetail with the state’s existing Focus on Energy program.

    “There are certainly some things we can work with here,” said Cowles, who is on a legislative committee that is studying next-generation biofuels.

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