The energy bill Congress is currently considering highlights the disparity between what we can feasibly do to wean our dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear energy, and what the Bush administration is willing to do. It is a case study in the lack of political will and, if passed, will be remembered as a missed opportunity at crucial moment in the history of our environment.
A recent WISPIRG report found that if the $36 billion that the Bush energy bill offers as subsidies to fossil fuels and nuclear power were to be funneled into development of clean energy and if a 20 percent renewable energy standard were implemented, an average of 154,000 new jobs every single year between now and 2020 would be created while saving consumers billions of dollars.
Currently, clean energy makes a marginal contribution to the current electricity needs of Wisconsin. More than 90 percent of our electricity is obtained from fossil fuels and nuclear power. Since Wisconsin has neither fossil nor nuclear fuels, we must import over $6 billion worth of coal, natural gas, uranium and gasoline every year. This figure dwarfs the $3.5 billion our dairy industry produces every year. Utilizing renewable resources would keep enormous sums of money in the state economy.
Our politicians need to stand up for a 20 percent national renewable energy standard. Senators Kohl and Feingold must continue to support renewable energy and become champions on this issue. Given all the opposition in Congress, we have to ensure that utilizing renewable energy becomes a reality that will revitalize rural Wisconsin, bolster the state's economy and protect our environment.
