President Bush called for the United States to explore alternative energy methods Monday at Johnson Controls, a Milwaukee energy firm, advocating the end of foreign oil dependence.
Monica Levy, spokesperson for Johnson Controls, said Bush proposed accelerating government support for further research in energy technology, such as hybrid battery advancement.
Renewable energy will also be a topic on the floor of the Wisconsin state Senate Tuesday, when Senate Bill 459 will be discussed.
Todd Stewart, spokesperson for state Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, said the bill would require 10 percent of the state's total energy to be renewable. If passed, the state will have to upgrade building codes and purchase energy-efficient appliances.
Stewart said the most important part of the proposal is the public benefits reform, which will set up a system where energy-efficiency money is used more cost effectively.
'The legislation is an important step forward in Wisconsin because it will protect funding for vital energy efficiency and renewable programs,' said state Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, vice chair of the Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee in an e-mail to The Daily Cardinal.
Timothy Allen, UW-Madison botany professor and expert in renewable resources, stressed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy because of the increasing cost of coal and its negative effect on the economy.
In Monday's speech, Bush said in the last 30 years the economy has grown three times as fast as the national energy consumption. He said the country has to keep up with modern technology in order to remain powerful in the global economy.
'By using technology, we can help make sure this country remains a world leader. And that starts with making sure we change our energy habits,' Bush said.
Bush emphasized the importance of America becoming less dependent on foreign sources for energy. He said 75 percent of U.S. oil came from within the country in 1985. Today, foreign countries account for 60 percent of oil consumed by the United States, making them the primary energy sources.
Bush labeled this dependency on foreign nations a 'national security issue,' claiming this holds the United States hostage to overseas energy sources. He said it also reduces the influence of the United States in international relations.
Anne Lupardus, spokesperson for Gov. Jim Doyle, said SB 459 would help guarantee the state a sustainable energy future.
'[President Bush's visit] shows there is widespread support for promoting the use of renewable energies, not only in Wisconsin but across the country, and now we need to make sure there's widespread action on the issue,' Lupardus said.
