Clean Energy Jobs Act will prepare state companies for carbon rules

From a news release issued by the business coalition Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy:

(MADISON, Wis.)—The proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act will prepare Wisconsin businesses for upcoming federal climate legislation, especially as it relates to managing carbon output, the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) announced today.

As exemplified by a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, businesses must brace “for a variety of new mandates aimed at disclosing to investors the carbon risks they face.” Rules are already in place from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Securities and Exchange Commission, among other agencies.

“Regardless of when federal climate legislation will be passed, the provisions in the Clean Energy Jobs Act will steer local companies in the right direction in addressing their carbon output,” Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE, said. “We need to do everything we can to help our state’s businesses because their viability directly affects Wisconsin’s economic climate.”

The Clean Energy Jobs Act (AB 649/SB 450) includes energy efficiency programs and renewable portfolio standards that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from state businesses.

CREWE is a coalition that formed to advocate meaningful change in energy policy consistent with the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force final report, which will have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s economic development and security while fostering job creation.

CREWE’s membership consists of CleanPower, Alliant Energy, EcoEnergy, Johnson Controls, Xcel Energy, C5•6 Technologies, Axley Brynelson, Madison Gas and Electric, Orion Energy Systems, Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin Energy Corp., Poblocki Sign Company, Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, MillerCoors, America Transmission Co., WPPI Energy, DTE Energy Services, Kranz, Inc. and Greenwood Fuels.