Wisconsin Ag Connection - WCGA Applauds Walker's Call for More Renewable Energy

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WCGA Applauds Walker's Call for More Renewable Energy
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/09/2014

Scott Walker's recent comments regarding his desire for a more aggressive national energy policy continues to get attention. The governor told a group of Wisconsin farm reporters during a private gathering in his state Capitol office on May 28 that the country as a whole should be doing more to promote alternative energy sources like solar, wind, clean-burning coal, natural gas and ethanol.

The comments were made while Walker was describing the woes of this past winter's propane shortage. He told the various media outlets, including Wisconsin Ag Connection, that many different sources of energy should be explored so that residents and local businesses won't be suck in a vulnerable position during extreme weather situations like the Midwest experienced this past January and February.

"We want to thank Governor Walker for understanding that ethanol's role in our national energy policy needs to be further explored," said Wisconsin Corn Growers Association President Brian Long in response to the governor's remarks. He adds that the ethanol industry generates $4.2 billion of total economic output annually in Wisconsin.

Several other groups called to get more information on Walker's discussion after our story was posted online the following day.

Meanwhile, Walker said one of his goals as chairman of the Midwestern Governor's Association would be to create local propane reserve facilities around the state so local communities could tap into an emergency supply if needed. He has already convened a working group to start talking about other ways to keep energy sources more accessible.

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