The governor announces several new initiatives to increase Wisconsin's energy independence and to combat global warming. Governor Jim Doyle on Thursday signed an executive order creating the state Office of Energy Independence. The agency will focus on state energy policy and bio-industries. Doyle says he wants to build public and private partnerships that will reduce Wisconsin's reliance on foreign oil. The Governor says the agency will also serve as a contact point for Wisconsinites interested in renewable energy.
A second order signed by the Governor creates a Task Force on Global Warming. A panel of experts from around the state will try to determine what impact Wisconsin is having on greenhouse gases, as well as what we can do to reduce the output.
Several of the proposals were included in the Governor's State of the State Address earlier this year. The initiatives are meant to help Wisconsin reach a goal of having 25 percent of its energy come from renewable sources by 2025.