Prior to wrapping up their session late last week, legislative leadership didn’t bring up the Clean Energy Jobs Act: Democratic candidate for Governor Tom Barrett wishes they would have. He says Wisconsinites are concerned about the $16 billion it takes to buy coal and oil from out-of-state sources.

Mayor Barrett (:48)

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“My disappointment with the Republicans in this race is they seem to be totally content with an energy policy that based almost exclusively on moving dollars out of this state,” says the Milwaukee Mayor.

Critics claimed the bill would raise utility rates, a claim that caused Democratic Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker to deny hearing the measure. The assertion was shared by Republican gubernatorial contender Scott Walker during the bill’s circulation.

“Wisconsin families will pay a steep price for these costly new regulations in higher utility bills and the projected 43,000 jobs that will be lost if this bill passes,” says the Milwaukee County Executive on his campaign site.

Another Republican challenger, former US House member Mark Neumann, is pushing for private industry to take the initiative. “Government mandates and further interference will drive more businesses and their jobs out of Wisconsin and out of America,” according to Neumann’s campaign site.

The Governor has no plans to call a special session for the legislation.