Considering a looming recession, one group urges the state to stimulate the economy by pushing energy efficiency.
While state and federal lawmakers struggle to find ways to stimulate the economy, curb global warming pollutants, create jobs, and save families some cash, WISPIRG advocate Bruce Speight ( pronounce ) says the answer is energy efficiency. It's explained in a new report entitled The Power of Efficiency: Opportunities to Save Money, Reduce Pollution, and Expand the Economy in the Midwest .
"We detail how energy-efficient technologies, practices and policies would stimulate our economy through saving Wisconsin families hundreds of dollars off rising utility bills, create new jobs, and help save our environment from the harmful effects of global warming."
Speight says there are common sense ways to use energy effectively. For example, he explains, if every household in Wisconsin replaced five incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, we'd save 800 million dollars on electricity.
"Get more bang for our buck, which means more bucks in our pocket."
The new report details opportunities for increased efficiencies in the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential sectors.
"We found that energy consumption in a typical Wisconsin home could be reduced by 20 –to–40% or more without sacrifice."
For starters, Speight suggests energy-efficient furnaces, appliances and lights; home weatherization; and retro-fit heating, cooling and lighting systems in commercial buildings. He says everybody wins without sacrifice. The report outlines efficiency opportunities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:33 MP3)
