As lawmakers continue to consider proposed global warming legislation at the Capitol, one member of the state Assembly is calling on his colleagues to reject the measure.
State Representative Jim Ott (R-Mequon) says the proposed renewable energy and carbon emission standards included in the bill would greatly increase costs for many businesses. As a result, he says Wisconsin could lose a large number of jobs from businesses being forced to cut costs.
Ott, a former TV meteorologist, also questions whether global warming should still be a concern based on recent accusations about climate data being hidden or misrepresented. He says recent weather in Wisconsin actually indicates temperatures getting colder.
Supporters of the legislation say it will help to create thousands of new jobs. But Ott argues repealing a moratorium on building new nuclear power plants and making the tax structure more business friendly would be far more effective. He says the state needs to consider a sensible energy policy that will actually encourage existing businesses to grow.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:04)