A U.S. Representative from Wisconsin learns from state businesses as she prepares to help write federal legislation.
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin plans to meet with business leaders in the state this week and discuss their energy-saving strategies. The Madison Democrat says energy independence is essential for national security.
"We must get into a position where we are no longer so dependent upon Middle East oil to the tune of sending $300-billion a year to the Middle East for petroleum products."
Baldwin is helping to write legislation aimed at reviving and growing the economy, focusing on energy reform and health care reform. She says Congress faces some great opportunities.
"The opportunity to transform our U.S. economy to really be poised for the 21 st century, to be competitive globally and to be greener than it is right now."
While Congress is on spring recess, Baldwin is meeting with innovators around the state who she says are doing "amazing things" with energy conservation and efficiencies. She'll make stops in Green Bay, Milwaukee and La Crosse to meet with leaders in the areas of wind farms, solar-power, and methane digesters, among others.
NOTE: Baldwin holds a seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, its Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment and its Subcommittee on Health.