Governor Jim Doyle is offering several steps to help increase energy independence and fight global warming. Among the proposals expected to be a part of his State of the State Address tonight is the creation of the Governor's Office on Energy Independence. The office would bring energy industry leaders together to develop and implement renewable technologies statewide. The Governor wants to spend $40 million to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels. Doyle also wants to create a Task Force on Global Warming to develop a state plan of action to reduce how we impact the environment.
Implementing energy saving technologies will also be a major focus of the plan. Doyle wants to help gas stations but in renewable fuel pumps, with a goal of adding 400 statewide. Currently, only 65 stations in the state sell e85 and 14 sell biodiesel fuel.
Doyle says Wisconsin is already viewed as a leader in developing energy-saving technologies. He says the state should set a goal of having 25% of its energy and transportation fuel generated from renewable sources by 2025.