Business coalition praises clean energy jobs report

Posted on March 8, 2010. Filed under: Economic development, Energy Policy |

From a news release issued by Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE):

(MADISON, Wis.)—A report released Thursday [March 4,2010] by Governor Jim Doyle showed that Focus on Energy programs have added more than 5,000 jobs and more than $1 billion to Wisconsin’s economy since 2001, the coalition for Clean, Responsible Energy for Wisconsin’s Economy (CREWE) announced.

The independent report, conducted by PA Consulting Group, Inc. and Economic Development Research Group, Inc., revealed that the construction industry benefited with the addition of 1,220 jobs and that the manufacturing sector had an increased output of $137 million.

“This report shows that energy efficiency and renewable energy programs are proven job creators,” Thad Nation, executive director of CREWE, said. “Wisconsin needs to capitalize on the opportunities in the clean energy sector by finding a compromise and passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act. . . .”

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

CREWE is a coalition that formed to advocate meaningful change in energy policy consistent with the Governor’s Global Warming Task Force final report, which will have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s economic development and security while fostering job creation.

CREWE’s membership consists of CleanPower, Alliant Energy, EcoEnergy, Johnson Controls, Xcel Energy, C5•6 Technologies, Axley Brynelson, Madison Gas and Electric, Orion Energy Systems, Forest
County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin Energy Corp., Poblocki Sign Company, Emerging Energies of Wisconsin, MillerCoors, American Transmission Co., WPPI Energy, DTE Energy Services, Kranz, Inc. and Greenwood Fuels.