Legislative Resources
Welcome to the Powering Wisconsin Legislative Resource Toolkit. This toolkit contains factual materials with background on the issues and opportunities facing renewable energy in Wisconsin. which can help respond to questions you receive as you’re speaking with constituents. We hope this information will be helpful to you as Wisconsin navigates new opportunities to diversify our energy mix.
Powering Wisconsin is here to be a resource for you. If you have questions on the materials below, please contact us at [email protected].
Resources:
Powering Wisconsin has developed a toolkit of resources that legislative candidates can use when responding to constituent questions regarding renewable energy projects in their communities. Toolkit resources include information on the following:
- Background on Powering Wisconsin
- Renewable Energy Project Approval Process
- Personal Property Rights & Economic Development
- Utility Aid Payments Explained
- Solar Power in Wisconsin
- Solar Power & Wisconsin’s Agricultural Heritage
- Wind Power in Wisconsin
- Energy Storage Explained
- Project Spotlights: Wisconsin-based solar and wind projects
- Featured Voices
Why Renewables
Renewable energy is a key player in moving the Midwest towards a diverse energy future by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening the economy. Not only do projects not only bring good-paying construction jobs, but they also provide long-term positions in rural communities. Renewable energy is now one of the cheapest forms of energy on the market produced right here at home, opening up the potential to save Wisconsin consumers and businesses money.
Energy from wind and solar also creates unique opportunities for farmers and local governments. Wisconsin farmers are increasingly learning that renewable energy is a cost-effective, drought-resistant cash crop that allows them to diversify their income and extend the lifetime of their farms for years to come. Local governments also have the opportunity to reap the benefits from utility aid payments, allowing them to provide tax relief or invest in their community’s infrastructure.
Defending Private Property Rights
For years, renewable energy projects have strengthened Wisconsin’s energy grid. Wisconsin’s renewable energy permitting process prioritizes Wisconsinites’ needs for reliable energy and personal property rights. Farmers are the best stewards of their own land, and the decision to place land into service for a renewable energy project relies on several factors, some including the need for steady, diversified income, and maintaining passive income. The government should not dictate what farmers can do with their own land, and we must continue to champion private property rights in Wisconsin.
Powering Wisconsin
Powering Wisconsin is a member-led coalition dedicated to advancing renewable energy solutions that move Wisconsin toward increased sustainability while encouraging economic development and protecting private property rights. The coalition was established in 2023 to highlight and promote the importance of a diversified energy portfolio. Powering Wisconsin collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, showcasing the role of clean energy in moving Wisconsin toward energy independence, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, while protecting and responsibly using our natural resources. The coalition also focuses on increasing grid efficiency and improving reliability and flexibility.