MIDDLETON, Wis. — Gov. Jim Doyle said that he is moving forward with a new renewable energy program despite the state's budget shortfall.
Doyle announced the plan on Tuesday, which essentially seeks to turn Wisconsin from the dairy state into the "Clean Energy state." He unveiled the proposal at C5-6 Technologies in Middleton. The company does research in biofuels, WISC-TV reported.
The governor outlined his plan for the state's energy independence, including generating 25 percent of Wisconsin's electricity and fuel by the year 2025, capturing 10 percent of the market share for renewable energy and bio-products, and making the state a leader in alternative energy research.
"Just as a combination of talent and resources combined so long ago to make us the dairy state, we now have the ingredients to make us the clean renewable energy state," Doyle said.
Doyle said that the state Department of Commerce will start taking applications from businesses and researchers seeking grants and loans from the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund on April 1.
Lawmakers created the fund in last year's budget before a downturn in tax collections caused a multimillion-dollar shortfall.
Doyle said that the commerce department anticipates awarding $15 million per year for 10 years. He said the budget situation might mean the state only gives out $12 million in the first year.
