Wisconsin Governor Doyle Column: Working Together to Address Climate Change

May 14, 2008 -- With each passing day, the effects of global warming are being seen across the globe – glaciers are retreating, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather is increasing in frequency and intensity.

Climate change demands aggressive action at the international, national, state, local and individual levels. Just as the impact of global warming will affect us all, the responsibility for leadership rests with each of us. I want Wisconsin to be a place where citizens work together with businesses, researchers, government officials, and others to seize the challenges of climate change and find opportunities for growth in them.

I have set ambitious goals for Wisconsin to build our energy independence: Wisconsin will get 25 percent of its electrical power and 25 percent of its transportation fuel from renewable resources by 2025, we will capture 10 percent of the market share for renewable energy and bioproducts, and we will use our tremendous capability for research to become the country’s leader in making alternative energies more affordable and available to all.

However, Wisconsin cannot face climate change alone – we must continue working hard with regional and international partners to work toward energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In November, as Chairman of the Midwestern Governors Association, I brought together ten Governors from across the Midwest and we adopted a regional strategy to address climate change through new energy efficiency goals, increased biofuel production, and the development of technology and infrastructure to reduce the pollution causing global warming.

This week, Wisconsin joined with the United Kingdom to take the next steps towards a cleaner, safer, more prosperous energy future. On Monday, May 12, 2008 I joined with United Kingdom (U.K.) Secretary of State Hilary Benn to embark on a historic new partnership to address the critical issue of climate change.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) I signed with Secretary Benn encourages collaboration between Wisconsin and the U.K. in researching and sharing new policies, technologies, experiences, and solutions that protect the planet by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases while also opening up new economic opportunities for our citizens. The MOU promotes a working relationship between Wisconsin and the U.K. and builds upon current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low carbon technologies.

By combining Wisconsin’s knowledge, skills and resources with those of the United Kingdom, we can develop the solutions necessary for a clean energy future. The environmental and economic consequences of climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels affect everyone and our collaboration with the United Kingdom can only do more to generate new technologies, new businesses, new jobs for our citizens, and a cleaner and safer world for generations to come.

The agreement with the U.K. is both practical and symbolic. Practically, the agreement will open a continuing dialogue to develop and share solutions for combating climate change. The accord also sends a signal to the world: Wisconsin will be a leader in addressing climate change, and we will build partnerships to face this challenge together.

I hope that you will join me in seeking innovative and practical solutions to fight climate change and secure a shared, prosperous future.

To read the Memorandum of Understanding, please visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us//docview.asp?docid=13713.

Source: Wisconsin Governor

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