Alliant Energy's proposal to utilize biomass at a new power plant in Cassville would have benefited our environment, energy supply and economy. Therefore the Public Service Commission's recent denial of the proposal was short-sighted.
The proposed plant would have jumpstarted a biomass industry in Wisconsin, where switch grass, cornstalks and waste wood could be renewable energy sources. Governor Jim Doyle has been extremely of supportive of renewable energy initiatives. Therefore, it is astounding that three state regulators would undercut that mission by denying Alliant from taking a bold step forward.
This project was targeted by environmentalist groups who misleadingly suggest the answer to our state's energy problem is expanding the use of natural gas. In a year when record natural gas prices have sent commercial fertilizer prices soaring, their approach would result in a hidden tax on all Wisconsinites via higher food prices. I find it troubling that one of the PSC commissioners would use their flimsy natural gas argument to justify denial of this vitally important project.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau believes that all businesses, including farms, require reliable, affordable energy to remain competitive in an increasingly global economy. Our governor and Legislature should overturn the PSC's decision.
- Bill Bruins is president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
The proposed plant would have jumpstarted a biomass industry in Wisconsin, where switch grass, cornstalks and waste wood could be renewable energy sources. Governor Jim Doyle has been extremely of supportive of renewable energy initiatives. Therefore, it is astounding that three state regulators would undercut that mission by denying Alliant from taking a bold step forward.
This project was targeted by environmentalist groups who misleadingly suggest the answer to our state's energy problem is expanding the use of natural gas. In a year when record natural gas prices have sent commercial fertilizer prices soaring, their approach would result in a hidden tax on all Wisconsinites via higher food prices. I find it troubling that one of the PSC commissioners would use their flimsy natural gas argument to justify denial of this vitally important project.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau believes that all businesses, including farms, require reliable, affordable energy to remain competitive in an increasingly global economy. Our governor and Legislature should overturn the PSC's decision.
- Bill Bruins is president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
