Renewable Energy Grant Program
Now on the table is the creation of a renewable energy grant and loan program under the Wisconsin Development Fund to promote the development of new technologies. (budget paper 210)
The proposal would provide about $15 million in SEG funding per year for grants and loans, and create a position to administer the program.
The committee is working off base, not the governor's bill, on this particular budget paper.
Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, and co-chair Sen. Russ Decker, D-Weston, have proposed a motion to adopt Doyle's recommendation. But the motion would also delete the requirement that a grant of up to $5 million be awarded for a cellulosic ethanol plant. Instead, the senators want to require that a grant of up to $5 million be awarded for the first pulp and paper mill to be free of natural gas and coal usage.
Jauch said the Flambeau River Paper Mill in Park Falls is looking into ways to stop using natural gas at the plant. The plant is operated by Butch Johnson, a prominent Republican.
The motion fails on an 8-8 vote, with Dems voting for and GOP members against.
Labels: renewable_energy_grant_and_loan_program, Wisconsin_Development Fund
