August 6, 2007

To:       Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming

Re:       League’s positions on Global Warming and State Energy Policy

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin is privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to your important search for solutions to global warming.

The League  has just completed a two-year study of the state’s  electric energy policy.  The study was driven by the reality of global warming and the potential devastating effects of climate change on our planet.

The purpose of our grassroots study was to educate ourselves, and at the same time our local Leagues educated their communities through public meetings.  Through a process of study and member consensus, we used the information we gained to strengthen and expand the League’s energy positions which form the basis of an aggressive advocacy agenda. 

The study explored the relationship between global warming and state energy policy, focusing specifically on strategies for clean electricity, energy planning and the regulation of generating and transmission utilities.

Members in our 22 local Leagues participated in the study, discussion and the consensus process. There was unanimous agreement on the need to address global warming.  The highest priority was placed on reducing the demand for electricity by all parts of society through:  conservation efforts through a dramatic change in personal and societal behavior;  the use of energy efficiency in all aspects of our daily life; aggressive development and use of all forms of renewable energy through tax incentives that are available on a sustained basis; and the use of voluntary and regulatory energy demand management strategies.

An equally high priority was placed on the need to aggressively reduce carbon dioxide emissions to stop global warming by de-carbonizing energy sources and storing carbon biologically or geologically. More specifically, this means a prohibition on any new coal-fired plant, or any existing plant being rebuilt, unless it is equipped to integrate gasification and combined cycle technology and to capture and sequester carbon using the best available control technology. It also means that, while we recognize nuclear power as a part of the nation’s energy mix, we oppose further licensing and construction of nuclear fission reactors until scientific questions regarding their effects upon public health and safety can be resolved and until a federal depository is available to receive nuclear wastes.

League members put a high priority on the need for extensive public education efforts and the importance of strong public participation in all aspects of energy policy development.

We also believe it is crucial to strengthen the energy planning process by integrating the planning done by the Public Service Commission with that done by the generating and transmission utilities, as well as with that of the regional operating system.  There was strong recognition among League members that these efforts need to be undertaken early in the planning process with counties and municipalities that have been involved for decades with land use and transportation planning and with the protection of agricultural, natural resources and recreational resources.

Finally, League members also place a high priority on strengthening the regulation of generating and transmission utilities.  The provision of electric power meets an essential social and economic need.  It is vital to the public interest and the common good.  A strong, clearly defined regulatory system benefits the regulatory body, the utilities and all consumer groups, and it inspires confidence in both the private and public sectors.           

Based on our National Energy and Air studies, the League also supports:

·        measures to reduce vehicular pollution, including inspection and maintenance of emission controls, changes in engine design and fuel types and development of more energy efficient transportation systems;

·        reduction of energy growth rates;

·        use of a variety of energy sources, with emphasis on conserving energy and using energy-efficient technologies;

·        the environmentally sound use of energy resources, with consideration of the entire cycle of energy production;

·        predominant reliance on renewable resources;

·        policies that limit reliance on nuclear fission;

·        action by appropriate levels of government to encourage the use of renewable resources and energy conservation through funding for research and development, financial incentives, rate setting policies and mandatory standards;

·        mandatory energy conservation measures, including thermal standards for building efficiency, new appliance standards and standards for new automobiles with no relaxation of auto emission control requirements;

·        policies to reduce energy demand and minimize the need for new generating capacity through techniques such as marginal cost or peak load pricing or demand management programs; and

·        assistance for low-income individuals when energy policies bear unduly on the poor