(Madison) - ”Today, as a result of bipartisan efforts the Wisconsin Legislature gave final approval to the creation of uniform siting standards for wind energy projects in Wisconsin,” stated State Representative Jim Soletski, (D- Green Bay), the Assembly author of the bill. “I am pleased that this legislation will now go to the Governor, who is set tosign it into law.”

 

Soletski noted that, “The new law directs the Public Service Commission to receive public input, including that of a stakeholder committee, and to subsequently develop rules for permitting standards. Unlike the current patchwork of rules, the new rules for the development of wind energy installations will apply uniformly throughout Wisconsin.”

 

“Currently, wind projects are victims of delay tactics and obstructions often made possible by the lack of clear rules. Passage of this legislation will enhance Wisconsin’s economy by creating a clear and level playing field for everyone when a wind turbine project is proposed. With uniform standards, we can attract investment in our state that will create green jobs and help us address the need to develop more clean and renewable energy.”

 

“Currently, over 600 megawatts of proposed wind projects are stalled in Wisconsin due to the absence of clear and uniform regulations. This figure does not include potential projects that have been abandoned because wind developers are discouraged from constructing these valuable projects in our state. Wisconsin has a highly trained workforce hungry for jobs and the available infrastructure that is needed to become a leader in this competitive international industry.”

 

“These costly delays and deterrents kill jobs and drain investment from Wisconsin. The status quo has put our state behind the rest of the country in developing green energy solutions. Today, by passing this legislation, we can move ahead investing in future jobs and energy resources,” Soletski concluded.