Wisconsin Not So Forward When it Comes to Renewable Energy
A house in Stevens Point using solar energy. Photo by Allison Birr

Wisconsin Not So Forward When it Comes to Renewable Energy

According to The U.S. Energy Information Administration, solar, natural gas and wind will generate most of the United States’ energy in the year 2016.

This is huge for the renewable energy sector and those who are fighting against the fossil fuel industry.

Jacob Livingston, senior wildland fire science major said, “I much prefer renewable energy over other sources such as oil and coal. I will be glad to shift my lifestyle towards more renewable energy sources. It may cost a little upfront cash but it will save me money, reduce my footprint and enhance my quality of life.”

Popular opinion tends to be in favor of renewable resources despite the high initial cost of installation, but Wisconsin doesn’t seem to make renewables easily accessible for residents.

Wisconsin is not moving forward in renewable energy; at least not as quickly as the rest of the country. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s provided information which shows coal and natural gas are Wisconsin’s main sources of electricity.

The Badger State mainly produces nuclear energy, which accounts for only .06 percent of Wisconsin’s consumption. The energy companies in Wisconsin are buying those resources from other states.

Not only is renewable energy inaccessible to most, but so is energy independence. Individuals who want to utilize solar or wind power on their own property must jump through many hoops to attain permits for producing power and selling it back to the public.

Richard Adamski, UWSP alumnus, owns a farm near Seymour, Wisconsin. His farm is the home of a 35 kilowatt wind turbine.

Adamski said, “When I came forth with the proposal for a wind turbine, I had to comply with restrictive ordinances. One ordinance stated that I was to pay for the water testing of every private groundwater well in a one-mile radius of where we wanted to place the turbine.”

Those variances on private wind turbines were in place back in 2005, but when asked if it’s becoming easier for individual citizens to begin producing wind power, Adamski said, “It’s getting harder because there are more regulations. I feel we are locked into systems that are unadaptable to changes.”

The energy industry makes large profits by providing the public with electricity.

There are federal regulations in place requiring utility companies to purchase power from small wind systems. The companies can’t turn a small-scale producer away, but they won’t necessarily encourage privately owned structures.

The people of the United States could provide their own energy, and even sell electricity that they produce back to the grid, rather than being dependent on companies. The difficult regulations on private energy production could be the cause of Wisconsin’s sluggish move to modern power.

Regardless of Wisconsin’s place in the race towards renewables, the growth of solar and wind energy is a victory for both the people and the environment.

Genevieve Adamski

Reporter

gadam590@uwsp.edu

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