Number
021038
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. PRATT, JOHNSON-ODOM, HENNINGSEN, NARDELLI, RICHARDS, BREIER, GORDON, D'AMATO, HINES, PAWLINSKI, BOHL, DONOVAN, HERRON, SANCHEZ, DUDZIK
Title
Resolution supporting the approval of Wisconsin Energy Corporation's Power the Future plan.
Analysis
This resolution declares Common Council support for Wisconsin Energy
Corporation's Power the Future plan, and encourages the approval of the plan by
the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin are facing a serious energy shortage and the prospect of major increases in the costs of fuel and energy resources; and
Whereas, There has been a documented need for additional electrical generation to continue to serve Milwaukee's existing energy consumers and provide for its economic growth; and
Whereas, Delay in meeting the need for additional electrical generation could cause serious economic and financial hardship like workers, homeowners, businesses and industries experienced in the State of California; and
Whereas, There is a limited supply of natural gas in Wisconsin and nationally, and an insufficient pipeline system to provide additional capacity in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WEC) has proposed the Power the Future plan, which includes a balance of fuel sources to ensure the future availability and price stability of electrical energy; and
Whereas, WEC has proposed to use new, much cleaner coal technology in its power plants to reduce air emissions from current levels while increasing the amount of energy generated; and
Whereas, WEC has proposed building both natural gas and coal fired power plants to continue to pursue a balanced solution to our future energy needs; and
Whereas, WEC has been a recognized leader in promoting racial and gender diversity in employment, and has incorporated workforce development initiatives to offer more skilled trade and job opportunities to minorities and women through the Power the Future program, which will guarantee over 1,000 family-supporting jobs to Wisconsin union workers over the 10-year construction period through the Project Labor Agreement; and
Whereas, WEC has reached a multi-emission cooperative agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in which WEC has voluntarily committed to invest between $400 to $600 million over the next 10 years to reduce by 45 to 60 percent the emission of certain environmental pollutants; and
Whereas, WEC has recently been named a "Climate Leader" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and WEC's Power the Future plan continues that commitment to emissions reduction; and
Whereas, WEC will work on projects beyond the scope of state-mandated public benefits activities to further encourage the efficient use of energy and the development of renewable energy; and
Whereas, WEC commits to establishing a target of 5% as the amount of renewable energy held in its energy portfolio; and
Whereas, WEC has been a progressive corporate citizen and one of the major private employers headquartered in the City of Milwaukee for over 100 years; and
Whereas, WEC has contributed greatly to the civic leadership of our city and has provided financial and volunteer resources to numerous civic projects; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council supports Wisconsin Energy Corporation's Power the Future plan, and encourages the approval of the plan by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in order to ensure the future availability and price stability of the energy resources needed to foster the City of Milwaukee's and the State of Wisconsin's economic viability and growth.
Drafter
LRB02554-1
RGP
11/04/02