Number
121177
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI
Title
Substitute resolution urging Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and the Legislature to eliminate minimum production requirements to qualify for a biodiesel fuel production credit, and to pursue incentives for development of renewable and sustainable biodiesel energy alternatives.
Analysis
This Resolution expresses support for state policies that promote the exploration and development of renewable energy resources including biodiesel fuel, and encourages further research on the potential positive impacts of biodiesel fuel production on Milwaukee and Wisconsin's economic future.
The Resolution also urges the Governor and the Legislature to pursue proposals for tax credits and other incentives for the development and production of renewable energy resources that may benefit the City both economically and by reducing harmful air and other environmental pollutants.
In addition, the Resolution directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to monitor state legislative and policy developments relating to biodiesel fuel initiatives that may have an economic or environmental impact on the City and its residents.
Body
Whereas, Reliance on petroleum fuel to meet energy needs is unsustainable and exacts a heavy price upon the local and global environment and upon global fiscal and economic resources including the resources of residents of Milwaukee and Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Development of alternative energy resources is critical to the future environmental health of Milwaukee and Wisconsin residents; and
Whereas, Biodiesel fuel has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as satisfying Tier I and Tier II health effects testing under the federal Clean Air Act, and studies find as much as a 78.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions using biodiesel alternatives; and
Whereas, Incentives for development and implementation of alternative energy resources, including biodiesel alternatives to petroleum, may result in long-term economic and environmental benefits to the City; and
Whereas, Federal tax policy continues to support development of biodiesel alternatives as reflected in tax credits and production incentives contained within ss. 404 and 405 of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012; and
Whereas, The State of Wisconsin currently provides a tax credit of $0.10 per gallon of biodiesel fuel produced per year, but only to businesses that already produce more than 2.5 million gallons annually and not to businesses entering into production that initially produce a lower volume; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City supports policies that promote the development and production of alternative fuels to reduce harmful emissions and encourage new economic opportunities in Southeastern Wisconsin; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council urges Governor Walker and the Legislature to pursue proposals for tax credits and other incentives for the development and production of renewable and sustainable energy resources that may benefit the City both economically and by reducing harmful air and other environmental pollutants; and, be it
Further Resolved, That Governor Walker and the Legislature are urged to consider reduction or elimination of minimum production requirements for application of alternative fuel production tax credits; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration is directed to monitor state legislative and policy developments in the 2013-2014 Session of the Legislature related to the development and production of biodiesel fuel as a renewable energy resources; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk provide copies of this resolution to Governor Walker and the City's representatives in the Wisconsin Legislature.
Requester
Drafter
LRB144524-2.1
Richard L. Withers
1/23/2013