State’s Largest Business Group Asks President to Unleash American Energy Resources
MADISON – Warning that the vitality and global competitiveness of Wisconsin and U.S. manufacturing is threatened, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – urged President Joe Biden to adopt policies that will lower the cost of energy and improve its reliability.
In a letter sent to the White House on Tuesday, WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer told President Biden that manufacturers use more energy than any other economic sector and are disproportionately impacted by rising costs.
“Manufacturers need energy to be affordable and reliable,” Bauer wrote in the letter. “Unfortunately, energy is no longer the former, while the latter is also in jeopardy.”
Bauer explained that grid operators have said Wisconsin and surrounding states are at a high risk for blackouts and brownouts this summer, largely because peak demand may exceed available energy supply.
“Urgent action is needed by your Administration to bring down the cost of energy and ensure the reliable flow of it to industrial, commercial and consumer ratepayers,” the letter continues.
WMC further encourages the Biden Administration to recognize that energy generated by wind and solar cannot currently replace energy generated by fossil fuels, especially for baseload “always on” energy. The letter explains that rushing a transition to power sources like wind and solar could fuel long-term inflation and threaten the viability of Wisconsin’s largest industry.
“We urge your Administration to adopt policies that will unleash the potential of inexpensive and efficient American energy,” Bauer concludes. “Failure to do so could result in Wisconsin and the United States losing our reputation as global leaders in advanced manufacturing.”
Click here to read the full letter.
A copy of the letter was also sent to each member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation.
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