Government-Proposed Barriers to Regional Economic Development

When you hear of state and local politicians claiming that they are focused on economic and job development while getting rid of unnecessary government "red tape", the initial idea is that sounds healthy for Northeast Wisconsin. Further, this position is generally associated with platforms of republican candidates and those heavily invested in the business community. This theme was an important part of the last election cycle, and has been heavily touted by political leaders in Madison.


However, in response to counter-productive state regulations pushed by Governor Walker and supporters, one firm looking to invest in Northeast Wisconsin has said "it no longer makes sense to invest significant development capital in a state that appears to be closed".


This comes in response to the push to crush the wind-farm development industry by creating some of the most extreme property set-backs of any development in the state. According to Midwest Wind Energy, who was poised to invest $600 million of capital investment in Wisconsin and create more than 400 construction jobs and 40 permanent high-tech jobs, "it doesn't make sense to devote significant dollars to a state that is creating unreasonable roadblocks for wind development."


One of the larger projects that will likely be stopped was located just north in Calumet County. Midwest Wind Energy was responsible for the recent development of a 67-megawatt project in Fond du Lac County. Earlier in the month, another project slated for Brown County was canceled. Wisconsin, as a state, spent over $9 billion in 2009 importing energy sources. Over 63% of our electricity generation was provided through coal, of which almost all is imported.


Coal, which is relatively inexpensive monetarily, is recognized as one of the leading causes of air and water pollution and produces serious health issues for humans and other animals. The American Lung Association just released a highly informative report demonstrating the expansive health damages, including billions of dollars in health care costs. One coal-fired facility in Wisconsin alone is responsible for an estimated seven premature deaths, 100 trips to the emergency room and 520 asthma attacks every year.


At a time when we should be pursuing economic development, job creation, improved environmental health, improved human health, and energy security, our state officials should lead rather than play political games and cronyism. And while Oshkosh itself may not be primed for larger-scale wind development, our surrounding region along the Niagara escarpment is. Together, with our local leaders, we should be voicing our opposition to Governor Walker's wind regulations and supporting the sustainability and viability of our region.

Posted in: Assembly Watch,energy,Randy Hopper,State Politics,sustainability