Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) has been elected to serve as chair of the Midwestern Governors Association. He plans to hold a summit of Midwest governors in his state this fall to discuss regional efforts to achieve energy independence and fight global warming.

Unlike the northeast states and the western states that are formally agreed to collaborate on cutting global warming pollution, the Midwest has yet to go so far. But with its abundant renewable energy sources like wind, biomass, and biofuels, it is poised to join other states in moving toward a cleaner, more secure energy future.

At the signing, Governor Doyle announced:

With our vast agricultural and forestry resources, our strong research institutions, and our strong manufacturing base, I want the Midwest to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy with Wisconsin at the forefront.

As for his work in his own state, Governor Doyle has signed executive orders creating a task force on global warming and a state energy office. Doyle aims to get 25 percent of Wisconsin's electricity and 25 percent of its transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025. He also signed an executive order creating a Task Force on Global Warming that will bring together business, industry, government, energy, and environment leaders to develop global warming solutions. Way to go, cheesehead neighbors!

American Wind Energy Association
Wisconsin State Journal