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Milwaukee's economic future will be determined in large part by its energy choices. Economic growth requires additional energy. Most energy is currently obtained by burning non-renewable fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal). Oil-derived fuels power transportation while coal and natural gas provide electricity and heat for home and industry. Because domestic production of both oil and gas is in decline, we are increasingly dependent on imports and more vulnerable to events beyond our control. By relying on costly fuel imports, our energy dollars leave the local economy. Fossil fuels will continue to increase in price as new demand outpaces the growth of conventional supplies.
Rising energy prices will increase the costs of living and doing business in Milwaukee. The cost of energy has increased substantially in the last three years. This places pressure on city officials to raise taxes or find new energy solutions. Although energy prices are beyond our control, we can take steps locally to reduce negative economic impacts by making wise choices and adopting smart energy policies.
In addition to the economic risks posed by increasing energy prices, continued reliance upon fossil fuels has costly medical and ecological consequences. The combustion leads to smog and ground-level ozone that exacerbate human respiratory disease.
By adopting an aggressive and forward-looking energy policy, Milwaukee can place itself at a competitive advantage versus other major cities. A smart energy strategy comprises energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy resources. In each of these areas, Milwaukee government will lead by example.
Renewable Energy Resources are sources of energy that are unlimited and/or rapidly replenished by natural processes, including: solar (electric and heating), wind, biogas and biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, and hydropower. Wisconsin is a net importer of energy, shifting at least $9 billion out of the State annually. By contrast, in-state renewable energy production keeps dollars in Wisconsin that can boost the regional economy.
Energy Conservation refers to all practices that save energy by reducing energy waste. Recommended practices include turning off lights and computers when their not in use, and reducing decorative lighting.
Energy Efficiency refers to all practices that allow you to save energy without affecting your performance. For example, a well insulated building can keep your comfortable using less energy.
Energy Efficiency: The Milwaukee Office of Environmental Sustainability is launching its Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (ME2) retrofit program. ME2 is a community-wide effort that will create hundreds of private-sector green jobs while reducing energy bills and pollution, improving out housing stock, and helping the City become energy independent. The $60 million program will coordinate energy retrofits for homes and businesses, and provide essential financing to eliminate the upfront cost of these services. The program also has the potential to incorporate the installing of water-saving devices such as low-flow shower heads and toilets. The initiative takes advantage of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. The PACE model allows a homeowner to repay the energy loan as they recover the energy savings. The loan repayment is secured as a special charge on the municipal tax bill, which overcomes several past market barriers to the widespread adoption of energy efficiency.
Climate Protection: The City of Milwaukee’s Office of Environmental Sustainability has begun a city and community wide inventory and analysis of greenhouse gas emissions. This inventory will follow the ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) model and be utilized to form the basis of a climate action plan. The climate action plan will work towards reducing city and community wide emissions. The ME2 program will be a primary component in reducing community emissions.
Renewable Energy: Mayor Tom Barrett is leading on the issue of strong energy policy. In 2006, City Hall will get 10% of its electricity from renewable energy, through We Energies' Energy for Tomorrow program. Through this commitment, Milwaukee City Hall has been recognized as an EPA Green Power Partner. The Energy for Tomorrow program generates electricity from biomass and wind power, both clean and renewable resources. To have a large impact on our economy and environment, residents and businesses can learn more and sign up for renewable energy as well. The City of Milwaukee is also planning to add photovoltaic solar power to its Recycling Education Center, located at 1313 W. Mt Vernon Avenue.
The City's Department of Public Works (DPW) has begun using a biodiesel fuel blend (B-2) in its vehicle fleet. Use of biodiesel will improve the City's environmental sustainability and will have a positive impact on air quality. The department also received a grant from the US Enviromental Protection Agency to retrofit the exhaust system of 60 majore vehicles. These retrofits will reduce particulate matter pollution by up to 50%, carbon monoxide by up to 90%, and toxic hydrocarbons by up to 70%.
Smart transportation policy is also a critical element for conserving energy in the community. You can free yourself from rising gas prices by considering alternative modes of transportation such as biking, walking, carpooling, and riding the bus. The City has been leading this effort by constructing bike lanes and developing housing options that are within walking distance of shopping and work. The City will also begin integrating hybrid vehicles into its passenger fleet and has implemented a policy to reduce engine idling.
Mayor Barrett has also proposed a comprehensive transit strategy that cost-effectively integrates several types of mass transit. This plan will link residents to key employment areas will improving the accessibility to the downtown. Click here for more details about this exciting proposal.
Reduce Dependence on Carbon-Based Sources of Energy: The Department of Public Works has been installing LED traffic signals throughout the City of Milwaukee. An LED (light emitting diode) traffic light provides as much or more light as a conventional bulb using a quarter of the energy, while lasting much longer. To date, 717 of the city's 746 signalized intersections have been converted to LED's. This conversion has brought a 60% reduction in energy use and and anticipated savings of $340,000 in energy costs.
Energy Conservation: We Energies conducted a "walk through" of City Hall to identify simple steps to reduce the building's energy use. On November 8th, the Mayor directed that city departments to reduce energy use in City Hall by 10% in 2006. The city will accomplish this by installing vending machine misers to shut off machines during non-business hours, and ask city employees to leave their space heaters at home. In 2007, the city will be conducting similar audits of other city facilities including libraries, fire stations, and police stations.
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