Wisconsin's renewable energy bill dies

Wisconsin lawmakers have pulled the plug on a bill to set new renewable energy mandates.

The state Senate has finished its two-year session without voting on the bill. The Assembly has not voted on it, either. The measure was on that chamber's calendar for later Thursday, but the vote would be symbolic since the measure needs Senate approval to go to the governor.

Barring a special or extraordinary session this summer, the bill is dead.

Supporters said the bill would create thousands of green jobs and reduce the state's dependency on fossil fuels.

Opponents countered that it could cost ratepayers millions and cost jobs.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Duluth seeks riders' ideas as it rethinks bike routes Codie Leseman has been stapling leaflets around handlebars of parked bicycles throughout Duluth trying to round up their help.

The city wants to know what routes riders in different neighborhoods currently take and "what routes they would take if they were safer to use," said Leseman, active living coordinator for the Fit City Duluth initiative.

City Councilor Dan Hartman noted that Duluth has never really reached out to the cycling community for direction.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for people to get their voices heard," he said. "It's kind of sad. This probably should have happened 20 years ago, but at least it's happening now."

"We don't want just the hard-core bikers to be involved. We want everybody," Leseman said.

Information gleaned from seven neighborhood meetings will be used for developing and enhancing bicycle routes throughout the city, Hartman said.

"Our main focus is commuting and what could be done to make it easier for people to commute by bicycle," Leseman said, noting that many people live within five miles of their workplace, making the bicycle a logical means of transport.

"I believe that if you make the infrastructure safer for bikers, more people will be willing to bike," Leseman said.

Leseman pointed out that by promoting bicycle riding, the city can reduce air pollution and also improve the overall health of residents.

From a financial standpoint, Leseman said cycling also offers distinct benefits, including no gas to buy, no insurance costs and no parking fees.

DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE