MADISON, Wis. (Wisconsin News Connection / Public News Service) – City and county governments are feeling the pinch of rising operating costs but in Wisconsin, federal incentives are driving a range of local projects, taking off some of the pressure in making communities economically viable.
Dane County is no stranger to embracing clean energy and federal aid from policies like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are spurring more activity.
Joe Parisi, Dane County executive, said there have been past government credits for things like solar installations and the latest approach is more expansive, with a robust list of those who can benefit.
“Everybody — a business, a nonprofit, a church, a temple, even a government, and a local government — gets 30% back on renewable energy projects,” Parisi pointed out.
For example, a local construction company put solar arrays on several of its facilities. Parisi noted the new credits speed up the pace of reimbursements, creating more energy savings in the near future. Federal officials said demand has been strong for the programs but Parisi said one challenge is creating broader awareness so under-resourced areas can apply.
Locally, the website for the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change has posted details about project opportunities and investments. Beyond clean energy, Parisi emphasized the federal government’s push for more “Made in America” manufacturing creates opportunities for local plants and regional economies.
“There’s money to help retooling to manufacture (products),” Parisi stressed. “Then, there’s a stronger market for those components now because they are made in America.”
National polling shows Americans are greatly concerned about things like inflation but Parisi argued long-term investments stand to help reduce operating expenses for government agencies and businesses, hopefully keeping local taxes in check and providing savings for consumers.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin News Connection & Public News Service.
More Articles
Politifact: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is Wrong About a Ban on NIH Research About Mass Shootings
5/3/2024 | Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact (via KFF Health News)
The statement by presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was rated as “False” by Politifact.
Q&A: Bird flu is bad for poultry and dairy cows, but what about people?
5/3/2024 | Amy Maxmen / KFF Health News
The CDC considers the H5N1 outbreak “a low risk to the general public at this time.”
Wisconsin rallies highlight policy demands that ‘retirement be dignified’
5/3/2024 | Mike Moen, Wisconsin News Connection / Public News Service
The American Federation of Government Employees is co-leading demonstrations around the state, calling on Congress to fully fund Social Security.
‘Art Against the Odds’ shines light on artists in Wisconsin justice system
5/3/2024 | Kate Mothes for Arts Midwest / Mike Moen, Wisconsin News Connection/Public News Service
The wide-ranging group exhibition brings together work by artists incarcerated within the state’s correctional facilities.
Number of Milwaukee police officers decreased 16% in past five years
5/3/2024 | Peter Cameron / The Badger Project
In the 2024 budget, bolstered by a state funding boost, the city expanded the number of funded officers to 1,645.