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
Marquette Golden Eagles welcome back Cara Consuegra as head coach for women’s basketball team
5/1/2024 | Teri Barr
Consuegra named new women’s basketball head coach at Marquette University, served as assistant coach from 2004-2011 The Marquette Golden Eagles are welcoming back a familiar face to take over head coaching duties of the women’s basketball team. Cara Consuegra will be the seventh head coach and served as an assistant at Marquette University from 2004-2011. […]
Beware: More Wisconsin consumers targeted by “Can you hear me?” scam
5/1/2024 | Teri Barr
The “Can you hear me?” phone scam is targeting more Wisconsin consumers by using new tricks; plus, what to do if you get a call Beware. The “Can you hear me?” phone scam is targeting more Wisconsin consumers. And these callers have come up with some new tricks to get you to answer. Typically, the […]
Active Shooter Situation Forces Mount Horeb School to Lockdown
5/1/2024 | James Kelly & Jimmie Kaska
A Mount Horeb Middle School was sent into lockdown during an active shooter situation on Wednesday morning.
Dozens of arrests, citations made Wednesday as law enforcement clears UW encampment
5/1/2024 | Jimmie Kaska
At least a dozen people were arrested and about 30 more received citations, according to UW officials.
Rice Lake Marshfield Clinic Temporarily Pauses Labor Services
5/1/2024
The Rice Lake Marshfield Medical Center has announced it will temporarily pause its labor and delivery services.