(2) Conservation policy.
A state agency or local governmental unit shall investigate and consider the maximum conservation of energy resources as an important factor when making any major decision that would significantly affect energy usage.
It is the goal of the state to reduce the ratio of energy consumption to economic activity in the state.
Renewable energy resources.
It is the goal of the state that, to the extent that it is cost-effective and technically feasible, all new installed capacity for electric generation in the state be based on renewable energy resources, including hydroelectric, wood, wind, solar, refuse, agricultural and biomass energy resources.
It is the goal of the state to ensure a future supply of wood fuel and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by increasing the forested areas of the state.
In meeting energy demands, the policy of the state is that, to the extent cost-effective and technically feasible, options be considered based on the following priorities, in the order listed:
Energy conservation and efficiency.
Noncombustible renewable energy resources.
Combustible renewable energy resources.
Nonrenewable combustible energy resources, in the order listed:
Oil or coal with a sulphur content of less than 1%.
(5) Meeting energy demands. 1.12(5)(a)(a)
In designing all new and replacement energy projects, a state agency or local governmental unit shall rely to the greatest extent feasible on energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy resources, if the energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy resources are cost-effective and technically feasible and do not have unacceptable environmental impacts.
To the greatest extent cost-effective and technically feasible, a state agency or local governmental unit shall design all new and replacement energy projects following the priorities listed in sub. (4)
(6) Siting of electric transmission facilities.
In the siting of new electric transmission facilities, including high-voltage transmission lines, as defined in s. 196.491 (1) (f)
, it is the policy of this state that, to the greatest extent feasible that is consistent with economic and engineering considerations, reliability of the electric system, and protection of the environment, the following corridors should be utilized in the following order of priority:
Recreational trails, to the extent that the facilities may be constructed below ground and that the facilities do not significantly impact environmentally sensitive areas.
NOTE: 1993 Wis. Act 414
, which creates subs. (1) and (3) to (5), contains extensive explanatory notes.
See also ch. NR 150
and s. PSC 4.30
, Wis. adm. code.
PSC decisions under s. 196.025 (4) applying the energy source priorities under sub. (4) are entitled to great weight deference. When the PSC makes a determination under the plant siting law, s. 196.491, it applies sub. (4) in the context of determining whether to approve the requested plant siting. The question the PSC should ask is: Given the requirements of the plant siting law, what is the highest priority energy option that is also cost effective and technically feasible? Clean Wisconsin, Inc. v. Public Service Commission, 2005 WI 93
, 282 Wis. 2d 250
, 700 N.W.2d 768
Land use planning activities. 1.13(2)
Each state agency, where applicable and consistent with other laws, is encouraged to design its programs, policies, infrastructure and investments of the agency to reflect a balance between the mission of the agency and the following local, comprehensive planning goals:
Promotion of the redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and public services and the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing residential, commercial and industrial structures.
Encouragement of neighborhood designs that support a range of transportation choices.
Protection of natural areas, including wetlands, wildlife habitats, lakes, woodlands, open spaces and groundwater resources.
Protection of economically productive areas, including farmland and forests.
Encouragement of land uses, densities and regulations that promote efficient development patterns and relatively low municipal, state governmental and utility costs.
Preservation of cultural, historic and archaeological sites.
Encouragement of coordination and cooperation among nearby units of government.
Building of community identity by revitalizing main streets and enforcing design standards.
Providing an adequate supply of affordable housing for individuals of all income levels throughout each community.
Providing adequate infrastructure and public services and an adequate supply of developable land to meet existing and future market demand for residential, commercial and industrial uses.
Promoting the expansion or stabilization of the current economic base and the creation of a range of employment opportunities at the state, regional and local levels.
Balancing individual property rights with community interests and goals.
Planning and development of land uses that create or preserve varied and unique urban and rural communities.
Providing an integrated, efficient and economical transportation system that affords mobility, convenience and safety and that meets the needs of all citizens, including transit-dependent and disabled citizens.
Consistently with other laws, each state agency, whenever it administers a law under which a local governmental unit prepares a plan, is encouraged to design its planning requirements in a manner that makes it practical for local governmental units to incorporate these plans into local comprehensive plans prepared under s. 66.1001
History: 1999 a. 9
; 2001 a. 30
Display of flag at public buildings, structures, and facilities. 1.14(2)
Each state agency, state authority, and local governmental unit shall ensure that each United States flag that is displayed at each building, structure, or facility that is owned or occupied entirely by the agency, authority, or unit is manufactured in the United States.
History: 2007 a. 166