Saying Wisconsin needs to do its part to stop global warming, Gov. Jim Doyle visited Trane on Thursday to announce several initiatives on energy and the environment.

Several hundred Trane workers witnessed Doyle sign executive orders creating an office of Energy Independence and a Task Force on Global Warming.
“Many of the answers to this are going to lie in science and technology, and Trane’s commitment over many years to helping us develop the most advanced technology available at affordable prices ... is absolutely essential to this effort,” Doyle said.

Gary Schmuck, general manager of Trane’s La Crosse operations, will serve on the task force, along with representatives from environmental groups, utilities and other manufacturers.

Mike Swenson, president and CEO of Northern States Power Co.-Wisconsin, an Xcel Energy company, will also serve on the task force.

The task force will create a state plan to reduce Wisconsin’s contribution to global warming, and Doyle said he has asked the Department of Natural Resources to estimate Wisconsin’s production of greenhouse gases as a baseline.

Doyle said alternative energy production, whether it’s biofuels such as ethanol or wind generation, can improve Wisconsin’s energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are in a position to be the country’s leader” in renewable energy, Doyle said.

Schmuck said Trane “shares the same vision.”

“For more than 20 years, we’ve leveraged technology to develop and produce the world’s most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems for homes and commercial buildings,” Schmuck said.

Doyle also announced he’s working with other Midwestern governors and will host a summit this fall to focus on regional efforts to achieve energy independence and fight global warming.

Doyle said Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission is launching a market-driven regional effort with Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and the Canadian province of Manitoba to track and trade renewable energy credits.

“Iowa may be a better place for wind energy,” Doyle said. “And we may be committed to buying wind energy from them.”

Reid Magney can be reached at (608) 791-8211 or rmagney@lacrossetribune.com.

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