Mayor Tom Barrett announced that Milwaukee has joined President Barack Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge, pledging to reduce the city’s commercial energy consumption 20 percent by 2020.
Barrett made the announcement at wind and solar power manufacturer Ingeteam in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley on Thursday. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu traveled to Milwaukee to tour Ingeteam and take part in the announcement.
Chu emphasized the importance of extending clean energy tax credits, like the $1.66 million advanced manufacturing tax credit Ingeteam received to build its $21 million facility. He commended Ingeteam and Milwaukee for their commitment to clean energy.
“It’s a very exciting company,” he said. “It’s a great example of how a company is making long-term investments.”
Barrett said he is encouraged by the number of jobs and the clean energy opportunities Ingeteam is creating.
Wisconsin currently sends $18 billion out of state for energy, so local clean energy investments and tax credits put some of the money back in the local economy, he said.
“This industry is not looking for a permanent subsidy,” Barrett said. “What it is looking for is an opportunity to be more competitive.”
