Study Reveals Numerous Benefits of Wisconsin Shifting to Clean Energy

Friday, November 4th, 2022 -- 9:01 AM

(By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) -Wisconsin could save lives and realize billions of dollars in economic growth and avoided health care costs as part of a shift to a clean energy economy over the next three decades, according to a new study.

Even so, the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy development faces numerous barriers, including upfront costs, supply chain constraints, and Wisconsin’s political landscape.

The study commissioned by Clean Wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin finds that Wisconsin can make a cost-effective transition to 100 percent carbon-free electricity or net-zero emissions across the state’s economy.

The study and another companion report were conducted prior to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes around $370 billion to speed up the clean energy transition.

Key findings indicate the state could add around $16 billion to Wisconsin’s economy, save $2 billion-$4.4 billion in health care costs in 2050, and create 68,000 more jobs. The state could also save up to 63 lives per million residents.

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