Dem bill would create public funding for renewable energy startups

Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin are pushing legislation to form a new state development authority designed to kick-start the state’s clean energy economy.

The bill, introduced last week by Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, would create a Wisconsin Renewable Energy Development Authority (WREDA), which would be authorized to issue grants and loans to state-based businesses or residents engaged in producing energy, fuels or other products from renewable resources...