Energy bill is long overdue By Sidney Vineburg News-Chronicle This week, Assembly Bill 639, introduced by Rep. Frank Lasee, R-Bellevue, will come up before the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities for public hearings. I have known Rep. Lasee for several years, and there are many issues about which we disagree. However, this bill has my full support. AB 639 would exempt products from sales or use tax if they are powered by either wind or solar power. This bill, while not having the impact of budget bills in recent days, should be considered as a step forward in addressing several important issues of both statewide and national importance. The Enron scandal has clearly highlighted the unhealthy relationships between the big oil companies and government. It has always been interesting to me that while we are able to do amazing things with technology, the attempt to find alternative energy sources, and make those technologies accessible to the average consumer, has never found wide bipartisan support in the mainstream of politics. Rather, the answer to our energy needs, depending on the administration, has been to increase the number of acres allowed for drilling by oil companies, or stockpile oil for use during difficult times. It is only recently that we have begun to be serious about making alternative sources of energy readily available to the consumer market. While electric-gas combination cars are still an oddity, they can now be purchased by consumers at traditional auto dealer outlets. Home builders are using solar energy in their designs more than ever and recommending these designs to the public. Technology exists that can reduce our need for oil and coal, but can add tremendously to the cost of products, an economic deterrent to their use. This bill, if passed, will help to level the playing field by reducing the cost of purchasing and using items powered by wind and solar energy. Rep. Lasee's bill has the distinction of being co-sponsored by both the Assembly Speaker, Scott Jensen, and the Assembly Minority Leader, Spencer Black. Locally, both Rep. Judy Krawczyk and Sen. Dave Hansen have signed on as well. While this is not a bill that will have the impact of the governor's budget adjustment, or the "thrill" of the Enron scandal, it is nevertheless an important step helping to encourage the use of alternative energy sources here in Wisconsin. And while it may not solve all of Wisconsin's environmental problems, it is certainly a step in the right direction. Please contact your legislators to support AB 639. This kind of financial incentive to develop and use alternative sources of energy is welcome, and perhaps long overdue.