ABOUT US
ASPIRATION: Be the center for advancing policy and solutions for Wisconsin’s renewable natural gas industry while driving national marketplace opportunities for members.
Elemental science explains nutrients are never lost or wasted from the Earth. They move from one location to another either by nature or by choice.
The dairy industry has led Wisconsin's economy for generations. The land that is home to these dairies consists of the very air, soil and water of the state itself. With this great history in mind, there is a need to focus on waste remediation that is both environmentally and economically viable.
The good news is that where there's a challenge, there's opportunity. The Wisconsin Biomass Energy Coalition was established to advance Wisconsin's renewable natural gas industry through advocacy, public-private collaboration and water stewardship.
"Fostering solutions that allow agricultural growth without damaging the fragile ecosystem is at the core of our business."
- Jessica Niekrasz, Clean Fuel Partners
2020-2022 POLICY GOALS
Through investigation and conversation, WBEC uncovered the following needs. These policy goals can be accomplished by focusing on development of market-based, economically sensible solutions.
POLICY FOCUS:
PIPELINE
Gain access to interstate and intrastate pipelines for producers to sell renewable natural gas in a national marketplace
R&D
Accelerate R&D focused on technology and the economics of a state-wide renewable nutrient standard in fertilizer
WATER
Develop innovative incentives to spur cost-effective solutions to help return water to its natural state
MIDWEST POLICY
Work for the adoption of a Midwest Clean Fuels Policy which includes Renewable Natural Gas
POLICY INITIATIVES:
A-CEW
The Wisconsin Agriculture - Carbon/Energy/Water (A-CEW) initiative, led by a public/private collaboration of Wisconsin legislative leaders and private sector executives, is exploring a series of options for consideration of legislative action in 2022 and beyond. Learn more.
DEVELOP
Standardize and reasonably priced pipeline interconnection specs and agreements per what is happening in other states
A certification and labeling program to allow farmers to access markets for sustainability and carbon
State sanctioned Carbon Accounting system for determining and verifying on farm Carbon Intensity in order to create a market for farms to sell their improvements into the Carbon Market
RESEARCH
Supply chain sustainability and if carbon requirements in the private marketplace are potentially of benefit to WI farmers
Funding sources based on the economic and environmental benefits for biodigester projects involving smaller dairy and other livestock farms
VERIFY
Farm renewable energy projects are properly compensated by utilities per Federal orders
Access to Intrastate pipelines for Renewable Natural Gas Producers
MEMBERSHIP
Every perspective tells a story. And stories are often told in silos. WBEC's goal is to understand the stories, look for common threads and create policies supporting the shared goal of renewable natural gas and clean water.
Founded in 2019, WBEC is a membership organization that collaborates with producers, farmers, technology providers, tourism industry, municipalities, government agencies and residents to champion the state’s nutrient ecosystem.
BENEFITS
Legislative Action
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Work with legislators at all levels to develop, implement and support the shared goals of WBEC
Research & Development
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Collaborate with colleges and universities as well as the private sector on market-based solutions
Shared Vision & Goals
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Distill, define and write a new, shared vision for WBEC membership focused on clean ground and surface water in Wisconsin
CURRENT MEMBERS
ACADEMIC COLLABORATORS
AGRICULTURAL MEMBERS
