The Green New Deal: Idealism or inevitable? Learn more at April 23 Tech Council luncheon

Is the “Green New Deal” a costly, quixotic theory or an opportunity for young tech companies to prosper? Learn about the future of bioenergy and bioproducts at the Tuesday, April 23 Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon meeting in Madison.  

Tim Donohue, executive director of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center at the UW-Madison, will talk about the work of the laboratory and its partnerships with businesses. Following that presentation, perspectives will be offered by Scott Coenen, executive director of the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum, and John Imes, executive director and co-founder of the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative.

The luncheon will be held at The Coliseum Bar & Banquet on Madison’s E. Olin Ave. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for students and returning veterans, $25 for individual members, $35 for non-members and included for Tech Council corporate members.

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The Green New Deal is a still-conceptual plan to fight climate change. It would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cutting them in half by 2030. It calls for the United States to switch to 100 percent renewable energy in 10 years, up from about 20 percent in 2017 if nuclear energy is included. It was introduced in Congress as a five-page, non-binding resolution. 

“The Green New Deal has generated plenty of rhetorical heat from all quarters. What’s needed is a discussion that sheds more light on the prospects for technology to transform America’s energy mix – and what that means for young companies and entrepreneurs,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council.

The Wisconsin Technology Council is the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and Legislature, with events, publications and outreach that contribute to Wisconsin’s tech-based economy. To join, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call 608-442-7557.