This post originally appeared at https://www.badgerinstitute.org/badger-institute-statement-of-guiding-principles-on-energy-research/

Wisconsinites cannot flourish without reliable, affordable, environmentally responsible energy sources necessary for prosperity, quality of life and technological advancement.

The globe is warming and human actions — primarily through CO2 emissions — do contribute to an extent that is difficult to disentangle from natural climate variability.

There is widespread agreement that we should transition to new energy sources to address climate change and this will require leadership from both government and the private sector as well as individuals. The Badger Institute believes that solutions must include a pragmatic balancing of costs and benefits to the economy both now and long-term. The transition must be dictated by science and economics and include free-market principles.

Altering the mix of energy sources will be disruptive. It should be acknowledged benefits would be spread out across the globe because carbon dioxide exists at roughly the same concentration everywhere and remains in the atmosphere for a very long time; costs would be confined, much more immediate and local. The role of the Badger Institute is to help assess costs at the state level and pursue a broader array of state-specific research.

Solutions must be sought with consideration of all data and facts. Technological advances must be part of the equation and will be difficult or impossible without a strong, sustainable economy.

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