Republicans introduce energy rebate, charging station bills

MADISON — Assembly Republicans are introducing a package of legislation that calls for placing charging stations for electric vehicles along freeways and for subsidizing rates for consumers who purchase renewable energy.

Rep. Adam Neylon announced the bills during a news conference Monday.

One bill would create a partnership with a private vendor to set up charging stations for electric vehicles along Wisconsin highways. The proposal would use $10 million from settlement dollars the state is set to receive from Volkswagen. Wisconsin is set to receive $67 million over the next decade from the car manufacturer to offset pollution.

Another bill would require utilities to offer residential customers renewable energy at a premium. The state would cover 50% of the premium.