Super-efficient Cheeseheads

Going green could save Wisconsin more than $225 million over the next two years, according to a coalition of state environmental groups. Yesterday, the groups released a "Green Budget" itemizing ways Wisconsin could save money while protecting the environment. One of the budget's simplest recommendations -- using more efficient lighting and turning off unused electronic equipment in state office buildings -- would save between $9.2 million and $18.4 million per year, and far more if public schools followed suit. Purging the state's car fleet of gas-guzzling vehicles like the Ford Excursion would also save a chunk of money, according to the report. Other suggestions ranged from eliminating tax breaks and exemptions for polluters and the timber industry to axing pricey road-building projects. The recommendations come as the state stares down a two-year projected budget shortfall of $3.2 billion dollars.