New conservative group to tout value of renewable energy

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new conservative group hoping to convince wary Republicans of the value of renewable energy announced its launch Wednesday in Wisconsin.

Organizers of the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum say the effort is part of a national push that began in Michigan four years ago to win over Republicans who have been reticent to fully embrace the economic benefits of solar, wind and other renewable energies.

The time is right for such a push because renewable energies are now cost competitive with fossil fuels, said Scott Coenen, the group's executive director. Coenen said he will be talking with Republicans at every level to convince them that renewable and clean do not need to be "dirty words on the right.