MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle and lawmakers plan to eliminate funding for a grant program that helps Wisconsin companies discover new sources of energy.

The Legislature's budget committee last week cut all $30 million the governor had proposed for the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund that gives grants and loans to businesses researching and developing clean energy.

Environmental groups and companies who received the first batch of funding from the program last year say they are upset with the move.

Doyle spokeswoman Carla Vigue said the governor and lawmakers had to cut the funding to balance the budget. She said some of the federal stimulus money coming to Wisconsin will also help promote renewable energy businesses.