MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers joined a broad group of climate, energy, environmental justice and conservation organizations, businesses and allies in Milwaukee today to celebrate the official launch of the new Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW).
“Today we have an historic opportunity to define Wisconsin as a clean economy state — to build a 21st-century-ready workforce, economy and state, to reduce reliance on outside-of-state energy sources, and to lower energy costs for working families and create new jobs and apprenticeships in innovative industries,” said Governor Evers. “Now is the time for us to redouble our efforts to build the future we want for our state, and I’m excited about the role the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin will play in our efforts, right.” to do that.”
CECW seeks to use the combined strength of its members to improve the quality of life for all Wisconsinite residents by accelerating the state’s transition to a clean energy economy. Founding Coalition members include Action for the Climate Emergency, Audubon Great Lakes, Clean Wisconsin, Elevate, The Nature Conservancy, RENEW Wisconsin, Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter, Slipstream, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Walnut Way Conservation Corp., Wisconsin Health Professionals for Climate Action and Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association.
“As a coalition, our priority is to achieve nationwide decarbonization by 2050 through people-centric actions that create jobs for Wisconsin workers, build healthier communities and protect our natural resources,” said Sam Dunaiski, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin. “We know that together we can advance clean energy solutions that accelerate economic development while increasing Wisconsin’s energy independence.”
Although the CECW was formally formed today, members have worked together for years to advance Wisconsin’s clean energy policy.
“We’re here to witness a historic moment,” said Jennifer Giegerich, director of government affairs at Wisconsin Conservation Voters. “Wisconsin has a proud tradition of protecting the environment. From the original Indigenous stewards to the birthplace of Earth Day, Wisconsin’s legacy is rooted in conservation and stewardship. And the current combination of local action, state leadership, and federal opportunities allows us to usher in a new era for Wisconsin’s people, environment, and economy.”
The coalition’s 2023 political agenda is based on six pillars – the principles of a clean economy.
healthy economy
A robust economy is necessary to move our state forward. CECW supports efforts and policies that ensure tomorrow’s health, jobs and household choices are better than they are today.
environmental justice and infrastructure
CECW places racial and economic justice at the heart of its work, as there are vast communities already feeling the effects of climate change. The CECW aims to be the bridge between the lived experiences of climate and energy impacts and the arenas in which political decisions are made.
Carbon-free energy
The CECW designs and advocates policies that support a 100 percent zero-carbon state by 2050. The CECW supports energy freedom through increased access to clean energy, allowing new sources of clean and renewable power generation to become part of the future of the state’s clean economy.
Repair of house and building
The CECW advocates and acts on policies to achieve 100 percent carbon-free new residential and commercial buildings by 2030 and to reduce the energy consumption of the building sector by 50 percent by 2030. The CECW will work to phase out the use of natural gas in existing homes and businesses, prioritize retrofitting and weatherproofing, and reduce the energy burden on homes that can least afford it.
Flowering landscapes
Wisconsin’s economy depends on thriving landscapes that support productive agriculture, resilient cities, and valuable natural areas. The CECW will champion natural climate solutions that protect land and water while bringing economic growth to both rural and urban communities.
Next generation means of transport
The CECW works with partners from all sectors to pave the way for the transition to electric and low-carbon transport by advocating and acting to make the transition to electric vehicles cost-effective, easy and equitable, with a goal of over 50 percent of new car sales by 2030 will be electric.
“We believe we have a unique opportunity to accelerate our state’s transition to a clean economy,” said Matt Kruger, executive director of the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association. “There is so much about our state’s identity that is connected to our rural heritage and farming that has changed over the last few decades. We are committed to natural climate solutions for both rural and urban communities to boost our state’s economy.”
Governor Evers has been a leader in addressing the climate crisis and is committed to building a clean energy economy in Wisconsin. From joining the US Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, to establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, to releasing the first-ever clean plan Energy of the state of which many The partners behind CECW played a role in building Wisconsin, which, under the leadership of Governor Evers, continues to progress toward a clean energy economy. The governor’s biennial budget proposal for 2023-25 builds on this work and includes several provisions recommended by the state’s Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy and the Clean Energy Plan. Implementation of the state’s clean energy plan is expected to lower energy bills for families, reduce reliance on non-government energy sources, invest in work and apprenticeships, and create more than 40,000 jobs by 2030. In addition, this plan also supports the governor’s ambitious commitment to make power generation in Wisconsin 100 percent carbon-free by 2050.
Governor Evers’ budget proposal for 2023-25 includes many important investments in building a clean energy economy, promoting clean energy production and energy efficiency, and supporting and creating clean energy jobs. The governor’s budget invests in building the state’s clean energy workforce, increases funding for the state’s Focus on Energy program, and helps small businesses in the clean energy sector and local communities plan for resilience. In addition, the governor is proposing important initiatives to expand Wisconsin’s EV charging network to accelerate the deployment and adoption of EVs in Wisconsin, reduce emissions, and improve air quality for all Wisconsin residents.
For more information on the Governor’s proposals to protect and conserve Wisconsin’s natural resources and promote a clean energy economy and workforce, click here.
For more information about the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin, its membership and policy goals, click here.
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