In the News

“The City of Sun Prairie unveiled its recent designation as a SolSmart Platinum community on Wednesday, April 10.

Sun Prairie becomes only the second city in the country to achieve Platinum status, the other being Fremont, CA.

"This recognition would not be possible without the commitment and talent of our dedicated staff and the unwavering support of our city council. Their commitment to sustainability has been instrumental in achieving this milestone," Dr. Daily said.

As the municipality moves into the future, its leadership continues to take sustainability efforts seriously. Plans for the new Public Utilities Facility and the upcoming Public Library expansion incorporate solar energy as well a geothermal heating and cooling.

"Sustainability is a value for us," Oppenheimer said, "that doesn't change as we go along and reach milestones. We continue to live by our values, and so we're going to continue to make progress.

April 12, 2024

“The “Sustainable and Resilient Communities” series, part of the UW-Stevens Point College of Letters and Science community engagement program, is free and open to the public. It welcomes individuals interested in urban planning, energy policy, natural resource management, and climate resilience.

Speakers for the event include Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza, Stevens Point Community Development Director Ryan Kernosky, and Wisconsin Rapids Community Development Director Kyle Kearns.”

April 1, 2024

“It is increasingly clear we need a cohesive climate strategy where people organize across political boundaries and levels of government to make real progress. Communities in Colorado and Wisconsin are demonstrating how local governments can seize the initiative and organize to accelerate action that is responsive to what people need….

The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition has grown to 22 cities and counties since it was established in 2020. The coalition collectively recognizes it cannot slow the worst effects of climate change without effective state climate policy. That’s why the member communities have banded together to advocate for climate-centered policy at the state’s Public Service Commission, which regulates the state’s electric and gas utilities.

Over the past four years, the Wisconsin coalition has provided unified comment on 15 cases before the commission and other state agencies. Members are also coordinating energy efficiency and renewable energy programs with the statewide Focus on Energy program and developing unified systems for collecting climate data.”

March 26, 2024

“The county has started to take steps to achieve its carbon neutrality and renewable energy goals, and a new county plan has strategies for the community to do the same.

The county recognized the Community Climate Action and Resilience Plan in a 21 to 3 vote.

Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator Regan Watts said this community plan will allow them to address community climate change concerns and leverage federal and state funding for the community’s programs.

According to Watts’ presentation, some goals set for 2030 include the community getting 50% of its energy from renewable options, removing 50% of organic waste from the waste stream, and having 7% of the vehicles in the county be electric.”

March 20, 2024

“The state Senate almost unanimously passed the bill Tuesday that makes changes to state law allowing private businesses to own and operate charging stations without being regulated as utilities. It now heads to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for his signature.

Currently, only utilities can sell electricity by the amount of power used, also known as charging by the kilowatt-hour. But the state needs to allow retail sale of electricity by charging station operators in order to access more than $78 million in federal money to build out electric vehicle infrastructure. Wisconsin was one of the last two states to make the change. The other is Nebraska.

The bill passed on Tuesday included an Assembly amendment that prevents local governments from requiring private developers to install charging stations in order to obtain a building permit or other approvals. In Madison, a city ordinance requires some multi-family dwellings and commercial developments to install EV charging stations at a limited number of parking spots.”

March 13, 2024

A resolution was adopted by the Dane County Board of Supervisors to join the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC).

The board says according to the resolution, WLGCC will allow collaboration on ensuring the benefits of clean energy are available to everyone one while providing solutions to local climate change.

“Dane County has made progress towards reducing our carbon footprint, but the challenge climate change poses requires communities, states, and nations to rise to meet it,” County Board Chair Patrick Miles said. “Through partnership and collaboration in this coalition, together we can be greater than the sum of our parts to meet that challenge.”

“Two new, large solar arrays would allow the City of Milwaukee to reach its longstanding goal of generating 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

We Energies would build “utility-scale” solar arrays on a former landfill near Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and on 5 Mile Road in Caledonia, with the city being recognized on paper as the beneficiary of that grid-supplied electricity. The utility would also need to hire city residents to build a portion of the project.

Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) director Erick Shambarger said it represents a substantial scaling up of the city’s renewable energy efforts. The arrays would provide approximately 9.6 megawatts of energy, a substantial increase over the 2.25 megawatts currently produced by a smaller array on the landfill and 210 kilowatts atop three city libraries.”

February 14, 2024

“‘The clean energy movement is here,’ said County Executive Crowley. Residents and workers can access tax credits, rebates, and benefits to help build a local clean energy economy through President Joe Biden’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan, he added. ‘These efforts will also help save Wisconsin households thousands of dollars through energy efficiency upgrades.’ One of the Biden Administration’s climate policies is reducing energy costs for families nationwide. The clean energy plan included $1.8 billion in investments in low-income homes, hundreds of millions in weatherization grants, and $750 million to support energy efficiency and resilience for the nation’s housing sector.”

February 6, 2024

“While the bills have wide ranging support from utility companies, electric cooperatives, conservation groups and local governments, concerns have been raised about how they treat municipalities that have already installed electric vehicle charging stations.

Local governments are generally prohibited from owning, operating or leasing the stations under the legislation, but amendments to one of the bills allow municipalities to own slower Level 1 and Level 2 stations and offer them for public use free of charge.

Eau Claire County Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator Regan Watts said the county spent around $76,000 when it installed three Level 2 chargers in 2022.

“So, either we would be covering the bill on that electricity usage or we would just not provide it to the public, which is not what our aim was initially,” Watts said. “We wanted to provide them as a service to the public for those using our facilities, if they wanted to, and then for our own fleet.”

Watts said the county was only interested in recouping its costs with the chargers and didn’t intend to make a profit. Still, she said, the county supports the legislation.

“We know the funding is important,” Watts said. “And for the state at large, it’s important that those funding comes through.”

January 18, 2024

“Pollution and climate change do not respect boundaries, and we’ve got to work together if we can.”

That was Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride’s message to a room full of leaders from 19 Milwaukee County municipalities Jan. 8 as he asked for those interested to join his city’s effort to bring a shared sustainability manager to their communities.

A sustainability manager would plan, develop, manage and promote programs and initiatives related to environmental protection and sustainability in Wauwatosa and other municipalities interested in participating….

Allison Carlson, the executive director of the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, said the shared position is one of the more creative ways she’s seen local government invest in sustainability leadership roles…

More communities dedicating someone to sustainability efforts could help communities better understand and track their energy use, she said.

January 16, 2024

“City officials and Powered Up Baraboo began discussing the project in 2019. The nonprofit worked with Parks, Recreation and Forestry director Mike Hardy and Ald. Tom Kolb, among others, to assess the lighting situation in the building and gauge costs and benefits of switching from fluorescent tubes to LEDs, Powered Up Baraboo board member Rick Eilertson said.

During its meeting on Feb. 28, the Common Council approved the LED lighting project and created the “Carbon Reduction Special Revenue Fund,” which will be funded through energy savings from projects that increase efficiency. Those funds will then be used to help spur more energy efficient projects in other city facilities, each of which would be approved individually…

The Carbon Reduction Special Revenue Fund will be open for at least 10 years, according to Powered Up Baraboo. On Feb. 28, 2033, the fund can either remain open or be dissolved, and any remaining funds would be spent on “green” projects.

“Chief among the contested provisions is a rule that would keep local government out of the statewide high-speed charging market that goes beyond NEVI's private-ownership requirement.

The NEVI spending bill limits local government ownership of Level 3 charging stations to government use only, and doesn't allow counties and municipalities to charge for use of government-owned Level 1 and 2 chargers. That's a flaw that municipalities would like to correct, said Allison Carlson, executive director of the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition.

Local governments, she said, have been among the leaders of the clean energy transition and can play a particularly important role in bringing its benefits to communities that are often bypassed or ignored by market-driven initiatives. The bill's prohibitions could prevent local governments from recouping costs they've already incurred and dissuade them from taking on new projects, Carlson said.

‘As we kind of go down the road of increasing the network of charging stations, thinking about where those market gaps are, I think local governments have played a role in different instances to step in where there might be market failures, or the private market isn't willing to make initial investments, for example of rural areas,’ Carlson said. …

None of the objections rise to the level that should lead to outright opposition to the bill, Carlson and Sayu said.

December 4, 2023

“The board unanimously voted to purchase and install two dual-port electric vehicle charging stations to be placed in the municipal parking lot on East Beaumont Avenue behind the former Fox Bay Cinema building on Silver Spring.

The new EV charging stations will be installed in the coming months and are the first of their kind in Whitefish Bay. There are no existing EV charging stations in the village, although there is one nearby at the Bayshore Mall.

Most of the $42,697 cost of the charging ports was included in the village's 2023 TIF #1 capital budget passed last year. A bit more than $11,000 of that will be covered by a We Energies pilot program EV charging station grant.

‘The money generated for that district is meant to invest in further improving that business district,’ Village Board President Kevin Buckley said. Members of the business district told Buckley that EV charging stations will give residents another reason to dine and shop along Silver Spring Drive, which is near the stations.”

“The City’s acceptance of Xcel Energy’s agreement is another step towards their goal to be fully carbon neutral and have 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Xcel Energy’s Renewable Energy Rider Service Agreement will allow the city to buy renewable energy that will be provided to them by Xcel over the 25-year contract.

‘We could save money on our electric utility bills over the term of the agreement and claim more renewable energy without having to own or maintain 1.3 megawatts of solar,’ said City Planning Manager Ned Noel.

This energy will come from a 5-megawatt solar garden in Lake Hallie that is planned to begin construction in 2024 and be functional in 2025….

Once the solar garden is built, the city will pay a fixed charge based on the output of the solar garden. They will receive credits on their bill for using renewable energy instead of energy from the grid, which will lower the overall cost.”

November 17, 2023

“Mayor Eric Genrich and the Green Bay Sustainability Commission unveiled a new Clean Energy Plan Wednesday at City Hall.

The goal is to completely use only clean energy and lower the use of carbon emissions by 2050.

The 100-page plan looks to make a number of changes, including planting more trees, using more electric vehicles, and using other forms of renewable energy. Businesses could also receive certain incentives or tax credits if they decide to participate.

Mayor Genrich also mentioned that they will be creating a “Clean Energy Connector” position to have these conversations with people.”

November 15, 2023

“Alliant’s proposal to change net metering, the system where households with rooftop solar arrays sell any extra energy they produce back to the company, garnered the most controversy and public comments among rate proposals from four of Wisconsin’s largest power companies.

Alliant hoped to adjust both the rate at which it pays for this excess energy and to change the way the payments are calculated, from a monthly to an hourly determination. This plan, along with Madison Gas and Electric’s proposal to alter net metering, faced opposition from hundreds of environmental advocates and concerned residents who anticipated it would stifle the growth of rooftop solar during an ongoing climate crisis.

The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, a group of municipalities pursuing sustainability solutions, commended the Public Service Commission members ‘for their decision to convene a statewide process to explore net metering, rather than dealing with it on a piece-meal, utility by utility basis.’”

November 11, 2023

“Madison’s Fleet Service acquired its 100th electric vehicle in efforts to make the city’s transportation functions more sustainable Oct. 27, according to the City of Madison Fleet Service X account….

Madison has 100 electric vehicles in operation, 150 hybrid electric cars in operation and nearly 500 other vehicles running on biodiesel blends. These efforts have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds since the sustainability program launched in 2018…

City of Madison Sustainability and Resilience Manager Jessica Price said it’s important all Madisonians buy into renewable energy. Price said EV’s are the best option for our environment, health and wallet.

“EVs are a triple win,” Price said. “Light duty EVs, like the cars and trucks most people drive, have a lower total cost of ownership compared to similar fossil fueled models, and they produce far less air and climate pollution … EVs are good for our wallets, our health and our environment.”

November 2, 2023

“The Wisconsin Energy Institute hosted a forum titled “Empowering Wisconsin: Community-led Energy Transition” Oct. 24. Panelists included postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Life Sciences Communication Mikhaila Calice, LSC assistant professor Kaiping Chen, Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition executive director Allison Carlson and Focus on Energy Community Liaison Manager Brady Steigauf. The panelists provided multiple perspectives on the many factors in leading a community to more sustainable and cleaner energy. …

Carlson said another major way Wisconsin communities are leading energy transition is through collective strength. In times when the political environments are polarized, one voice may not make a huge impact, but the collective effort of multiple voices and perspectives can inspire a greater impact. Several barriers to energy transition were brought up in different communities leading to building on and solving each other’s barriers.

Centering the community in the energy transition is the best approach to build from the ground up, Carlson said. The transition must also address the best interests of the community, including residents and businesses, Steigauf said.”

October 25, 2023

“Our state experienced record heat and wildfire smoke this past summer, negatively impacting the well-being and livelihood of many households.

Extreme weather and climate change more broadly are threatening our health and way of life here in Wisconsin. We must come together and act boldly to address the mounting threat of the climate crisis.

Cities can help lead the way out of the climate crisis and save taxpayers money in energy costs in the process. As mayors of five Wisconsin cities, that's exactly what we're committed to doing.

President Biden's Affordable Clean Energy Plan, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law last year, has been critical to helping us achieve our clean energy goals and become pioneers for bold climate action. Not only the most significant climate legislation in United States history, the Inflation Reduction Act is also unique in that it allows local governments to receive tax credits directly for improving energy efficiency.

The Clean Energy Plan gives municipalities access to competitive financing through a new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the country's first green bank, uses public and private capital to accelerate the clean energy boom….”

October 25, 2023

“…Wisconsin city and state leaders are especially glad for a nearly $5 billion federal initiative meant to help states and municipalities advance climate action plans.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act, has already provided a $3 million planning grant to Wisconsin’s Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy, as well as smaller grants to the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and four tribal governments within the state’s borders.

The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition is also focused on helping municipalities participate in the CPRG program.

“Many member communities have their own climate action or clean energy plans in place. They’ve done data analysis, engaging with their communities to understand what the needs are — a lot of them are already making strides,” [Allison Carlson, Executive Director of WLGCC] said. “One of the big barriers is: where are the dollars to actually do these things? The competitive CPRG grants and other IRA funds are allowing communities to put their plans into action.”

October 11, 2023

“A partnership of the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and Milwaukee Public Schools secured a $12 million federal grant to improve the city’s tree canopy.

It was the largest grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to a city in its Inflation Reduction Act-funded urban and community forestry grants program. And on Monday, it was a reason for officials to celebrate.

‘It is such a wonderful time to be here because we’re really here to show you not just that your representation is working for you, but we’re working to bring federal dollars back home to Milwaukee,’ said County Executive David Crowley at a press conference at Lynden Hill, an urban green space at 1255 N. 22nd St.

‘We will increase the planting and maintenance of trees. We will depave schools, we will depave businesses, we will coordinate outreach and education and grow the urban forestry workforce right here in Milwaukee,’ said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. ‘One hundred percent of the work will be conducted in disadvantaged areas of the city as defined by the White House climate and economic justice screening tool.’”

October 10, 2023

“The City of Middleton is the first in Wisconsin to be awarded a LEED Gold certification. City leaders celebrated the honor during a plaque dedication on Thursday.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was started by the U.S. Green Building Council and looks to set standards for sustainable building practices.

To earn LEED certification, cities must create sustainable and specific plans for managing energy, water, waste, transportation and other quality of life factors. Middleton was honored for its green space allocation, renewable energy innovation and its work with other jurisdictions in Dane County on climate mitigation and resiliency.

‘We are at the forefront in our fight against climate change,’ Middleton Mayor Emily Kuhn said. ‘This framework helps us accelerate our progress on sustainability and resilience- leading the way to a better quality of life for our community.’

October 6, 2023

“Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg joined Marathon County Supervisor John Robinson and Northwind Solar’s Mike Kane to highlight federal climate and clean energy investments….

‘Wausau is paving the way with our commitment to 100% clean energy by 2050, and plans like our solar array for the new water treatment facility are just the beginning,’ Mayor Rosenberg said. ‘With the invaluable support from the IRA’s clean energy tax credits, we’re making bold steps to reduce carbon pollution and ensure a sustainable future for our community. Our city’s resolve, paired with federal backing, promises a greener Wausau, and we’re so proud to see other communities in the region embark on this path with us.’

With President Biden and Sen. Tammy Baldwin passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), Wausau and other Wisconsin communities are positioned to harness the necessary resources for a greener, more sustainable future.

September 14, 2023

“Allison Carlson, [executive director] of the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition, said there were early opportunities when the Inflation Reduction Act was signed for local communities...

‘As the law enters its second year, small businesses, local homeowners and municipalities will have even more opportunities,’ Carlson said. …

Carlson said every community is in a different stage of its clean energy transition.

‘We're really trying to help our communities where they are in their journey to see how they can leverage the Inflation Reduction Act to see how they can benefit from a clean and climate ready economy,’ Carlson said.”

August 17, 2023

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway talked about how local governments are using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to combat climate change.

August 16, 2023

“The city of Stevens Point teamed up with the Wisconsin Conservation Voters this week to renew the City’s commitment to 100% renewable energy. Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza [said] that while there are significant financial and fiscal benefits to renewable energy and other environmental initiatives, that his focus is still on the long haul and the community’s should be as well.

‘So, we’ve done a lot and there’s so much more we can do and what this does, is it renews our commitment to making sure that we are doing everything we can realistically do to make sure that we minimize our impact on the environment and more importantly, reducing our carbon consumption.’”

August 11, 2023

“The City of La Crosse is partnering with Xcel Energy to help the community reach its sustainability goals.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds and the President of Xcel Energy Wisconsin signed an agreement Friday to help the city reduce its Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 40-50%. The agreement also hopes to help buildings in La Crosse reach peak energy efficiency.”

August 11, 2023

“The City of Sun Prairie has hired a sustainability coordinator to fill a position that grew out of the city’s commitment to climate action as it formed a task force and achieved the 2021 Climate Champion status.

Rose Daily, who will step into the new role of sustainability coordinator Aug. 14, brings a wealth of experience leading sustainability efforts in other communities…

‘I am excited for the opportunity to apply my knowledge and expertise to lead the City of Sun Prairie and the community it serves in becoming a more sustainable municipality,’ Daily said.”

August 10, 2023

“A $1.2 million grant from the Department of Energy will fund a solar array at the 1900 Kentucky St. facility. A $160,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will help modernize the fare collection system to allow for smartcard and digital touchless payments.

Trevor Jung, the city’s transportation and mobility director, was before the Transit Commission on Thursday, where the members voted to recommend the Common Council accept the grant….

‘If you look at it from a monetary perspective, what this is going to do is save about $76,000 a year on operational costs,” Jung said. “This is a $2.6 million project that is 100% being funded by the federal government.’”

August 3, 2023

“City and state sustainability leaders held a press conference on June 22 at Green Bay’s East River Emilie Park to highlight the city’s work with climate and sustainability goals, while noting financial incentives infusion from the Inflation Reduction and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

‘The partnership that’s been enlivened between the city of Green Bay and the state of Wisconsin and our federal officials and Biden administration, Senator (Tammy) Baldwin,and other folks that have allowed for us to begin to make some real progress on the climate action front,’ Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich stated.”

July 2, 2023

“Two power companies have asked the state’s regulatory agency for permission to increase the cost of electricity. The companies, Madison Gas & Electric, along with a subsidiary of Alliant Energy called Wisconsin Power and Light, are asking the state’s Public Service Commission for what’s called a rate increase over the next two years.

Kathy Kuntz is the Director of Dane County’s Office of Energy and Climate Change.

Kuntz says that this could disincentize folks from installing solar on their homes.

‘For me, thinking about our county-wide climate action goals, I’m hearing from solar installers who are saying ‘we don’t know what to tell customers about what their payback will be under this new method, because we don’t really understand how it will work, and what the real math is,’’ Kuntz says.”

June 20, 2023

“Nearly $38 million in federal funds will go toward supporting transportation and clean energy projects in the City of Madison.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) explained Monday that the Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program awarded funds to Madison. City of Madison will use the funds to renovate bus maintenance facilities, to replace roofs and to install solar panels on Madison Metro buildings. It will also buy electric buses.

“This is a great example of our economic, equity and climate goals working together through investments in public transportation,” Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway said. “I’m grateful for the strong partners we have at the federal level who understand how important it is to invest in local communities.”

June 26, 2023

“On Tuesday morning the City of Milwaukee had itself a Climate and Equity Plan.

The plan touts 10 big ideas for action. It aims to reduce greenhouse emissions 45% by 2035 and to eliminate them by mid century. Other goals include greening the grid and replacing pavement with native trees and plants.

Before the vote Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic paused to mark what she called a great promise to the next generation.

‘Today is about action. We can make a change. We can change what we’ve actually created as humans on this earth. It’s for our children. They’re watching us carefully to make sure we leave our land, air and water the cleanest possible for them to enjoy. And we can do it in an equitable way,’ Dimitrijevic said.”

June 21, 2023

LA CROSSE COUNTY

“La Crosse County wants to allocate federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for sustainability projects.

Next week, the county board will vote on allocating $600,000 to go towards installing solar panels and a geothermal heating system in the future Hillview Care Center.

According to County Board Chair Monica Kruse, these new systems will pay for themselves in about 12 years.

‘We will have the solar for the electricity needs, and we’ll have the geothermal for the natural gas needs, so we should completely self-sufficient,’ Kruse said.”

June 8, 2023

“Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Wednesday joined mayors from the United States and Canada’s Great Lakes regions in signing a pledge to address climate change and expand environmental equity, which the mayor says could have a positive impact on reducing poverty and ultimately crime in Wisconsin’s largest city.

‘I am enthused about the future of Milwaukee as it relates to our climate resiliency,’ Johnson said during an exclusive interview with the Wisconsin Law Journal after Wednesday’s panel discussion in Chicago.

Johnson said there is a direct link between poverty, crime, and climate change.

‘There is a nexus between them all,’ Johnson said.”

June 7, 2023

“An initiative by the City of Madison, Sustain Dane and Elevate Energy gave 88 affordable housing units in Madison free energy efficiency upgrades over the last year.

The Efficiency Navigator program celebrated its first cohort of participants in Madison on Wednesday and announced that applications are now open for the 2023 cohort.

‘Energy efficiency upgrades make homes more comfortable and they make utility bills more affordable,’ Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said.”

May 26, 2023

“The city council unanimously approved its membership in the recently-formed Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition. Baraboo joined 16 other jurisdictions statewide in the coalition, which was formed in 2020 to provide local governments (villages, cities, counties) avenues for cleaner energy and initiatives that combat climate change…

Allison Carlson, the WLGCC’s executive director, addressed the city council about the organization and benefits to its membership. She said that WLGCC began as a small group of municipalities looking for environmental solutions and that representatives saw the importance of local government when making such decisions.”

May 10, 2023

“Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change Director Kathy Kuntz visited McFarland High School on Friday, April 7 to discuss climate change with students.

They spoke with students from the Environmental Field Studies and AP Government & Politics classes, as well as students from Model UN, Eco Club and Connect Club. They discussed what Dane County is doing to address climate change, the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act and what young people can do to get involved.”

April 19, 2023

“The city of La Crosse has put together its own Top 10 list of climate action goals to pursue. The city’s environmental planner, Lewis Kuhlman, tells members of a local climate action committee that they don’t have to worry about achieving all the goals.

“You can do anything,” said Kuhlman, “but you can’t do everything, so it’s important to keep your scope attainable.”

Those goals include extending service hours for city buses, plant more trees, and protect buildings from possible flood damage.

The Top 10 action list adopted by the city council this year also encourages energy efficiency and an increase in solar power.”

April 20, 2023

“A public forum was held at the town hall in the town of Washington Wednesday to discuss Eau Claire County's Climate Action & Resilience Plan.

This plan aims to reduce Eau Claire County's contribution to climate change and educate people on ways they can be sustainable in the area.

During the meeting, attendants broke out in groups and discussed their concerns about climate change, sustainability barriers, and cost effective solutions.”

April 19, 2023

“Governor Tony Evers met with local leaders from across the state today to tout the strong relationship between union workers and the environment. That comes after Governor Evers signed an executive order today to create a new commission to help shape environmental and clean energy solutions across the state…”

April 19, 2023

“With Alliant Energy and SunVest Solar representatives, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi helped flip the switch on a 33,000-solar panel installation at the 90-acre solar farm site in the Town of Cottage Grove…

With the installation, Dane County becomes the fourth county in the United States to be powered by 100% renewable energy.

‘Achieving our goal of powering our buildings with 100% renewable energy is a landmark achievement in our fight against climate change,’ Parisi said. ‘Dane County is not only the first county government in the state to achieve 100% renewable electricity status, but just the fourth county in the nation to reach the 100% goal.’

April 18, 2023

“In a move to reduce its carbon footprint, the city of Milwaukee is now requiring the majority of purchases of new city-owned vehicles to have low or zero-emissions.

The new ordinance, unanimously passed Tuesday by the Milwaukee Common Council, would allow exceptions for some larger vehicles owned by the city, including fire trucks and garbage trucks. But city leaders hope to transition much of their fleet to clean energy sources, including electric, hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles, as they work toward a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Pamela Ritger de la Rosa, Milwaukee's environmental sustainability program manager, said the city has been working for years to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. “

March 22, 2023

“The City of Sun Prairie received the largest single grant of $748,476 in the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin recent award of nearly $10 million in funding from the Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP).

The grants went to 32 energy-related projects to increase the deployment of renewable energy and energy storage, support energy efficiency and demand response, bolster preparedness and resiliency in the energy system, and facilitate comprehensive energy planning.

“The City of Sun Prairie is incredibly honored and excited to be receiving two grant awards for the 2022 Energy Innovation Grant Program round,” remarked City of Sun Prairie Sustainability Coordinator Scott Semroc.

March 21, 2023

“The resolution commits the City of Wausau to ‘develop a municipal energy plan with the goal of moving City government operations to a more secure, and 100% clean energy by 2050.’

‘I am pretty sure Wausau is the first government entity in Marathon County to pass a resolution to reduce municipal greenhouse gas emissions,’ Mayor Katie Rosenberg later said in a tweet with a copy of the approved resolution. ‘That is thanks in no small part to Wausau’s Sustainability Commission that worked on this for about a year.’”

March 15, 2023

“A local government coalition focused on climate issues aims to ensure residents get their “fair share” of federal resources coming to Wisconsin.

That’s according to Erick Shambarger, Milwaukee’s director of environmental sustainability and co-founding member of the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition. In a recent interview, he said the group helps members share ideas and find opportunities to collaborate.

‘Obviously with the federal infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, I mean there’s a lot of opportunities,’ he said, referencing the billions of federal dollars Wisconsin is expected to receive. ‘So the coalition is just a good forum for local governments that are interested in these issues.’ “

March 14, 2023

“Thousands of Milwaukee residents’ next homes could be environmentally friendly, affordable and factory-made under a plan from the city’s Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) and the nonprofit Community Development Alliance (CDA).

Together they are pursuing a two-home proof of concept in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood.

…In first discussing the concept in 2021, ECO director Erick Shambarger said his office envisions such a facility opening in the Century City business park and serving as a source of new construction jobs and affordable, sustainable housing.”

March 13, 2023

“The council unanimously approved an ordinance offered by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and others to launch the city’s Building Energy Savings Program to help commercial building owners increase the energy efficiency of their buildings, save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

‘The program tackles one of our largest sources of carbon pollution — our commercial building stock,’ Rhodes-Conway said. ‘Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our era, and everybody needs to be part of the solution. This is good for the climate, it saves businesses money on their bills, and supports green jobs.’”

March 8, 2023

“The city is well on its way toward a goal of running entirely on clean energy by 2050, according to the latest estimates available on Eau Claire’s use of carbon-based energy.

Between 2015 and 2020, the carbon footprint of the Eau Claire municipal government’s operations became 23% smaller. When homes, businesses and others in the city are added in, the reduction is a somewhat smaller 14% carbon reduction, based on a report that came out in recent weeks.

Ned Noel, senior city planner, noted that both measures did surpass a milestone that Eau Claire’s city leaders included in a pledge they made in 2018 to dramatically increase clean energy use.”

January 29, 2023

“Communities across Wisconsin are funding a variety of solar projects after the $1.7 trillion bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Act earmarked more than $255.7 million for Wisconsin.

Sun Prairie is receiving a hefty $3.2 million in federal funding that will go toward a solar radiation water pollution control facility. Leaders describe it as a more sustainable process for treating wastewater. …

Racine plans to use $1.2 million in federal funding to support a $2.47 million solar array project at the city's transit garage.”

January 12, 2023

“If constructed, the Racine Community Health Center would be the nation’s first carbon-free FQHC. Speakers noted the importance of the facility being carbon-free, which should help Racine meet its goal of reducing its carbon footprint 50% by 2030.

Mason hopes Racine can be a leader in clean energy and that similar facilities follow suit in the near future.

‘My hope is that this is a novel project for a very short period of time,’ Mason said. ‘If we’re going to meet those climate goals that we know we need to meet, this can’t be a unique thing for very long.’”

September 30, 2022