Statement: Task Force on Climate Change recommendations provide valuable roadmap to 100 percent renewable energy

Media Contacts
Josh Chetwynd

Megan Severson

Wisconsin Environment

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers’ Task Force on Climate Change released its report on Wednesday, outlining 55 recommendations to both reduce global warming emissions and transition to a carbon-free future. The task force, made up of scientists, state elected officials, and tribal, youth, industry and nonprofit leaders, among others, determined that failing to take climate action carries a far higher cost than accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy. 

Following the announcement, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who chaired the task force, said the recommendations will help to address the climate crisis and and protect Wisconsin’s people and environment. These actions further ensure that the state reaches the goal of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050, set by the Evers Administration in 2019. 

Megan Severson, state director of Wisconsin Environment, made the following statement:

“The Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change Report provides a clear and convincing roadmap for Wisconsin to reduce pollution, drive clean energy innovation, preserve natural spaces, and protect our health and resilience. Backed by  comprehensive scientific climate change assessments, this ambitious plan will help Wisconsin lead the Midwest in fighting global warming. 

“There is much to be excited about in the plan. It delivers specific steps to accelerate and facilitate the transition to electric vehicles and create more walkable, bikeable, accessible communities. It also protects Wisconsin’s environment by promoting natural climate solutions, such as encouraging farmers to use more sustainable practices. And it calls for a meaningful carbon emissions reduction in Wisconsin’s energy and industrial sectors through clean-energy innovation, as well as encouraging energy efficiency and support for Focus on Energy.

“We applaud Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Barnes, those who served on the Task Force, and the thousands of Wisconsinites who advocated for bold recommendations to meet the climate crisis head on. We look forward to supporting local and state leaders to help make these recommendations a reality.

“We also recognize that shifting the paradigm on climate will require additional work from our state’s federal officials and we intend to push our Congressional delegation to serve as a strong voice in Washington to implement complementary policies that will aid in the battle to beat global warming.”

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Wisconsin Environment works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Wisconsin Environment is part of Environment America, a national network of 29 state environmental groups.