Gov. Tony Evers, D-Wis., has signed Executive Order No. 38, which focuses on achieving 100% carbon-free electricity in Wisconsin.
The order calls on the state’s Department of Administration to create the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy. In partnership with other state agencies and state utilities, the office will help achieve a target of ensuring all electricity consumed within the State of Wisconsin is 100% carbon-free by 2050.
The Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy will be charged with promoting the development and use of clean and renewable energy across the state, advancing sustainability solutions that improve the state’s economy and environment, and diversifying the resources used to meet the state’s energy needs.
Evers signed the order on Friday alongside Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes; Becky Cameron Valcq, chairperson at the Wisconsin Public Service Commission; and Preston Cole, secretary-designee at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
“A transition to a clean energy economy will generate thousands of family-supporting jobs in Wisconsin,” said Evers. “Our state has a responsibility to current and future generations of Wisconsinites to act to prevent continuing damage to our climate and to invest in solutions that help to mitigate the changes that have already occurred.”
“Today, our administration is taking a step that promises an opportunity to create cleaner and safer jobs, to stimulate the economy, to once again have an abundant and prosperous agriculture industry, and the opportunity to restore and enjoy the beautiful natural resources our state has to offer,” said Barnes. “It is my goal and priority to ensure that this work is done in a manner that’s inclusive and those who have been most impacted by climate change are part of the conversation and the solution. As a state, we must strive for economic and environmental justice.”
“I’m honored to work for a governor who understands that moving towards a more sustainable future is not only good for our planet but is also crucial for our state’s economy, our workers, our innovators and our children – and I applaud Gov. Evers for taking action to secure a cleaner future for all of us,” added Cameron Valcq. “Setting a goal of zero-carbon generation in Wisconsin paves the way towards a future with plentiful, inexpensive clean energy.”
