The Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin (CECW) held their inaugural meeting  March 29th, announcing the main objectives of the coalition and what those goals look like for the future of a greener state-wide economy. By working together, the CECW hopes to leverage combined influence and expertise of its founding members, as well as recruit other organizations to join them in those initiatives.

“As a Coalition, our priority is to achieve statewide decarbonization by 2050 through people-first policies 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.”  

What does that mean for businesses and organizations across the state? 

It is likely that we will see government initiatives and policies that reflect the goals set out by the Coalition in the coming months. Governor Evers was also in attendance, reaffirming his sentiments from the plans proposed in the state budget for clean energy reform, "we don't have to choose between mitigating climate change and protecting our environment and good paying jobs and economic development — we can, and we are, doing both," Evers said. "A clean energy economy is a win for everybody, on both sides of the aisle and around the state."

The CECW has six policy pillars that formulate the road to a carbon-free economy in Wisconsin. Immediate goals to reduce energy use by 50 percent in 2030 are ambitious and require collective efforts from stakeholders across multiple sectors and industries. The organization's programs would aim to coincide with the implementation of the Evers administration's proposed Clean Energy Plan, expected to lower energy costs for businesses and community residents, reducing reliance on out of state energy sources. 

Executive Director of Clean Wisconsin, Mark Redstend stated, "our collective work is about more than prioritizing climate and clean energy policies," Redsten said. "It's about creating a movement and accelerating the transition to a clean economy and helping communities from Marinette to Madison, Minocqua to Milwaukee realize these goals."

Upper 90 is always working to stay up to speed and involved in developments and opportunities for out clients created by these initiatives. We believe a cleaner, more energy efficient Wisconsin is also a more profitable and resilient place to call home.  Get in touch with us today to see how our sustainability program can help your organization's own work towards these economically and environmentally beneficial solutions.